The Use of Modals : Can, Could, Will, Would, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should

Can,  could, will, would, may, must, might, shall and should  are  helping verbs called modals.  Each of them has their own functions.  As you read the functions, take note of the examples  and notice :
    ● when they are combined with an action verb, the meaning of the 
       verb changes.  Example :    can talk   -  ability to talk;  will talk   -  
       intention to talk ;  must talk -   the necessity   to talk
    ● they cannot act alone – they always need a main verb
    ● in using them,  the simple form of the verb is always used (without    s,  ed,  or  ing)

1. Can is used to

a.  express ability. The past form of can for ability is could.
He can speak Spanish but he can't write it well.
She can drive a car.
b.  make requests and orders.
Can you help me make a cup of coffee?
Can you come here a minute?
Can you sew me a dress?
c.   ask or give permission.
Can I smoke in this room?
You can't smoke here, but you can outside.
d.  express theoretical possibility.
American automobile makers can make better cars if they think there's 
profit in it.

Look!  The baby can drive!
2. Could  is used to

a. express ability in the past
                        I could   always beat you at tennis when we were kids.
b. express past or future permission
Could   I bury my cat in the backyard?
c. express present possibility
We could always spend the afternoon just sitting around talking.
d. express possibility or ability in contingent circumstances. " not so sure"
            If he studied harder, he could pass his subject.

3. Must  is used to

a. show certainty
That must  have been the restaurant. There are no other restaurants 
on  this street.
b. show prohibition (referrring to the future)
                        You must  not forget to bring your exercises to class.
c. strong recommendation
You must  take a rest or you'll get sick.
d. show necessity
You must  have a permit before taking up the exams.
e. convey strong obligation. (the past form of must for obligation is had to )
You must  improve your work.
            We had to  leave the country immediately.

4. Might  is used to

a. show possibility. "I'm almost sure."
She might take your advice.
b. show conditional situation.
If I entered the contest, I might actually win.
c. give suggestion.
You might  try the cheesecake.
d. make requests.
            Might I have something to drink?

5. May  is used to

a. give or ask permission. (the past form of may for granting or seeking 
    permission is  might) 
You may come in now, young ladies.
May  I use your pen?
If I've finished all my work early, might I leave early ?
b. show possibility. "I'm not sure, but it's possible."
The Barangay Captain may lend us the tent for the party.

 6. Will  can be used to

a. express willingness.
            I will wash the dishes if you dry. 
We're going to the movies. Will you join us?
b. express intention.
            I will do my exercises later.
I will see you tomorrow in school.
c.  denote prediction
            The meeting will be over soon.
Humidity will ruin my hairdo.

7.  Would  can

a.  also be used to express willingness
            Would you please take off your hat?
b.  express insistence.
            Now you’ve ruined everything.  You would  act that way.
c.  express a sense of probability
            I hear a whistle.  That would  be the five o’clock alarm bell.

8.  Shall  is

a.  used with an element of permission.
            Shall we go now?
Shall  I see you tomorrow?
b.  often used on formal situations to express present and future obligation
                        The student council shall be responsible to the student body.
The student council president shall report  the financial status of the organization. 

9.  Should  is

a.  used to talk about the right thing to do in a situation
            June is in the hospital.  We should visit her.
You should  go and see that film.
b.  used when you are giving someone advice about what to do
            You should see the doctor.
You should buy a new car.


 Now let’s practice --  take a Quick Test. 




Source :  Collin’s Cobuild ESL Advanced Grammar, 1995

  
Related Articles : 
Quick Review For Busy People : Using At/In/On  for Time
A Quick Review For Busy People :  Using In / At For Place
A Quick Review On Verb Usage for Busy People
Say It In English And Say It Correctly
Helpful Tongue Twisters



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