GRAMMAR

Using Modal Auxiliary Verbs

A verb is a word that conveys action, a state of being, or a condition. Its form
changes to reflect person, number, tense, voice, and mood. In a sentence, the main
verb is often accompanied by one or more auxiliary verbs that work together to create
a complete verb phrase. Auxiliary verbs are “have” (has, have, had), “do” (does, do,
did), and “be” (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been), besides the nine modal
auxiliary verbs can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, and must. Ought to
is often added to the list.

COMMON MEANINGS OF MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS

Modal auxiliary verbs are followed by the base form of a verb to show certainty,
necessity, or possibility. Modals and the verbs that follow do not change form to
indicate tense or take an “-s” ending. All modal auxiliary verbs can be used in the
present, but only “could,” “would,” “should,” and “might” can be used in the past.

Common meanings of modal auxiliary verbs with their present and past tense forms
are as follows:

Use “can, could”

• to show or infer general ability

You can arrive any time, but you may want to be early to get a good seat.

She could recite the entire poem from memory.

• to make a polite or an informal request

Can you leave early tomorrow?

Could you give me a ride?

• to give permission

You can take a day off tomorrow if you can't find a babysitter.

If necessary, you could ask for an extension.

• make a prediction

If you work hard, you can relax for the rest of the semester.

If you continue to improve your grades, you could graduate with honors.

• to make a polite or informal request

Will you join me for lunch?

I would appreciate your assistance.

• to make a formal request

Will you be quiet!

Would you please pay attention!

• to show intention or to indicate certainty

He will arrive at the beginning of the concert.

They would be the first students to register for the workshop.

• to make a prediction

If she receives a scholarship, she will continue with her studies.

I would be surprised if he is not elected.

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.

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.

Use “must”

• to indicate necessity

We must respond as soon as possible.

Since she is not at her desk, she must have already left for the day.

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.

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.

Dare and Need

In English grammar, some verbs express unique and specific actions or states of being. Two
such special English verbs are “dare” and “need”. These verbs are a little unique, acting as
both modal auxiliary verbs and main verbs.

Dare as a main verb

As a main verb, “dare” can be followed by an infinitive with ‘to’. It can also be used in all
forms, including the continuous and perfect tenses. Also, “dare” as a main verb can be used
in declarative sentences:
She dares to challenge the traditional norms.
He doesn’t dare to express his feelings.

Dare as a modal verb

Here, ‘dare’ is often used in negative sentences, interrogative sentences, or with a negative
word, implying the speaker’s doubt or hesitation about doing something. The structure
usually goes like this:
Dare + subject + infinitive without to?
This structure is common in British English. And when used as a modal verb, ‘dare’ doesn’t
change according to the person (e.g., I/we/you/they dare not…)
For example:
How dare you interrupt me?
I dare not disturb him. He’s very busy.

Need as a main verb

When ‘need’ acts as a main verb, it refers to the absence or requirement of something. In
other words, it means something is necessary.
The structure is as follows:
Subject + need + object + to-infinitive.
For example:
I need you to finish the report by tomorrow.
She needs to practice her presentation.

Need as a modal verb

‘Need’ as a modal verb has a similar use to ‘must’. It implies obligation or necessity. Also,
similar to ‘dare’, it is more commonly used in British English and usually appears in questions
and negative statements in the present and past.
The structure of ‘need’ as a modal verb is:
Need + subject + infinitive without to?
For example:
Need I say more?
You needn’t have brought a gift.

Have to and Ought to

Are semi-modal verbs (also known as semi-modals) that function similarly to modal verbs.
They can act as modals and main verbs. 'Ought to' is less common and more formal than
'have to.

He ought to work harder.

He has to work harder.

Affirmative Form
We can use 'have to' and 'ought to' in affirmative form by placing them before the main
verb.

I have to reach out to Ana as soon as possible.

We ought to reduce crime rates.

Negative Form
Have to

• do/did/does + not + have to

 I didn't have to help you with your work.

Ought to

• ought + not + to

He ought not to listen to bad comments.

Interrogative Form
Have to

• Did/Do/Does + subject + have to + main verb + …?

Do you have to be so arrogant?

Ought to

• Ought + subject + to + infinitive + …?

Ought I to be worried about this?