Modal Verbs. A model verb is an auxiliary verb that expresses ability, possibility, permission, or duty. However, Modal phrases are a mixture of auxiliary verbs and therefore the preposition thereto communicate equivalent concepts as modals. In English, modals and semi-modals are:
Modal verbs
Present and future: can/can’t Plus verb’s base form
Tom features a talent for writing poems.
Next week, I will be ready to assist you thereupon.
Lisa is unable to speak in French.
am / is / are / are going to be + ready to + base sort of the verb am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + ready to + base sort of the verb am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + ready to + base sort of the verb am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + ready to + base sort of the verb
John may be a gifted mathematician who can solve even the foremost difficult problems.
In around ten minutes, the support team are going to be ready to assist you.
Past: could / couldn’t + verb’s base form
I want to be ready to climb trees as a kid.
basic sort of the verb was/was ready to
wasn’t / wasn’t + ready to + verb’s base form
hasn’t / haven’t + been ready to + verb’s base form
Past: could / couldn’t + verb’s base form
He was unable to pay her a visit within the hospital.
She hasn’t been ready to contact the client as of yet.
Note which will and will don’t take an infinitive or the auxiliary will within the future.
Incorrect: This afternoon, I will be ready to assist you.
Correct: I will be ready to assist you this afternoon.
Correct: This afternoon, I shall be ready to assist you.
Can / can’t + root sort of the verb Possibility
At 10:46, you will be ready to board that train.
Right now, she can’t see you. She is currently undergoing surgery.
could + the verb’s base form
If I leave the day before, I’d be ready to travel via Amsterdam.
Can + Subject + base sort of the verb Can + Subject + base sort of the verb (informal)
Is it possible for you to lend me 5 dollars?
basic sort of the verb + can
Might, Mighty
Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition + basic sort of the verb may / might not
You may now begin your work.
Request for Politeness
May + subject + verb’s base form
Might, Mighty
Is it possible on my behalf to help you?
Possibility + may/might + verb’s root form
If the client agrees to the pricing, our company might receive the work.
may not / won’t + verb’s base form
That house might not be purchased by Adam and Sue. It’s quite costly.
They may not be ready to purchase a home in the least.
may also / might also + basic sort of the verb to form a suggestion
Should, Shouldn’t + subject + verb’s base form
Let’s choose a walk, shall we?
Shall is exclusively used with the pronouns I or we. Only informal English is used rather than will.
To Offer Help or Make a Polite Recommendation (When you’re unsure of a positive answer)
should + subject + verb’s base form
Should, Shouldn’t + subject + verb’s base form
Is it necessary on my behalf to consult a physician?
Should/shouldn’t + base sort of the verb + a prediction or expectation that something will happen
The proposal should be completed in a timely manner.
I should not be running late. The bus is usually on time.
should / need to + basic sort of the verb to offer advice