Modal verbs may, might, could - bdmclass

 

Modal Verb may, might and could 

As we have already known that a modal verb is used in combination with another base verb to show or express various opinions. This article will guide you step by step how to use these three modal verbs which are may, might and could grammatically accurate in speaking and writing. 

Future possibility 

May, might and could are basically used to talk about future possibilities that the speakers are not sure but somehow possible. Let’s see the following examples. 

 [ Sub + may, might, could + base verb. ]

• I may join your trip next week but I cannot promise because I’m not sure yet. 
• He might be free at the moment you can contact him. 
• Please wait a few more minutes, the bus could arrive soon.

Note 

Cambridge.org has put it this way regarding the uses of these three modal verbs: 

May = likely 

She may get very mad if you leave without telling her. (She is likely to get mad.) 

Could = less likely 

Even it is not really cloudy but I think it could rain cats and dogs. (It is less like that it rains cats and dogs. 

Might = there is only one possibility but the speaker is not sure.

The garage might close by the time we arrive. (There is one possibility of closing but the speaker is just not sure.) 

Can 

Can is frequently used to talk about something that is possible or very likely. 

[ Sub + can + base verb.]

• It can be very hot in Cambodia during the dry season. (It is normally hot if Cambodia during this season.) 
• It can be very dangerous to do any sort of stunt without having a proper training from a professional. (People usually get into trouble doing that themselves.) 

Past Prediction 

Modal verbs may, might and could can also be used to make a prediction about the past when they are combined with have/has and past participle. 

[ Sub + may, might, could + have + past participle. ] 

• I have been waiting for them for 2 hours. They are still not hear yet. They may have lost their way. 
• This area is very wet. It could have rained a lot here. 
• Most of the students are very late. They might have been stuck in the traffic.
• He looks exhausted now. He could have worked very hard.

Express internal rules, obligations or necessities. 

[Sub + must + base verb.]

• I must do exercise 1 hour every day.
• I must get up early every morning. 
• You must do your homework. 
• We finish our work by today.
• I must do whatever I can to achieve my dream.

Express strong personal

[Sub + must + base verb.]

advice, command, warning, commitment.

• You must stop smoking. ( advice)
• You must shut up now. ( warning) 
• You must do it now. ( command)
• I must make it happen. ( commitment) 

Express prohibitions

[Sub + must not + base verb.]

• Passengers must not smoke on the plane.
• Visitors must not touch the paintings.
• You must not walk on the grass.

Express prohibitions

[Sub + must not + base verb.]

• Passengers must not smoke on the plane.
• Visitors must not touch the paintings.
• You must not walk on the grass.

Express external obligations/rules

[Sub + has/have to + base verb.]

• I have to  wear a tie at work.
• Students have to do homework regularly.
• I have to do chores on the weekend. 
• We have to stop when the traffic light is red.

Express no obligations or responsibilities.

[Sub + don’t/ doesn’t have to + base verb. ]

• We don’t have to wear uniforms on Saturday.
• You don’t to have to finish it today.
• You don’t have to take of your shoes here. 

Informal English

[Sub + has/have got to + base verb.]

• I’ve got to do homework almost every day.
• We’ve got to do our presentation tomorrow.
• She’s got to cook breakfast for her family every morning. 

Note

• Must : can only be used to talk about present and future  obligations.
• Have to : can only be used to talk about past, present and future  obligations.

Should

Should is generally used to advice someone to do something since it is a good idea.

[ Sub + should + base verb.]

• People should grow more trees so the air will be more clean.
• Me should drink water at least 3 liters per day.
• Women should drink at least 2.5 liters a day.
• We should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

Should not = shouldn't

Should not is used when we advise someone not to do something because it is not a good idea or opinion to do.

[ Sub + should not+ base verb.]

• Children shouldn't use a smartphone too much.
• People shouldn't throw trash on the streets.
• People shouldn't cut down more and more trees.
• You shouldn't go to bed very late at night very often.

Asking for an advice

[Should + sub + base verb........?]

• Should I keep on doing it?
• Should we go now?
• Should people grow more trees?
• What should I do if I feel very bored?
• What should we do if an earthquake occurs? 

Must : Certainty and conclusion

[Sub + must + base verb.]

Must can also be used to express what the speaker is certain about something or makes a conclusion based on facts. 

• Theara usually falls asleep during the lesson. He must stay up late every night. 
• The movie starts at 5 pm and we just leave home. We must be late for the movie.
• It has been very cloudy for a few days. There must be a storm somewhere.
• Someone is knocking on the door very loudly. It must be my little brother.
• She always gets good grade for her exam. She must be always be hardworking and home and school.

Facts

1. Theara usually falls asleep during the lesson. 
2. The movie starts at 5 pm and we just leave home. 
3. It has been very cloudy for a few days. 
4. Someone is knocking on the door very loudly. 
5. She always gets good grade for her exam.  

Conclusions

1. He must stay up late every night. 
2. We must be late for the movie.
3. There must be a storm somewhere.
4. It must be my little brother.
5. She must be always be hardworking and home and school.