There are 8 Modal/ Auxiliary verbs in English.

can – could

will – would

shall – should

may – might

must

need

dare

ought to

How are Modal Verbs constructed in a sentence?

Modal Verb Bare Infinitive

Can Modal Verbs be found with the other time forms of the bare infinitive?

Modal Verbs

Simple Bare Infinitive

Continuous Bare Inf.

present/ future

Perfect Bare Inf.

Perf. Cont. Bare Inf.

past

Function = a label on everyday situations and on the type of language we use in them

e.g. asking sb to do sth for us / for a favourLabel: REQUEST, Language: Can you/ could you/ I was wondering if you could/ Will you/ Would you/ Would it be possible for you to, etc

There is no polite plural in English.

So, we use functional language (with modal verbs and other expressions) to cover for its lack.

The kind of functional language we use depends on 4 considerations.

They are:

•Speakers’ relationship• Speakers’ roles

• Setting• Topic

What language does the function ARRANGEMENTS employ?

What language does the function HABITS employ?

What language do the functions NECESSITY/ ABSENCE OF NECESSITY employ?

What language does the function ABILITY/ INABILITY employ?

What language do the functions OBLIGATION/ ABSENCE OF OBLIGATION employ?

What language does the function DEDUCTIONS employ?

What language do the functions (IM)PROBABILITY/ (IM)POSSIBILITY employ?

What language do the functions REPROACH/ CRITICISM employ?

What language does the function REQUESTS employ?

What language do the functions OFFERS/ WILLINGNESS employ?

What language does the function PROHIBITION employ?

What language does the function PERMISSION employ?

What language does the function ADVICE employ?

What language do the functions SUGGESTIONS/ RECOMMENDATIONS employ?

What language does the function EXPECTATION employ?

What language does the function INSISTENCE employ?

What language does the function TYPICAL BEHAVIOUR employ?

What language do the functions ASKING FOR SUGGESTIONS/ INSTRUCTIONS employ?

What language does the function PREFERENCE employ?

What language does the function BOLDNESS employ?

What language does the function ASSUMPTIONS employ?

Standard Expressions/ Constructions I

can + perception verbs (replacing the Present Continuous )could + perception verbs (replacing the Past Continuous )

Standard Expressions/ Constructions II

may … but … = although: concession ALSO: be that as it may = although this may be so, try as I might = although I try hard, (Strange) though/ as it may (sound/ seem/…) = although it sounds/ seems/ … (strange)

Standard Expressions/ Constructions III

may/ might (just) as well = 1. suggesting the best course of action in the circumstances2. ‘could easily’ is also possible here = it wouldn’t matter if sb did sth else instead

Standard Expressions/ Constructions IV

may (very) well = perhaps it’s simply/ easily like that

Standard Expressions/ Constructions V

May (God Bless) sb/ sth = formally wishing sth

Standard Expressions/ Constructions VI

for fear one might/ lest one should = fearing that/ in case

Standard Expressions/ Constructions VII

can(’t)/ could(n’t) possibly = it will (not)/ would (not) be possible to

Standard Expressions/ Constructions VIII

would be grateful if you would/ could = formal and polite request

Standard Expressions/ Constructions IX

shall = formal instead of ‘will’, esp. 1.when showing determination & 2.in legal papers (contracts, agreements, etc), when stating what is to apply

Standard Expressions/ Constructions X

should (subjunctive meaning) = formal in ‘that’ clauses in place of a gerund or infinitive construction (See also Un. 10)