Question

Look at the following pair of sentences. Underline the modals and discuss why each one is used in that sentence.

e.g.
I must not take those pills. (I’m not allowed.)
I need not take those pills. (It is not compulsory but I may if I wish.)

1. (a) I can’t go to the meeting because I’m not a member.
(b) I needn’t go to the meeting if I don’t wish to.

2. (a) I can swim a length of the pool.
(b) I can swim in the pool on Saturdays.

3. (a) You ought to get a nice present for her.
(b) You have to get a nice present for her.

4. (a) Can I go to the toilet?
(b) May I be excused?

5. (a) I may come tomorrow if I have the time.
(b) I might come tomorrow but it’s going to be difficult.

Did you know?
Modals are a small group of verbs that are used to express possibility,
probability, capability, capacity, ability, obligation and predictions.
Some of the modals you learnt in this unit are
can
may
shall
could
might
should
Need, dare, had better are also modals.

Understanding Modals:
Modal Auxiliaries
A modal verb or auxiliary verb is a verb, which modifies another verb, so that
the modified verb has more intention in its expression. In essence the modal
verb expresses modality, the way in which something is being said.
The main modals are
Can: could; may: might; shall: should; will: would: must; ought to; need to;
have to.
The negative modals are
Couldn't; wouldn't; shouldn't; mustn't; needn't; oughtn't/ ought not to

Modal	Examples	Uses
Can/ can't	She can read and write It can rain today Can I borrow your pen? Can you lend me your notes? Can I carry your books?	ability possibility /probability seeking permission request offer
Could/ couldn't	Could I borrow your book? Could you please help me with  this sum? We could go for a picnic on Sunday I think you could come first this time  There was a time when I could  work round the clock.	seeking permission request suggestion possibility/ probability past ability
May	May I have some water? May I help you? May I shut the door? India may become a super power by 2020. May God bless you	request offer permission possibility/ probability wish/ desire
Might	They might sell their house as they need the money.	future possibility/ probability
Will /Won't	It is very cold so I will stay at home. I will help you if you wish. Will you look after my dog for a day? It will rain tonight. I will get you a shawl from Srinagar.	intention offer request prediction promise
Would/Wouldn't	Would you mind if I come over tonight? Would five o'clock suit you? Yes it would. Would you pass the salt? Would you come to my party? Would you prefer tea or coffee?	permission making arrangements request invitation preference
Shall	Shall I help you? Shall we meet at 3.00 pm outside Bakshi Stadium?	offer making arrangements
Should	We should check the timings of the train. You should listen to the advice of your elders.	recommended action advice
Ought to	You ought to do your duty. The bus ought to be here any minute	advice probability
Must/mustn't	We must make a move now. You mustn't tell lies.	obligation necessity
Need	He need not go to the market. You need to lose weight. I need to get the groceries.	necessity compulsion insistence

Answer 1

1. (a) Can’t—I’m not allowed to go.
(b) Needn’t—It is not compulsory but I may go if I wish.

2. (a) Can—I am physically able to swim a length of the pool.
(b) Can—The authorities permit me to swim on Saturdays.

3. (a) Ought—You have a moral obligation to get her a nice present.
(b) Have to—You are being ordered to get her a nice present.

4. (a) Can—This is a less formal/polite way of asking permission to go to the toilet.
(b) May—This is a more formal/polite way of asking permission to leave.

5. (a) May—Implies that it is slightly more likely than in sentence (b).
(b) Might—Implies that it is slightly less likely than in sentence (a).