Modal verbs

Talking about the present

What are modal verbs?
Modal and semi-modal verbs

A modal is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to express the

speaker’s attitude or feelings about a situation. For example how
probable or necessary something is, or that the speaker is offering or
requesting something. The same modal verb can be used in different
ways with different meanings – you only know from the situation.

Semi-modals are used to express the same things as modals, but are a
combination of auxiliary verbs and the preposition to.
Modal verbs: some rules to bear in mind

★ Two modal verbs cannot be put together:

(NOT he can will meet you tomorrow)
★ Modal verbs are followed by the infinitive without to:
(NOT he must to meet you tomorrow)
★ Modal verbs do not have third person s:
(NOT he cans meet you tomorrow)
★ Modal verbs do not form tenses with -ing, -ed, etc.:
(NOT I’m sorry I canned not meet you yesterday)
★ Modal verbs use inversion in questions (like be), not do/does:
(NOT do can you meet me tomorrow?)
Modal and semi-modal verbs

can could
will would
may might
shall should
have to must
ought to be able to
is/are to had better
be bound to
Probability
Modal verbs of probability

We can use these modal verbs (also called modals of deduction,

speculation or certainty) when we want to make a guess about
something. We choose the verb depending on how sure we are.
Modal verbs of probability: must and can’t

These words have a meaning related to certainty, they are used to

make deductions. This is when we are sure or almost sure about
something because it is logical. This usage is especially common with
the verb be.
You must be tired after your long journey. (I’m sure you are)
That can’t be Sue. She’s in Brazil. (I’m sure it’s not possible)
Modal verbs of probability: may, might and could

These words express uncertainty or possibility. Could is not used

with not in this context.
I might go out, I don’t know. I could get wet!

The meaning for all three words is approximately 50 % probability.

But if we stress the modal verb strongly in speech, the probability is
reduced.
I might see you later if I finish my work, but don’t count on it.
Modal verbs of probability: should and shouldn’t

These words have a meaning related to certainty, they are used

when we expect that something will happen.
Brenda should be home by now. (I expect that she is)
It shouldn’t take long to drive here.

This use of should isn’t usually used for negative events. Instead, it’s a
better idea to use will.
The underground will be very busy now.
Modal verbs of probability: be bound to

This is used to say that something is certain to happen in the future.

You’re bound to see Paula if you go there. (I’m sure you will)
Modal verbs of probability: will and won’t

We use will and won’t when we are very sure about something.
She’ll be at work now. (I’m sure she is)
Modal verbs of possibility: can

Can is used for something that is generally possible, something we

know sometime happens.
Prices can be high in London.

Can is not used to talk about specific possibilities; for that, we use
could.
He could be on the bus.
Ability
Modal verbs of ability

When we talk about ability, we mean two things:

★ General ability: something that once you have learned you can
do any time you want, like being able to read or swim or speak a
language, for example.
★ Specific ability: something that you can or can't do in one
particular situation. For example, being able to lift something
heavy, or find somewhere you are looking for.
Modal verbs of ability: can and be able to

Can and can’t may be used for both general and specific ability.
I can play the piano. (general ability)
He can’t drive, he’s too tired. (specific ability)

Can, like all modal verbs, cannot be used in an infinitive or continuous

form. We use be able to in situations where we need these forms.
I’d like to be able to swim.
Not being able to swim is annoying.
Obligation and advice
Modal verbs of obligation and of advice

We can use modal verbs such as must or should to say when

something is necessary or unnecessary, or to give advice.

Children must do their homework.

We have to wear a uniform at work.
You should stop smoking.
Modal verbs of obligation: must and have to

In writing there is no real difference between these two modal verbs.

In speech there is sometimes a small difference. Must is used when
the speaker personally feels something is important and have to is
used when the situation makes something necessary.
You must start working harder! (I say so)
You have to turn left here. (it’s the law)
Sorry, I must leave/have to leave now. (here there is no difference)
Modal verbs of obligation: mustn’t and don’t have to

Be careful: must and have to are very similar in their affirmative

forms, but they are completely different in their negative forms.

Mustn’t describes something which is prohibited. Don’t have to

describes something which is not necessary.
You mustn’t leave now. (It’s not allowed. It’s against the rules.)
You don’t have to leave now. (It’s not necessary. You have a choice.)
Modal verbs of advice: should and ought to

These modal verbs have the same meaning. They are used to say
what is the best thing to do. They can be used to give an opinion,
some advice, or polite instructions.
We should do something different for our holidays this year.
I think you should see a doctor.
You ought not to smoke if you’re pregnant.
You should send in your application by July 18th.
Modal verbs of advice: had better

This phrase gives strong advice about how to stop something going
wrong. It can refer to present or future time. Had is usually
contracted.
I think you’d better leave now. (before it is too late)
You’d better not drive. (it might be dangerous)
Modal verbs of obligation: is/are to

This is used in formal instructions. Not is stressed.

No one is to leave the room.
You are not to leave the room.
Permission
Modal verbs of permission: can, could and may

We can use verbs such as can, could and may to ask for and give
permission.
Could I leave early today, please?
You may not use the car tonight.
Can we swim in the lake?
Key points
Key points

★ Most modal auxiliaries have more than one meaning. You should
think carefully about the context, or tone of voice, to understand
the meaning.
★ The negative forms mustn't and don't have to have different
meanings.
You mustn't go. (it's against the rules)
You don't have to go. (it isn't necessary)
Key points

★ In normal speech should is a weaker obligation than must and

have to.
You should go to the doctor. (I think it's a good idea)
You must go to the doctor. (it's necessary)

But in formal speech or writing should can be a way of expressing a

strong obligation.
Passengers for Gatwick Airport should change at Reading.