Let's Talk Modals

Let's talk modals. This is an important lesson in learning to converse in the English language. Yes, modal verbs are very useful, and are followed by an action verb. Many native speakers do not think about modal verbs since their use is so routine, and common. The modal verbs are: will, may, can, shall, could, should, would, must, couldn't, shouldn't, mustn't, can't, won't. They are often followed by an action verb, but can sometimes stand alone. Here are some complete sentence examples with modal verbs and their followers: 

I could be there by 5:30 tomorrow morning. I should be there by 5:30 tomorrow morning. I must be there by 5:30 tomorrow morning. I will be there by 5:30 tomorrow morning. I can be there by 5:30 tomorrow morning. 

The strongest two sentences in this group are: I will be there.., and I must be there...  "I will" statements give a definite, unswerving statement that something will be done, without any question to uncertainty. If I say I will do something, then I must do it. It is an obligation. I could say it differently so it would not be an obligation or a certain fact. I could say: I might be there..., I could be there..., I should be there..., I would be there.... "I must" statements have the order of law in them. Something has to be done. Something must be done. The consequence if not done can be very bad. "I must work to pay the bills." If I don't work, I don't eat. "I must help my son with his school work." I am the parent and therefore have an need to help my child do good in his studies. I must help him so he will be successful. 

As a standalone verb, someone could ask: "Will you help Susan with the assignment?" "Will you take the trash to the recycling center?" Yes, I will. or Yes, I can. We can end a sentence with a modal verb in these examples. 

Once you master modality, using modal verbs becomes fun. It is fun to use modal verbs and also adds more to your linguistic repertoir. You can express yourself much better when you know how to use the modal verbs. English speakers always use modal verbs in conversation. Listen for these modal verbs when you are listening in on conversations, reading blogs, posts online, watching television, or listening to audio broadcasts.