Modals

What are modals? Modals are auxiliary verbs used to restrict or enhance the meaning of verbs to a certain extent. Below are the most common English modals:

• can
• could
• may
• might
• must
• should
• will
• would

How do these modals make the meaning of the verb they moderate different? Read sample sentences below to analyze the difference they make in the sentences.

• She reads my book. (declares a fact; no modal used.)
• She can read my book. (expresses ability to read)
• She could read my book. (expresses possibility of reading the book...if)
• She may read my book. (expresses permission to read the book)
  
• She might read my book. (expresses possibility of reading the book)
• She must read my book. (expresses strong obligation to read the book)
• She should read my book. (expresses mild obligation to read the book)
• She will read my book. (expresses future intent or plan)
• She would read my book. (In this case expresses reservation..if)

Reminders:
Modals are followed ONLY by the base form of the verb.
ex. Janice could ran fast. (WRONG)
Janice could running fast. (WRONG)
Janice could run fast. (CORRECT)
To show politeness, modals can be used to make requests.
ex. Open the door for me. (IMPOLITE)
Would you please open the door for me? (POLITE)