MODAL VERBS
Introduction
There are nine modal verbs in English: can, could, may,
might, will (shall), would, should, must and
ought. They are auxiliary verbs, used before the
infinitive form of main verbs (without 'to' except after 'ought').
Modals mainly express meanings related to degrees of certainty,
possibility, obligation or freedom to act. Need
and dare can also be used as auxiliary modals, as
can the phrase had better.
Most common
errors made with modal verbs involve wrong usage on the
scale of 'strength', from absolute obligation (must, have to, will)
to weak possibility (might, could).
Moral obligations are expressed by 'should and 'ought to'.
Check that your sentence expresses the appropriate meaning.
Modal verbs are frequently used in the recommendation section of
an FYP.
e.g.
This study indicates that XXX
could be used to improve YYY.
The government should address the environmental
priorities.
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Questions |
Answer |
Professors can't
behave like undergraduates! |
Prohibition |
May I hand my project
in a little late? |
Permission |
One does not have to
know exactly how the program works to use it. |
Lack of
Obligation |
Saturated fats can
accommodate no more hydrogens. |
Ability |
The university will
pay travel expenses. |
Willingness |
He could not be
reached for comment on Wednesday. |
Possibility |
The largest hurdle
the Republicans would have to face is a state law. |
Strong
Obligation |
A U.S. official said,
'Our policy making should not shift at all.' |
Mild
Obligation |
Links
This web site gives a
tutorial on modal verbs with quizzes to practise using specific
verbs.
http://www.englishpage.com/modals/modalintro.html
(Accessed 7 February 2003)
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