The English language presents quite a challenge to learn. Much of the vocabulary doesn't seem to have a logical link to what it represents and many of the verbs are hard to conjugate. And when you add a separate class of verbs on top of that, things get even more confusing.
Modal verbs, also called auxiliary verbs and helping verbs, give depth and meaning to English verb phrases. They help us understand the speaker's intention and give context to what is said.
Mastering modal verb usage is one of the greatest stumbling blocks English learners encounter. Especially if their native language doesn't use modals. To aid their learning, Superprof arms students with a guide to understanding:
- why the English language needs modal verbs
- what modal verbs do
- how to use these auxiliary verbs correctly
- examples of common verb usage
Why Does English Have Modal Verbs?
The form of English spoken in William the Conqueror's time (1066 - 1087) is very different from the English you're learning. Its roots lie in ancient Germanic tongues; the languages spoken in Northern Europe.
Modal verbs in English today all date back to around this period. That's why their spelling is so strange and why they don't function like regular verbs. (Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash)
Explaining to my students why 'would' is spelled that way rather than 'wood' - the way it sounds, is always a lively lesson. Few people think about where words come from and how they came to be. These discoveries are an endless source of amazement for my students.
The English we study today boasts nine modal verbs: four pairs and one standalone. All of them come from different languages; that's why their spelling is unusual. Furthermore, each modal verb can be negated by adding 'not'. This particle is also very old; it means 'to deny, refuse or forbid' something.
Of our nine modals, three of them do not follow the negation pattern the rest do. The verb 'will' is the best example of such. While 'could' becomes 'couldn't' and 'should' becomes 'shouldn't', 'will' becomes 'won't'. Why?
It's because the Old English form of 'will not' is 'wonnot'. Rather than updating the old language, we simply use the old form. Incidentally, 'cannot' follows this pattern, too. However, because this modal's negation seems to be 'can' with a 'not' attached, it seems to be a standard negation.
Centuries ago, the four modal verb pairs were all present and past tenses of the same verb. For instance, 'could' is 'can's past tense, and 'might' is 'may's. That suggests that each pair had the same meaning, regardless of tense. Today, these verbs do not serve that purpose, nor do they mean the same things.
What about the standalone modal verb, 'must'? It is the past tense of an Old English verb we no longer use (motan). However, because of 'must's specific intent, it has to have a partner. We pair 'have to' with 'must' even though it is not a true modal verb.
These verbs' relationships help give them meaning. All the 'past tense' verbs have weaker meanings than the former present tense verbs. Their history gives them context, too. In fact, their long-ago definitions are still the ones we use today.
Introduction to Modal Verbs and Their Functions
We now shed some light on our four modal verb pairs and the one standalone. We'll learn their names, see what they do and discover their purpose. Like this lamp, these verbs are all centrally connected to a single purpose.
Like this lamp's arms, these verbs all point in different directions. Some have a long list of functions, while others serve only a few. Let's meet our verbs and find out what they do. (Photo by Fabio Bracht on Unsplash)
You may have already learned a few things about these modal verbs in your English for Students of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. However, if your textbooks are similar to the ones my students use, you may not have a full picture of them.
In this table, you'll find each modal verb next to its meaning and function(s). And then, you'll see them in action, through example sentences.
| Modal Verb | Meaning | Function(s) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can | to be able | Show ability | I can speak English. |
| Could | to be able | express possibility | I could come by later. |
| Shall | ought to, must | to make offers, express intention | Shall I ring you later?, I shall sit here. |
| Should | obligation | subjunctive mood, conditional phrases | Should I be worried?, Should you need help, ring me. |
| Will | wish, desire, choice | to make promises, for future tense | I will ring you later! |
| Would | wish, desire, choice | to be polite, to make requests | Would you hold the door, please? |
| May | have the power | ask/give permission, extend wishes | You may have that sweet., May you enjoy your holiday! |
| Might | to be able | express (a weak) possibility | I might go out later. |
| Must | to be obliged | Assign an obligation | Students must come to class. |
| Have to | possess as a duty | Receive an obligation | I have to go to class. |
Of all these verbs, 'shall' is the one you likely use the least. Even native English speakers commonly use 'will' or 'should'. However, our table shows that those verbs don't mean the same things. This under-used verb is often seen in official documents, especially in legal documents.
The modals 'may' and 'might' have the closest relationship of any modal verbs. You may use these verbs in the place of one another, except to give permission and extend wishes. Only remember that, if you use them to express a possibility, 'may' represents a stronger chance of something happening than 'might'.
How Do You Use Modal Verbs Correctly?
In English, modal verbs do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to make sure our communication is as clear as possible. That's why knowing their functions is so important.
Imagine a kitchen helper and a room cleaner switching jobs. You may not have the cleanest room or the tastiest food! Using the wrong modal verb will have the same effect. (Photo by Ashwini Chaudhary (Monty) on Unsplash)
Many native speakers use 'can' to ask permission: "Can I have some water, please?". From this question, we can understand that the speaker wants something to drink. However, their request is not clear. The modal verb they used suggests they're asking: "Do I have the ability to have some water?"
Along the same lines, some speakers use 'may's pair, 'might', to ask permission. "Might I have something to drink, please?" According to this verb's function, the speaker sounds as though they're not sure whether they're thirsty.
Languages change over time, we understand that. Speakers constantly invent new words and new ways of saying things. However, modal verbs are a big part of the English language structure. You must know which one to use, so your meaning is clear.
The best way to master modal verbs in English is to study them from the perspective of their definition and function. For example, if you wish to ask permission, 'may' is the only verb to use. Should you want to give advice, 'should' is the verb you need.
Common Uses of Modal Verbs in English
As you just read, even native English speakers commonly use the wrong modal verb. Depending on who you're talking to, your doing so might not be such a terrible mistake.
However, if you're in school, your teacher will likely take points away for using the wrong verb. You might end up frustrated that they constantly correct your choice of verbs. So, it's best to use the right modal verb every time. (Photo by Jessica Da Rosa on Unsplash)
The 'will/would' modal pair is the most-used in the English language. It's also one of the most complex. We must use 'will' to create future tenses, but we also use it to make forceful requests. "Will you be there tomorrow?" suggests the speaker expects the person to be there.
Earlier, you read that some modal verbs are more forceful than others. These strong modals are: 'can', 'may', 'shall', 'will', and 'must'. Even 'may', the weakest of these strong verbs, is nevertheless more powerful than 'might'. So, if someone tells you "I may come round later", they probably will.
As the modals' most underused verb, 'shall' deserves more credit - and more usage. Native English speakers often use 'will' in its place; another forceful verb. However, we typically contract it, using only the double-L. "I'll wait for you here" sounds rather careless compared to "I shall wait for you here."
As 'shall' sees so little usage in common conversation these days, it may soon become obsolete. Forgotten, like 'must's pair-verb, 'motan'. Fortunately, we have a replacement: 'have to'.
That makes us wonder whether shall, too, will be replaced. Still, 'should' - 'shall's past tense, is likely to carry on, especially as it is the modal verb we use to be polite.
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