MODALS : English MODALS
Slide 2 :
Modals : Modals Can, must, may, and will belong to a class of auxillaries because their pst and present forms can combine with a be-phrase or verb phrase to make a predicate of a sentence.
Unlike be, have and do,they can not be used as the essential word in the predicate. Because of this, they are called modals.
Modals can express a a variety of meanings
CAN : CAN Ability
Permission
Request
Possibility
Ex:
Mylene can design dresses. She could work for hours.
Can I call you up?could you turn off the radio?
Life can be difficult. Traffic could be heavy.
WILL : WILL Futurity
Willingness or choice
Ex:
The meeting will begin early.
I will see you tomorrow? Will you be ready?
WOULD : WOULD Willingness to a potential way
Polite question requests
Future intention from the past point of view
Past habitual action
Ex:
I would apply if I were you.
Would you help me?
The lawyer said he would study it.
When they were small. They would go camping.
SHALL : SHALL Suggestion
In the same way as will. But is often used in ceremonies when protocol is an important factor.
Ex:
Shall we dance?
We shall begin with a short prayer.
The prime minister shall welcome the deligates.
*Should expresses obligation
Citizens should serve our country.