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Definition
A modal is an auxiliary verb that
functions with a main verb and carries a
special meaning or function.
Modals are used with the short infinitive of
the verb (Present Infinitive, Perfect
Infinitive, Progressive Infinitive).
Talking about
the present or future
a. To express ability (physical
and mental):
Use can; the negative The USS Enterprise (Big
of can is cannot E), the first nuclear-
powered aircraft carrier in
(can’t).
the world, can travel at
speeds over 60 km/h.
The new recruits cannot
march well in formation,
but will quickly learn.
b. To ask for and give
permission:
Could, can and may are Could I use the phone?
used. May is usually used Pvt Gregory: May I take
in formal situations; can leave on Friday, sir?
is informal. Capt David: No, you may
Could is the most not.
recommended form.
May not is more
emphatic than cannot.
c. To make polite requests:
Would, could, and will when used with
"you" are all used. All have about the
same meaning, except for could, which
carries a slight meaning of possibility. (Do
you want to do this? Is it possible for you
to do this?) Please is often used.
Examples of polite requests:
Maj Thompson: Sergeant, could you get
Captain Adams on the line?
Sgt Mattis: Yes, sir. I will do it right now.
Would you please remind the major that
the briefing on the mission training plan
(MTP) will be held at 1400?
d. To express possibility (maybe,
perhaps):
Use may and might. A lieutenant does not have free
access to his brigade
May expresses more commander; a proper chain of
certainty than might. command may give him a
better perspective of his
responsibilities.
Some of these products may
currently be under
development.
The system increases the
ability of the Alliance to
prepare for, and respond to,
the full range of crises that the
Alliance might be required to
face.
e. To give advice, make
recommendations, or remind someone of
something important:
Use should, ought Ex. FPGs should
to, and had better. guide a planner in
For questions and drafting the annex to
negatives, we usually an operational plan
use should or had for a specific
better. functional area.
Hadn’t you better
complete the report
today?
e. To give advice, make
recommendations, or remind someone of
something important: