A verb is the part of speech that expresses action, condition, or being. Verbs change form to indicate person, number, tense, voice, and mood. The main verb of a sentence is often preceded by one or more auxiliary or helping verbs, which together form a complete verb. Auxiliary verbs include forms of “have” (has, have, had), “do” (does, do, did), and “be” (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) as well as the nine modal auxiliary verbs can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, and must. Note that ought to is often added to the list of modal auxiliary verbs. Modal verbs are those helping verbs, which express the ‘mode’ or ‘manner’ of the actions indicated by the main verbs. They express modes such as ability, possibility, probability, permission, obligation, etc. Use and functions modal verbs are important get some specific highlights.
Use “shall”
• To show intention
We shall overcome.
• To make a polite or informal request
Shall I open it for you?
Use “should”
• To indicate expectation
You should receive a new credit card in the mail.
• To suggest or provide advice
If you expect to pass the exam, you should devote more time to studying.
• To infer responsibility or obligation
We should work together to protect the environment.
Use “may, might”
• To make a formal request
May I speak with you in my office?
You might want to reconsider your request.
• To request permission
May I leave class early today?
Might I have a word with you?
• To show possibility
I may want to schedule at least one more appointment.
We might attend the next meeting.
• To make a prediction
If we cooperate with the opposition, it may be to our advantage.
I might get there late, but I will be in class tomorrow.
Single-Word Modal Auxiliaries
Single-word modal auxiliaries are always followed by the simple (or “stem”) form of the verb. Here are some examples of the how single-word modal auxiliaries influence meaning to understand the use and functions modal verbs:
| Statement | Meaning |
| I can eat. | I am able to eat. / I have permission to eat. |
| I could visit. | If certain conditions were met, I would be able to visit. |
| I may proceed. | It’s not certain, but there’s a chance that I’ll proceed. / I have permission to proceed. |
| I might leave. | It’s not certain, but there’s a chance I’ll leave. |
| I must leave. | I am obliged to leave. |
| I shall take. | I am taking (in the future). |
| I should write. | It is advisable/recommended/obligatory that I write. |
| I will visit. | It’s certain that I am visiting (in the future). / I am willing to visit. |
| I would leave. | My leave is uncertain; it depends on certain conditions. |
Modals in Conditional Statements
Modal auxiliary verbs are also used to distinguish realistic or possible conditions from the unrealistic, imaginary, or impossible. In this case, modals are used with conditional clauses, which are introduced by “if” or “unless” and express conditions of fact, prediction, or speculation. All modal auxiliary verbs may be used to express realistic or possible conditions; to express unrealistic or imaginary situations or conditions contrary to fact in the present, use “would,” “could,” “should,” or “might.” To express conditions in the past that did not occur, special modal forms are used: “would/could/should/might have” plus the participle.
Use and functions modal verbs are very important here.
Realistic Conditions
- If I want to see you tonight, I will call you.
- If you don’t eat regularly, you should take vitamins.
- If he took the train, he might be late.
- He ought to get a reward for all his hard work.
Unrealistic Conditions
- If I were rich, I could quit my job.
- If I won the lottery, I would give you a million dollars.
Special Modal Forms: Past Conditions that did not Occur
- If you had given me the money, I would have paid the rent on time.
- If I had known you would be late, I could have taken the bus.
The Usage of Modal Verbs:
- Express a possibility—may, might, could Example: It might rain during the night.
- Give advice or suggestion—should
Example: You should wear a helmet while riding your motorbike.
- Express necessity or compulsion—must, have to
Examples: We must slow down while driving in front of a school.
I have to submit my project by tomorrow.
Express prohibition
Example: You must not talk loudly in the library.
- Express a promise or intention—will, shall Example: I will mail you my address.
- Express a wish—may
Example: May you have a long life!
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