2. MODAL AUXILIARIES 2.1 The Definiton of Modal
Modals is the name for a group word which is consist of can, could, may, might, shall, should, will,and would.
Modals or an auxiliary verb is a verb that helps to form a sentence of other verbs. The most commonly used modals are: can, could, may, might,
shall, should, will,and would.
2.2 The Usage of Modals
The modals are: can, could, may, might,must, shall, should, will,and would.
These are some description about kinds of Modal Auxiliaries:
2.2.1 Uses of Modal Can
1 To express ability
Examples: 1.
Budi can speak Arabian language. 2.
Jeje can speak Deutch language. 3.
Rini can speak five languages fluently. 2
To express permission Examples:
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1. Can I sit here?
2. Can I borrow your Ipad?
3. Can I talk to you in the canteen?
3 To express possibility
Examples: 1.
A history’s book can be interesting 2.
That’s new can’t be true 3.
Don’t light a match in this chemical factory The fire can cause an explosion.
4 To express action
Examples: 1.
I can’t see you on the road 2.
Can you hear me?
2.2.2 Uses of Modal Could
1 To express ability
Examples: 1.
Three years ago, I could play basket ball like a professional. 2.
When my brothe was in high school, he could beat anyone at chess.
3. I could run fast when I was a child.
2 To express polite request in presentfuture.
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Examples: 1.
Could I borrow your car? 2.
Could you help me please? 3.
Could I use your car next Saturday? 4.
Could I borrow your eraser?
2.2.3 Uses of Modal May
1 To express permission. It’s more polite than use Can or Could.
Examples: 1.
May I leave now? 2.
May I know your phone number? 3.
May I come in? 2
To express possibility in presentpast tense. Examples:
1. Mita may be sick
2. She may be at home.
3. It may snow tomorrow.
3 To express wish and hope
Examples: 1.
May God bless you 2.
May you have a long and happy life
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4 To express purpose
Examples: 1.
Your mother may allow you to come home a little late. 2.
He worked hard so that she may pass.
2.2.4 Uses of Modal Might
1 To express permission in present
Examples: 1.
Uncle John said we might take his car for an outing. 2.
Randy said they might get married soon. 2
To express polite request Examples:
1. Might I come with you?
2. Might I go now?
3. Might I stay a little longer?
3 To express possibility
Examples: 1.
She said that it might rain. 2.
I though they might not come. 3.
I though she might at office. 4
To express wish and hope
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Example: 1.
She wishes that she might get well soon.
2.2.5 Uses of Modal Must
