Detailed Basic Model Verbs
Detail Discussion On Model Verbs
Notice the usage of modals in the following
sentences:
I pay my taxes.
|
General declaration of fact.
Paying taxes is something I normally do.
|
I can pay my taxes.
|
Expresses ability. I have the
means (funds) to pay.
|
I might pay my taxes.
|
Expresses possibility, but not
certainty. Maybe I will pay; maybe I won't.
|
I will pay my taxes.
|
Expresses future intent. I resolve
to do it at some later time.
|
I should pay my taxes.
|
Expresses mild obligation. It is
required, and I expect to comply.
|
I could pay my taxes.
|
Expresses possibility. If I have
nothing else to do with the money, I might pay taxes.
|
I would pay my taxes.
|
(In this case), expresses
reservation. If I had the money (but I don't). . .
|
I must pay my taxes.
|
Expresses strong obligation. I am
required and have to comply.
|
Modals are followed by only the
base form of the verb and are not used alone unless there is a clear
connection to a main verb
He must to finish his homework. He must finish his homework.
|
WRONG RIGHT
|
Jack could heard the bell.
|
WRONG
|
Jack could hear the bell.
|
RIGHT
|
Penny will going to the movie.
|
WRONG
|
Penny will go to the movie.
|
RIGHT
|
There are many ways to make requests
in English. The most common involves using the imperative and modals. See the
examples below:
Using the Imperative
The imperative is the simple form of
the verb. The subject of an imperative sentence is understood as
"you" although it is usually not spoken.
Open the door. Will you help me?
|
(You) open the door. Yes, I will (help you).
|
Pick up your toys.
|
(You) pick up your toys.
|
Please help me.
|
(You) please help me.
|
The imperative is often used by
persons of authority when speaking to subordinates, e.g. parent to child.
Using Modals
To show respect and politeness, most
people use modal
expressions when making requests. For example:
expressions when making requests. For example:
Will you…? Would you…?
|
Will you open the door for me?
Would you open the door for me?
|
Would you please….?
|
Would you please open the door
(for me)?
|
Could you (Please)…?
|
Could you (please)…? Could you
(please) open the door?
|
Would you possibly…?
|
Could you possibly open the door?
|
Would you kindly….?
|
Would you kindly open the door?
|
Would you mind (Ving)….?
|
Would you mind opening the door?
|
Would you be so kind as to..?
|
Would you be so kind as to open
the door?
|
Common Problems with Modals
1.
Using "to" unnecessarily:
Incorrect
|
Correct
|
They going to meet us at the
theater.
|
Hey are going to meet us at the
theater.
|
He should to eat his dinner.
|
He should eat his dinner.
|
I had better to go now.
|
I had better go now.
|
You must not to use the pencil
|
You must not use that pencil.
|
2.
Using anything but the base form after a modal:
John could heard the bell. Penny
will going to the movie.
|
John could hear the bell. Penny
will go to the movie.
|
3.
Using double modals:
You should ought to speak English.
She might can help me.
|
You ought to speak English.
/should speak She might to able to help me.
|
4.
Omitting “be” in certain modal expression:
They going to meet us at the
theater. Jack supposed to take his medicine.
|
They are going to meet us at the
theater. Jack is supposed to take his medicine.
|
5.
Using wrong word order in questions:
How I can help you? Where I should
go for the meeting?
|
How can I help you? Where should I
go for the meeting?
|
0 comments: