Modal verbs

Modals
used as auxiliary verb (e.g. I can go)
do not show tense or subject agreement (e.g. He can go - not
He cans go)
before the negative particle in not negation (e.g. I cannot go)
before the subject in yes-no questions (e.g. Can you go?)
take the bare infinitive verb as the main verb in a verb phrase
(e.g. He can go - not He can to go or He can went)
• express stance meanings (see next slides)

Time Differences with Modals
Modals referring to present and future time:
can
may shall
will
Modals that can refer to past time:
could
might
should
would
* Note that each present/ future modal has a corresponding
past modal

Stance meanings of Modals
Permission/ ability:
can
could
may
might
Meanings
Personal meaning - permission or possibility, ability
Logical meaning - possibility

Stance meanings of Modals
Obligation/ necessity:
must
should
have (got) to
need to be supposed to
Meanings
Personal meaning - obligation
Logical meaning - necessity

Stance meanings of Modals
Volition/ prediction:
will
would
shall
Meanings
Personal meaning - volition or intention
Logical meaning - prediction