What are Modal Verbs?

In this article we are going to study about the Modal Verbs.

What are Modals?

Following verbs are called as modal verbs or modals:
can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must and ought (to).

need, dare and used (to) can also sometimes function as modal verbs. But, they may function as main verbs too.

We use modals before ordinary verbs to express mood in a sentence.

India may win the world test series in England. (win - main verb; may – modal, which conveys the mood of possibility)

India can win the world test series in England. (win - main verb; can – modal, which conveys ability)

India will win the world test series in England. (win - main verb; will – modal, which conveys certainty)

India mustn’t win the world test series in England. (win - main verb; must – modal, which conveys lack of permission)

Types of Modals

On the basis of the nature and functionality of the modals, they have been classified into three categories:

• Pure modals
  can-could, will- could, shall-should, may – might, must - ought to

• Semi-models (Marginals) - they are used both as modal and main verb.
  used to, need, dare, needn’t, daren’t

• Idiomatic Modals
  had + better/rather/sooner, would + better/rather/sooner

Properties of Modals

Property 1

The modals can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must and ought are called Defective Verbs, because some things are missing in them.

• They can’t be made singular and plural, i.e. they do not have singular and plural forms like other verbs do. They have no –s/es in the third person singular. For example, we do no write ‘cans’ or ‘shoulds’ etc.

• They do not have non-finite forms. That is, they do not have to-infinite form or present/past participle form. So, no to-modal or -ing or –d/ed forms. For example, we cannot write ‘to-can’, ‘musted’, ‘musting’ etc. So, these modals are not used to convey tense either.

Property 2

These modals are always followed by bare infinitives.

For example, can work, should eat etc. (Not can to work, can working, or should eaten etc.)

Property 3

They form inversion/interrogation without ‘do‘.

For example, can I? must I?

Property 4

There should be no co-occurrence, i.e. we cannot use two of these modals together.

He may will play in this match. (incorrect)

Properties of Semi-Modals

Property 1

dare, need, used can work as modals as well as ordinary verbs.

• When they act as modals, they take $V_1$ (bare infinitive) and maintain the rules of becoming a modal.
• On the other hand, when they work as ordinary verbs, then they agree with the subject. That is, they can take (to + $V_1$) and change of spelling is also possible there.

I dare say. (dare - modal)
I dare to say. (dare - ordinary verb)

You need not say. (need - modal)
You need to say. (need - ordinary verb)
She needs to memorize these words. (needs - ordinary verb)

Property 2

‘used’ is never used as a modal in an affirmative sentence.

Pattern: Subject + used to + $V_1$ ……… (here used is working as ordinary verb)

He used play. (incorrect; used cannot work as modal in an affirmative sentence)
He used to play. (correct; used as ordinary verb)

Property 3

Need is never used as a modal in an affirmative sentence.

I need say. (incorrect; need as modal)
I need to say. (correct; need as ordinary verb)

I need not say anything. (correct)
Need I say anything? (correct)
Need I not say? (correct)

Structure of sentences having Modals

Pattern 1: Subject + modals + $V_1$ ………..
Annie will beat you.

Pattern 2: Subject + models + be + Noun/Pronoun……..
Annie will be your best buddy.

Pattern 3: Subject + modals + be + $V_3$ ………
Nothing will be done without your consent.

Pattern 4: Subject + modals + be + ($V_1$ + ing)………
Annie may be sleeping in her room.

Pattern 5: Subject + modals + have + Noun/Pronoun ……….. (shows possession)
You must have a car.

Pattern 6: Subject + modals + have to + $V_1$ ………
You may have to meet me tomorrow.

Pattern 7: Subject + modals + have (been) + $V_3$ ……..
The furniture will have been sent to you by next Friday.

Pattern 8: Subject + modals + have been + ($V_1$ + ing) …………..
You must have been living here for twenty years.

Extra Books and Tools

If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.