MODALS
1.
Function
a. Can
function to express the ability
b. Could
function to express the ability of the past
c. Be
able to function to express ability
d. May
serves to express the possibilities of the present and the future
e. Might
serves to express the possibility that does not happen
f. Must
function to express obligations or needs
g. Have
/ has / had to function to express obligations or needs
h. Will
serves to express the will and to reveal the invitation
i.
Would serve to express willingness or
action in the past
j.
Be going to function to express the will
k. Shall
just like will but only used for one person only
l.
Should serve to express suggestions or
advice
m. Ought
to function to state what is right or right
2.
Differences
a. Must:
is the highest level because must is a must, if not done nothing will happen.
b. Shall:
is a must as well but different from must, shall be a necessity but if not done
nothing will happen.
c. Can:
stating ability but will not affect anything in the future if done or not.
3.
Example
a. Can
You can buy anything with your money but
you can not buy love.
Can I borrow your car for one night?
b. Could
You could run faster
than me two years ago.
Could I
use your computer to print and scan?
c. (Be)
able to
I’m able to work
independently and in a team
He is able to playing
football
d. May
He may work out and consume healthy food
every day.
May I go home now?
e. Might
You might forget
the embarassing accident tomorrow
The
doctor might have warned you not to eat red meat.
f. Must
People must try to be more tolerant of each other.
I think you really must make more of an
effort.
g. Have
to
They sometimes have
to work on Saturday.
Do you have
to speak English at work?
h. Will
Will you marry me?
I will give you a glass of water.
i.
Would
He said the next meeting
would be in a month’s time.
Would you like another
cup of tea?
j.
(Be) going to
The children are going
to be farmers.
Life is going to be a
bit easier from now on.
k. Shall
Shall I give you
some advice?
The Human Resource
manager shall report the employee
performance.
performance.
l.
Should
You should see
the doctor.
I think you should go
for the Alfa rather than the Audi.
m. Ought
to
I ought
to wear high quality running shoes.
We ought
to select the best candidate for the job.
