Modal verbs are special verbs (like must, have to, can, would, etc) which have certain function. Modals or modal auxiliary verbs are used to give the additional information or explanation about the function of the main verb that we use in a sentence. Modals have special characteristics.
They never change their form and they are always followed by infinitive without "to". For example, we use "would go" not "would to go". Commonly, modal verbs are used to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, and ability.
They never change their form and they are always followed by infinitive without "to". For example, we use "would go" not "would to go". Commonly, modal verbs are used to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, and ability.
Modals and Their Functions
| Modal | Function : to express | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Must | certainty conclucion | That man has a lot of expensive cars. He must be very rich. |
| strong obligation | Children must obey their parents. | |
| prohibition | You must not smoke here! | |
| Should/ ought to |
logical conclusion | He should be tired. He's been doing his homework all night long. |
| obligation | You ought to start working at once. | |
| advice or tips | I think you should go to hospital. | |
| Had better | strong advice | We had better hurry because we're almost late. |
| Can | ability | He can answer these questions. |
| possibility | Smoking can cause cancer. | |
| permission | You can go home now. | |
| Could | ability in the past | When he was ten, he could answer these questions. |
| possibility | If you want, we could go to the movies. | |
| polite permission | Could I say something? | |
| May | permission | May I use your computer? |
| possibility, probability | She may be too busy to help you right now. | |
| Might | polite permission | Might I use your computer? |
| possibility, probability | You might become president one day. | |
| Will | invitation, request | Will you come in, please? |
| logical possibility | As a result, the market will close earlier than usual today. | |
| Would | will in past | He said he would celebratehis birthday at home. |
| polite demand, invitation | Would you sit down, please? |
We can also classify modal verbs according to their functions.
| Use | Explanation | Modal in example |
|---|---|---|
| Logical possibility | strongest | Anne looks very relaxed. She must know the answers to all these questions. |
| stronger | As a result, Mr. president will go to South Sumatera earlier than the schedule. | |
| strong | This aplication would not work well everyday. | |
| strong | He should be tired. He's been working all day long. | |
| strong enough | He may be too busy to help you right now. | |
| weak | Smoking can cause impotent. | |
| weak | If I have spare time, we could go to the movies. | |
| weak | They might have nothing to do at the moment, but I'm not sure. | |
| Obligation | strong | Everybody must wear a uniform at the ceremony. |
| weak (50%) | You should go to your grandmother's home. | |
| Permission | most polite | May I borrow your magazine? |
| polite | Could I use your pen? I don't see mine. | |
| impolite | Can I use your computer? | |
| Ability | Strong | She can answer all these questions. |
| weak | I could easily jump over the wall when i was younger. |
Edutafsi.com adalah blog tentang bahan belajar. Gunakan menu atau penelusuran untuk menemukan bahan belajar yang ingin dipelajari.
0 comments :
Post a Comment