Tag: modals

Modals and probability

We previously said that all modals express a level of probability. This week we look at what that level of probability is related to each of our modal verbs. Check out the diagram below for information and try to make your own examples with each.

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Uses of modal verbs

Modal verbs express at least two meanings. All modals relate to probability, and then each modal has it’s own separate meaning. These meanings can relate to ability, obligation (different levels of obligation), permission (asking for it, giving it) or prohibition (not allowing something).

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What are modal verbs?

They are a kind of auxiliary (extra) verb. They indicates if the speaker thinks that something or a situation is likely to happen or not, or if something or a situation is desirable or not.

Some facts about modal verbs.

• We use modal verbs with another verb.
• We use them with another verb without ‘to’
  • will travel (use travel without ‘to’
• the conjugations are the same for all subjects
  • I / you / he / she / it / we / you / they might travel…
• We make the negative by using ‘not’ after the modal verb or using the contracted form
  • will not travel OR won’t travel
  • might not travel OR mightn’t travel
• We make the question by changing the order of the person (subject) and the modal verb
  • Could you help me with…?
• We don’t use two modal verbs together
  • INCORRECT I might could do the training
  • CORRECT I could do the training
• We don’t use modal verbs with other auxiliary verbs
  • INCORRECT Do you would fly tomorrow?
  • CORRECT Would you fly tomorrow?

Look at the diagram below for a list of nine modal verbs and a summary of the basic information about them.

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