Many languages use modal verbs, including English. In fact, the English language, with its nine modal verbs, outdoes French (3 modals), German (7), and even Polish (6).
It shouldn't surprise you that English and German have almost the same number of modal verbs. English is a Germanic language. That means that much of the English grammar and many of its words come from German.
Regardless of which language's modal verbs we talk about, they all fulfil the same functions. They do not act like regular verbs, meaning that they do not describe an action. Their job is to give additional information about the action verb that that follows it.
As a (English for students of other languages) ESOL learner, you might have a lot of questions about these verbs. In this article, Superprof answers the questions ESOL students ask the most about modal verbs:
- Why does the English grammar need these verbs?
- How to use them properly?
- How to know which one to use that will express what you want to say?
These auxiliary verbs - also called 'helping' verbs, can be a challenge to master, especially if your native language doesn't have any. Your teachers will introduce them to you and give you examples how to use them. This guide explains the reasons the English language needs them.
What Are Modal Verbs?
Many languages have specific words and phrases to describe exactly one thing. For instance, the German word Schadenfreude describes the feeling of satisfaction you might have when something bad happens to someone you don't like.
The English language is dull, by comparison. It has adjectives and adverbs and tenses, so the verbs can tell us when an action happens. However, those verbs need help, at times, to deliver extra information. That's the reason for this language's nine modal verbs.
Can/could, shall/should, may/might, will/would, and must-(have to).
Consider this sentence: "Mum said I may eat this cake." The modal verb 'may' means that mum gave the speaker permission to eat that cake. Why didn't they say "Mum said I can eat this cake."? Because the modal 'can' means 'have the ability to'.
Surely, every mother would know if their child has the ability to eat - cake, and everything else. Thus, the modal 'can' is incorrect, in this instance. However, it demonstrates well how modal verbs add meaning and context to verb phrases.
Modals suggest permission, possibility, probability, prohibition, obligation, ability, and advice
Modal verbs sometimes overlap in their meaning. The long-running debate over whether 'can' should also mean 'permission' is yet to be resolved. In our cake eating example sentence, we used 'may', the modal verb that everyone understands as suggesting permission.
To get a better idea of which modal verb(s) fulfil which function(s), we need to lay them all out. In this table, we list six of the seven suggestions these verbs may make. You'll see which ones function that way and verify them with an example.
| Meaning | Modal Verb(s) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | May | "May I go swimming?" "Yes, you may." |
| Possibility | Might, can, could | "I might miss class today." "I can sing, but not very well." |
| Probability | May, might | "I may go shopping tomorrow." "She might go with us." |
| Obligation | Must, have to | "Employees must report to work." "I have to go to work" |
| Ability | Can, could | "I can do that for you." "He could talk for hours!" |
| Advice | Should | "Children should visit their parents often." |
Our table leaves off the seventh suggestion: prohibition, which means forbidding something. For modal verbs, it means: 'make them negative'. To signal prohibition, you only need to add 'not' to the verbs. "You may not have any cake", for example, or "You should not do that.".
To make things simpler, native English speakers shorten 'not' and add them to the auxiliary verb. Thus, 'should' becomes 'shouldn't', 'can' becomes 'can't' and 'must' turns into 'mustn't'.
You may have noticed that our table does not assign all nine modal verbs a meaning. That's because they all have different functions. For example, 'will' helps make promises - "I will be there for you". It's also used to build future tense verb phrases.
Indeed, 'will' is one of the most unusual modal verbs. It serves many functions, including extending invitations and accepting offers. Its partner, 'would', also has distinct uses. We'll talk more about them in the next section.
What about that unpaired modal verb - 'must'? To understand why it stands alone, you must know a bit about modal verbs' history.
The modal pairs all have a historical present/past tense relationship. Far back in time, 'could' was 'can's past tense, 'should' was the past tense of 'shall', and so on. 'Must' is the past tense of a verb that's no longer used. In modern English, 'have to' serves as 'must's pair.
Now that we know a bit about where modal verbs come from, what they are and what they do, let's explore how to use them.
How To Use Modal Verbs?
We've established that all nine modal verbs have specific purposes, some of which we haven't yet learned. Let's get our notebooks ready! We're about to discover how to use all the modal verbs.
May/Might
This verb pair has the closest relationship of all the modals. In fact, you may use them interchangeably, except under two conditions. When asking or giving permission, you should never use 'might'. Also, when you extend wishes, you must always use 'may': "May peace be with you!".
Otherwise, use 'may' and 'might' to express possibility. Just beware that 'might' suggests a lesser chance of the action happening. That's why you should never say "Might peace be with you!".
Can/Could
'Can' and 'could' express ability. 'Can' is often misused to ask or give permission, and even to make requests. The question "Could you do me a favour?" only asks if the person as the ability to do favours. If you want someone to help you, as "Would you do me a favour?", instead.
Will/Would
This is one of the most complex modal pairs in the English language. Both of these verbs have several functions, including being a part of past tense constructions. 'Will' also serves to extend invitations and make promises: "Will you be there?". "I will absolutely make it there!".
'Would' also makes requests and invitations: "Would you come to my party, please?" But its main function is being polite.
You may ask: "Will you shut the window, please?" or "Would you shut the window, please?". 'Will' takes a forceful tone, which makes the first request feel like an order. By contrast, 'would's gentle tone sounds like you're asking for a favour.
Shall/Should
This pair is also complex. In fact, 'shall' is one of the least familiar English modals. Even native speakers use 'will' or 'should' in its place. "Should I call the waiter?" means something different from "Shall I call the waiter?".
You must use 'shall' to make offers, as the sample sentence above does. Using 'should' means you haven't decided whether to do so. 'Shall' also signals your firm intent to do something: "I shall sit here for a while.".
By contrast, 'should' helps you give advice: "You should sit over there, that chair is more comfortable". You can also use 'should' to ask for advice: "Should I enrol in another English course?"
'Should' forms the bedrock of conditional phrases. "Should you need help, do ring me!" is one example. You may also say: "If it's that hard, you should try harder!".
Must/Have to
We use 'must' to state obligations and necessities. You may have heard your teacher say "You must turn your assignments in tomorrow", for example. They are giving you an obligation that you must comply with. You, as the receiver of such an obligation, have to fulfil it.
How Do You Know Which Modal Verb to Use?
This guide helps you understand each modal verb's purposes and functions. As a diligent student, you should keep this guide handy as you practise writing sentences for each one. This is the best way to master modal verb usage.
As you work with modal verbs, reflect on their purpose and intent. Try to match those factors with what you want to say. Making this your first consideration in choosing the right modal verb will ensure you use the right one every time.
Depending on your native language, modal verbs can seem overly complicated. Still, you mustn't worry too much if you make mistakes, at first. It's all a part of the learning experience. Your hard work will pay off; you'll soon find yourself using the right modal without having to think about it.
You might find a few sessions with a private tutor helpful. Your ESOL tutor will (or would?) have worksheets to help you build your skills. They may even assign you one modal verb pair each week to explore and master.
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