Modals Flashcards
Are ? verbs (helping verbs); cannot be used as main verbs and, therefore, are used in verb phrases along with a main verb
auxiliary
Used to state ? concepts like possibility, permission, prohibition, and obligation
nonfactual
Used to ask and express permission
Used more often in everyday language
Most direct and informal of the modals of permission
Can
Commonly used when asking for permission and not for expressing it
More formal than the modal “can,” but also more tentative and less certain when used to ask permission
Could:
Used to ask and express permission
More formal than the modals “can” and “could” as it is typically used in formal, polite language Used with older people, strangers, or someone of higher authority
May
Used to express a firm obligation
Most commonly used in informal conversation
Have to
Like the modal “have to,” “must” is also used to express a firm obligation.
Generally used in more formal language
Must
Is generally used to express a recommendation, an advice, or a moral obligation
Can be used in both informal and formal language
Should
Like the modal “should,” “ought to” is also used to express a recommendation, an advice, or a moral obligation.
Generally used in more formal language
Ought to
Is generally used to suggest or recommend that someone refrain from doing something
Can be used in both informal and formal language
Shouldnt
Most common and informal way of prohibiting something
Cant
Formal way of prohibiting something
Nay not
Strongest way to prohibit something Generally used in more formal language
Musnt
