M SHAHID MASOOD KHATAANA

MA English, Dip TEFL shahidkhataana@gmail.com MODALITY English has got an unlimited number of verbs. Out of those verbs, some verbs are called main verbs; while others are called auxiliary verbs. Then some of the auxiliaries have their special function. Because of this function, i.e., indicating a special mood, they are called modals. Semantically, the main verbs fall in the category of structural words, and the modals fall in that of function words. It is so because the main verbs form the structure of the sentence and the modals only function as a support to the structure. Here our focus is upon modals which are limited in number. We are to deal with ten modals and three semi-modals. Here are some of the possible definitions and meanings of these modal verbs. To start with, modal verbs are common auxiliary verbs that indicate modality. The question that raises its head here is what modality is. Modality is the grammaticalized expression of the subjective attitudes and opinions of the speaker or writer. They combine with infinitives to indicate possibility, probability, deduction, necessity, obligation, permissibility, ability, desire, and contingency. Modal Verbs in English There are ten modals and three semi-modals in English. 1) Modals: can; could; may; might; must; ought; shall; should; will; would 2) Semi-modals: need; dare; used Patterns/Positions of Modal Verbs Modal verbs always appear in the first position at the beginning of the verb phrase in English. Unlike other verbs, modal verbs do not show tense or number. The eight possible verb phrase combinations that contain modal verbs in English are: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. modal verb + base form = will eat modal verb + be + present participle = will be eating modal verb + have + past participle = will have eaten modal verb + be + past participle = will be eaten modal verb + have + been + present participle = will have been eating modal verb + have + been + past participle = will have been eaten

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VII. VIII. MA English, Dip TEFL shahidkhataana@gmail.com modal + be + being + past participle = will be being eaten (not common) modal verb + have + been + being + past participle = will have been being eaten (not common) Functions of Modal Verbs Modal verbs are difficult to define in any language because of the wide range of pragmatic uses of modal verbs by native speakers. Some of the more common definitions (in no particular order) of the modal verbs in English are: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. can ability, permission, possibility, request could ability, permission, possibility, request, suggestion may permission, probability, request might possibility, probability, suggestion must deduction, necessity, obligation, prohibition shall decision, future, offer, question, suggestion should advice, necessity, prediction, recommendation will decision, future, intention, offer, prediction, promise, suggestion would conditional, habit, invitation, permission, preference, request, question, suggestion Examples of Functions The following sentences are examples of usage of modal verbs in English. For example, all the following four sentences ask for permission but with different degrees and types of modality: I. II. III. IV. Can I go to the bathroom? (asking for permission) May I go to the bathroom? (more politely asking for permission) Could I go to the bathroom? (asking for permission with less certainty) Might I go to the bathroom? (asking for permission with uncertainty)

M SHAHID MASOOD KHATAANA

MA English, Dip TEFL shahidkhataana@gmail.com V. The following sentences also demonstrate the subtle meanings in regards to modal verbs of suggestion: VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. You could listen to me. (suggestion) You might listen to me. (uncertain suggestion) You should listen to me. (strong suggestion) You must listen to me. (stronger suggestion) You will listen to me. (strongest suggestion)

Some Properties of Modals Modals do not take final s. Modals form their negative and interrogative according to the auxiliary pattern. Modals do not have any proper past tenses. Only four past forms exist, could, might, should, would but all these four forms have only a limited use. Modals have no infinitives or participles and therefore cannot be used in the progressive tenses. Modals always require an infinitive, though sometimes this is understood but not mentioned: Can you fly? Yes, I can (fly).

Some Properties of Semi-modals Out of the three semi-modals, need and dare always take the bare infinitive: You need not worry. The semi-modal used is used only in the past. (These days the trend of using used with be is getting common.) For its negative and interrogative, it usually follows the auxiliary pattern: We used not to tease anyone. Modals in Short Answers Modals are also used in short answers. Yes/no questions are answered by yes or no and a modal: Will you read a lesson? Yes, I will.

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MA English, Dip TEFL shahidkhataana@gmail.com If a question has more than one modal, the first should be used in the answer: Should you have bought any books? Yes, I should. If there is a question asked with must or need, the pattern for answer will be as follows: Must we stay here? Yes, you must. OR No, you mustnt. Need we stay here? Yes, you need. OR no, you neednt. Here the question rises why we use the modal after yes or no. The answer to the question is that the answer with only yes or no is less polite. Some Facts about Modals If there is modal in the first verb, this is repeated in the agreements disagreements. If there is no modal, do, does, or did is used. The modals in short answers are stressed. The negative verbs are usually contracted. If the question tag is used for agreement or confirmation, the intonation is falling, and in case of a real question, the intonation is rising. Positive statements are followed by negative tags, and negative statements are followed by positive tags.