Modal Verbs – The Condiments of English

A modal verb is like a flavoursome ingredient in a recipe; a dose of garlic. Our spaghetti bolognaise might be perfectly acceptable in its un-garlicked form. But it is transformed by the addition of a clove of the Vampire defeating food. When we learn English language online, understanding how verbs are used in English is crucial to developing fluency in the language.

Like the bulbous garlic, modal verbs change other verbs in a sentence. In fact, they make the sentence adopt to one of the following four purposes:

• To show a level of possibility;

• To indicate ability;

• To show obligation – a requirement to do something;

• To give permission.

Main Modal Verbs

There are ten main modal verbs. Here is the modal verb list:

1. Will

2. Would

3. Should and Ought to

4. Could

5. May

6. Can

7. Shall

8. Must

9. Might

Let us look at each modal verb in turn:

1. Will

This verb is used when the certainty that something will be done is to be communicated.

I will pay my student fees.

When the modal verb ‘will’ is used, that means that the action is certain to take place.

1. Would

The modal verb ‘would’ indicates a condition. It is possible that the action will take place, but another condition has to be met. The phrase including the modal verb will be followed by a connective such as ‘if’.

I would pay my student fees if I had the money in my account.

‘Would’ is used in the past tense.

1. Should and Ought to

When the modal verbs ‘should’ or ‘ought to’ are used it indicates that there is a requirement to carry out an action, but it has yet been completed. There could be many reasons why that obligation has not been enacted. Usually, a phrase, clause or sentence will explain why the action has not yet been completed. The connective ‘but’ often links the clauses.

I should pay my fees, but I have not gotten around to doing it.

The slight difference between the two modal verbs is that ‘ought to’ implies slightly less of an obligation than ‘should’.

I ought to go to the bank to pay my fees, but I have a bad cold.

1. Could

‘Could’ is a modal verb that indicates the ability is there to complete an action. However, the implication is offered that there is a reason for not having done what is required.

I could pay my fees. I have chosen not to.

This is a powerful verb and is often used to imply a problem.

1. May

This is a modal verb which has a double purpose. It indicates the permission to do something. It also shows that there is the possibility that something may happen.

When used to give permission it will often appear in a simple clause, sentence or phrase.

You may pay my fees on my behalf

As we have seen, the verb can also be used to show the possibility that something will happen.

My fees may be paid.

In this sense, the verb is interchangeable with might, although it implies a stronger likelihood of something happening.

‘May’ cannot be used as a verb in the past tense.

1. Can

This model verb demonstrates the ability to undertake an action.

My fees are overdue. I can pay them on Monday.

‘Can’ cannot be used as a model verb in the past tense. The word states that something will happen, rather than has happened.

1. Shall

This verb shows that something will happen. However, a condition is often implied. Often the connective ‘when’ is used to connect clauses if ‘shall’ is the form of the verb used.

I shall pay my fees as soon as my funds clear.

1. Must

The modal verb ‘must’ says that something will definitely be done, or happen. It is a stronger word than will, implying that the action to take place is extremely important.

I must pay my fees, or I will not be allowed to attend lectures.

1. Might

This modal verb implies the possibility of something. When ‘might’ is used, the outcome is in the balance. The implication is that something could happen, or perhaps it will not.

I might pay my fees.

Often there is a hidden implication that there is a reason why the action will not take place.  Sometimes, that reason will be made explicit.

I might pay my fees. It depends on whether my classes get better.

Exercise about Modals Verbs

The difference between many modal verbs is subtle, and even native speakers will confuse them from time to time.  The exercise below gives a chance to practise their use.

Simply fill in the correct modal verb.

1. I ______ go to the club with you on Saturday, but I am visiting my parents and am not sure if they have made plans for me.

2. When we finish our coffee, we ______ protect the environment and recycle our cup.

3. I ______ definitely finish my essay on time.  I plan to work on it all weekend.

4. After we have bought our tickets, we ______ go to the concert.

5. ‘Now I am here, I ______ give you your Christmas gift. Here it is.’

6. When we left our grandparents’ house, they ______ always give me a pound.

7. When the lion attacks, the giraffe ______ escape. It has an even chance of doing so.

8. ‘Thank you, you ______ pay for my coffee.’

9. When you enter the country, you ______ have your passport.

10. When we go to dinner at a friend’s house, we ______ take a small gift.

Answers:

1. Could – there is a chance of going to the club, but it is not certain. Also acceptable is ‘might’.

2. Should – protecting the environment is something that is a definite responsibility. Also just acceptable is ‘ought to’.

3. _Will – h_ere, the plan is that the essay is completed. Also acceptable is ‘can’.

4. Shall – this is the best answer because the condition for attending the concert is the purchase of tickets. However, ‘can’ is also acceptable.

5. Can – giving the gift was not a possibility until the person arrived. Also acceptable is ‘shall’.

6. Would – the event happened in the past, and the award of a pound was conditional on the visit to the grandparents.

7. Might – the chance is equal. ‘Could’ is acceptable, although the implication is that it probably will not escape.

8. May – permission is politely given. ‘Can’ just about passes, although this is a less polite way of giving permission.

9. Must – the only acceptable answer because it is an absolute condition.

10. Ought to – it is something that should happen, but does not absolutely have to happen. Also acceptable are ‘should’ and ‘could’.

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