Modal expression usages

1. MODALS Expression
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A. Modal
The modal of English is a small class of auxiliary verbs used mostly to express
modality to show an expression. All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called
modals. An auxiliary is a verb used to form the tenses, moods, voices, and expression. In this
section, we are going to discuss about modal expression.
1. Modal Permission
May, Might, Can, Could are used to express permission. In spoken English can often
replace may.
It means “be permitted/allowed to
Example:
o You may/can go now.
(You are allowed to go now)
o May/Can I borrow your bicycle? (Present)
o Could you pass me the saly? (Polite request)
o He said I might go (Past)
In very formal English, May is used to express a wish as,
o May you live happy and long!
o May success attend you!
o May you have a wonderful day!
2. Modal Possibility
a) May, Might, Can, Could are used to express possibility in affirmative sentences.
o It cannot be true.
o I thought he might be at home.
o She wondered whether it could be true.
o I can/could attend the party.
May/Might + infinitive
Can/Could + infinitive

2. Dialogue 1. A Visit to London
A : What do you think I ought to see in London first?
B : Well, historical places, I think. You should go to Westminster Abbey, and if you can,
go to the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery.
A : And what about the British Museum? I was told one ought to see it.
B : I suppose you must go there. There you can find masterpieces of the world’s best
artists.
A : How can I get to the centre?
B : I think you can go by steamer down the Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
That’s a very pleasant way to travel, and you can see London bridges and quite a number of
buildings on the way.
3. Expression Prediction and Willingness and Request.
Prediction:
o This will be the book you want, I suppose.
o That will the postmant, I think.
Willingness:
o Will you? (Indicates an invitation or a request)
o Will you have tea?
o Will you lend me your scooter?
Request:
o Can is used in corresponding interrogative and negative sentences.
o He may be at home?
o Can this be true?
To express prediction and willingness is also used to express future activity by using:
Be go ing to is to express and activity and plan already in thought or motions, or
intentions related to the present time frame (current reality). “This is about to happen”
E.g. I’m not going to believe what just happened
We’re going to discuss about our problem
Will is to express an activity we think, guess, know or predict will happen at the time
later than current time frame
E.g. I won’t believe what happened
Randy will get back together with her girlfriend.
Sadya will come with her best friend to Andhika’s birthday party
4. Certainty and Uncertainty
Certainty is the state of being completely confident or having no doubt about something.
However, uncertainty is when nothing is ever decided or sure. Expressing certainty when you
are sure that something will or will not happen in the future, use these expressions.
For example to the question:
"Will you pass the exam?"
you may respond as follows:

3. Yes
I’m
absolutely sure
sure
certain
positive
he will
definitely
certainly
of course
or
No,
I’m
absolutely
certain
sure
positive
he will
definitely not
certainly not
of course not
5. Expressing uncertainty
When you are not sure whether something or someone will or will not happen, use
the following expressions. For example, to the question:
"Will you you join English class tomorrow?"
you may respond as follows:
Well
It’s impossible
It’s possible
It could happen
It might be
You never know of course
I can’t tell you for sure
No one can know for certain
6. Expression and Responding Doubt
Doubt:
 Sorry, I’m not sure about it.
 I’m not really sure that he told the truth.
 I’m not really sure about it.
 I’m not too sure about the news.
Responses to expressions of doubt:
 I think you don’t need to be worried about it.
 Everything will be fine.
 It’s all going to be okay.
 Don’t be worried too much. Next time better.
Example:
Mr. Juliansyah : Can you do this exercise?
Bagas : I’m not sure?
Mr. Juliansyah : Come on. Sure you can.