This document provides an introduction to modals. It discusses true modals such as may, might, can, could, should, had better, and must. These modals never take an infinitive, can't be conjugated except for can, and have multiple meanings depending on context. The document also discusses modal alternatives that can be conjugated, and how the present perfect can indicate the past with some modals.

1. INTRODUCTION TO MODALS
Peter Mangiaracina
Peter Mangiaracina

2. DISCLAIMER
This is a quick introduction to the strange world of modals. I will go into
them more in-depth in class.
Peter Mangiaracina

3. TRUE MODALS
We will deal here with the following modals, which I refer to as “true”
modals:
★ May
★ Might
★ Can
★ Could
★ Should
★ Had Better
★ Must
Peter Mangiaracina

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE MODALS
Never take infinitive after them (take the root form of the verb).
Can’t be conjugated (except ¨can¨(could in past)).
Have alternatives that can be conjugated.
Have several different meanings within different contexts.
Frequently have unique negative meanings.
Peter Mangiaracina

5. DIFFERENT MEANINGS IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS
Possibility (may, might, could), Impossible (couldn’t)
Permission (may, can, could)
Ability (can), Inability (cannot or can’t)
Probability (should)
Advice, (should) Strong advice (had better)
Expectation (should)
Conclusion (must)
Obligation (must)
Prohibition (mustn’t)
Peter Mangiaracina

6. MODAL ALTERNATIVES
Modals cannot be conjugated for the past or future (except “can”).
Modal alternatives can be conjugated.
Modal Alternative
Can to be able to
Should to be supposed to
Must have to
Peter Mangiaracina

7. MODALS IN THE PAST
Modals do not have a past form, but in some cases the present perfect
can be used to indicate the past of a modal.
I had time and money, but I didn’t go to the store.
- I could have gone to the store. (a possibility I didn’t take advantage of)
Tom didn’t go to the meeting yesterday.
- He must have forgotten. (a conclusion in the past)
Peter Mangiaracina