Modal Auxiliaries in English: Can, Could, May, Might, Have To, Must, Should

Questions and Answers

Which modal verb is used to express the ability to do something in the present and future tense?

Could

Which modal verb is the past form of 'can' and is used to express past ability?

Could

If someone has an obligation to go to the doctor, which modal verb would best express this necessity?

Must

In which sentence is 'may' being used to indicate possibility?

You may sit down. Signup and view all the answers

'She could speak French.' implies that:

She may speak French. Signup and view all the answers

'They might finish the project on time.' suggests:

There is a possibility they will finish the project on time. Signup and view all the answers

'I have to go to the doctor.' expresses:

The necessity of going to the doctor. Signup and view all the answers

'You can sit down' implies that:

'You should sit down.' Signup and view all the answers

'I may order pizza.' suggests:

'I could order pizza.' Signup and view all the answers

'Cyclists must wear helmets.' indicates:

'Cyclists should wear helmets.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modal auxiliaries in English are a set of verbs that help form sentences expressing possibility, ability, permission, and necessity. These verbs are often used along with main verbs in the base form to convey a range of meanings. In this article, we will discuss the semantics and usage of various modal auxiliaries in English, including can, could, may, might, have to, must, and should.

Can and Could

Can

The modal verb "can" is used to express the ability to do something. It is used in the present and future tense to indicate an action that can be performed. For example:

I can play the guitar.
We can go to the park.

Could

"Could" is the past form of "can". It is used to express the ability that was present in the past. For example:

She could speak French.
They could finish the project on time.

May and Might

May

"May" is a modal verb used to indicate possibility. It can be used to make a request or to express permission. For example:

I may order pizza.
You may sit down.

Might

"Might" is also used to indicate possibility. It is the past form of "may". For example:

I might miss the bus.
They might be at the beach.

Have To and Must

Have To

"Have to" is a modal verb used to express obligation. It is often used in the present tense to indicate a necessity. For example:

I have to go to the doctor.
Cyclists have to wear helmets.

Must

"Must" is another modal verb that expresses obligation. It is used to indicate that something is necessary or expected. For example:

You must leave.
She must be at the office by 9 am.

Should

"Should" is a modal verb used to make a suggestion or to express expectation. It is often used in the present tense to indicate what is advisable or what is generally accepted. For example:

You should watch that film.
Tom should be more careful.

In conclusion, understanding the usage and semantics of these modal auxiliaries is crucial for effective communication in English. By using these verbs correctly, you can express a variety of meanings related to possibility, ability, permission, and necessity.