Modals

Modals:  A Synopsis

Modals of Necessity and Obligation

When we express a need or an obligation to do something, we use a modal.  There are two modals that express necessity and obligation:

       have to

       must

Modals of Ability

When express the ability to do something, we use the modals

       can

        be able to

Modals of Permission

We often need to ask permission to do something.  When we do, we use modals.  Let’s look at modals of permission:

       can*

       could

       may

       would you mind

Modals of Possibility

To express whether or not something is possible, we use the modals

      may

       might

       could

Modals Expressing Polite Requests

When we want to ask something of someone it’s a good idea to be polite.   Modals can help us do that!  These modals express polite requests:

       can

       will

       would you mind

       could

Modals Expressing Advice

When we want to offer advice to someone, we use certain modals:

       should

       ought to

       had better

Modals that Draw Logical Conclusions

When we make certain, clear assumptions about things we draw logical conclusions.  To do that, we use this modal:

       must