Modal Auxiliary Verbs 3

Marginal Modals

Used to

This is used
- to express something that existed or was done in the past but no longer exists or is done now.

Examples
He used to go jogging when he was younger.

Ought to/ Oughtn't to

This is used
- to express a duty or obligation.

Examples
You ought to pay for the vase that you broke.

- to express a possibility

Examples
If we leave now, we ought to be there in an hour time.

- to express an advice

Examples
You ought not to have shouted at her.

- with a perfect infinitive to express an unfulfilled duty or action.

Examples
He ought to have finished his work before going out to play.

- with 'have' to show disapproval of a completed past action.

Examples
She oughtn't to have disobeyed her parents.

Dare/Daren't

This used
- to express one's courage or lack of courage in doing something.

Examples
Dare you do it?
I daren't ask him about it.

Need/Needn't

This is used
- in negative sentences to show that somethinging is not necessary (It is replaced by 'must' in affirmative sentences)

Examples
You needn't help them but I must.

- in interrogative sentences (It is replaced by 'must' in affirmative sentences)

Examples
Need I come too?
Yes, you must.

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Modal Auxiliary Verbs 2

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Might/Mightn't

This is used
- as past tense equivalent of 'may' in indirect speech.

Examples

" I may not be able to make it," he said.

He said that he might not be able to make it.

- to refer to the hypothetical or the unreal sense of the past tense.

Examples
If only he had the chance to speak, he might have been able to prove his innocence.

- to add a note of tentativeness or politeness.

Examples
How much did you pay for the car if I might ask?

Should/Shouldn't

This is used
- to express a strong possibility

Example
This should be quite entertaining.

- to show annoyance ( usually in rhetorical questions)

Example
Why should I bother?

- as past tense equivalent of 'shall' in indirect speech.

Example
"Shall I tell her?" he asked me.
He asked me if he should tell her.

Could/Couldn't

This is used

- as past tense equivalent of 'can' in indirect speech.

Examples
"Can I speak with you?"
He asked if he could speak with me.

- to refer to the hypothetical or the unreal sense of the past tense.

Examples
If I could play the piano like Jay Chow, I'd be famous.

- to add a note of tentativeness or politeness

Example
Could you come over here for awhile please?

Would/Wouldn't

This is used
- as past tense equivalent of 'will' in indirect speech.

Example
"We will come immediately," we said.

We said that we would come immediately.

- to refer to the hypothetical or the unreal sense of the past tense.

Example
If I could be an astronaut, I would visit the planet, Venus.

- to add a note of tentativeness or politeness

Example
Would you help me with these, please?

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Modal Auxiliary Verbs 1

Type of Modal Auxiliary Verb

Can/ Can't

This is used to

- ask for permission, in informal use
- show ability
- show possibility

Example

Can I borrow your calculator please
No, You can't

She can sing better than you.

You can't be sure what the future will bring.

May/ Mayb't

This is used to
- request or ask for permission
- express possibility

Examples

May I sit down?
No, you may not

He may be late.

Must/ Mustn't

This is used to
- show assumption or logical necessity
- show obligation or compulsion

Examples

This isn't my book. It must be yours.

You must hand up your report by tomorrow.

Shall/ Shan't

This is used to
- show insistence or obligation
- express an intention
- make a suggestion

Examples

I shall make it, just you wait and see!

I shall get married i three years' time.

Shall we dance?

Will/Won't

This is used to
- show willingness ( in requests)
- show insistence
- to express intention (usually contracted)
- to make predictions

Examples

Will you show me the way, please?
Yes, I will.

I won't tell you no matter how hard you try to persuade me to.

I'll be over in an hour's time.

It will rain tonight.

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