Modal Auxliaries

MODAL AUXILIARIES



Modal auxiliary verbs give more information about the function of the main verb that follows it.
ABILITY
Can Can Ofter Could Ofter Can Ofter


Be able to am Was Shall
is Were Will
are

PERMISSION
May May Might Ofter May
Might Might


Can Can Could Ofter Can
Could Could


OBLIGATION
ADVISABILITY
Should Should Ofter Should Have Should Ofter
Offered

Ought to Ought to Ofter Ought to have Ought to Ofter
Offered


NECESSITY
Must Must Ofter Had to Ofter Must Ofter


Have to Have Had to Ofter Will
Has Shall



POSSIBILITY
May May May May
Might Might Might












Examples :

ABILITY
Can you type?
When I was young, I could/was able to climb any tree in the forest.
Our Baby will be able to walk in a few weeks.

PERMISSION
I may leave the office as soon as I have finished.
Can I have a drink of water?
In those days, anyone could enroll for this course.
May I bring my niece to your party tomorrow night?

OBLIGATION (What one is expected to do)
You Should / Ought to do your homework every day.
John should have gone to dentist yesterday.
*) should and ought to, used for obligation, normally have the same meaning but should is the
more usual form

ADVISABILITY( What is wise for one to do)
She should/ ought to eat less if she wants to lose weight.
You should/ ought to study hard if you want to pass examinations.

NECESSITY
This an excellent book. You must/have to read it.
*) MUST is generally felt stronger than HAVE TO.

POSSIBILITY
Tom may lend you the money.
If you invited him, he might come.
If we had taken the other road, we might have arrived earlier.


Sumber : Digital books Gunadarma.