MODALS AUXILIARIES

I.Definition

II.Function

1. Definition of Modal

Modal auxiliaries generally express speakers’attitutes or moods in describing necessary, advisable, permissible, possible, or probable.

Modal auxilieries in English are : can, could, had better, ought to, may, might, must, will, would, shall, should. 

II. Function of Modal auxiliaries

1. Expressing request

2.Expressing Necessity

Expressing Advisability

 Expressing request

1.1.Dengan I sebagi subject;

a.May

b.Could       I borrow your  car? Yes, certainly

c.Can                                               Of course

  sure (informal)

Request

1. 2. Dengan You sebagai subject;

a.Would

b.Will            you pass the salt, please?

c.Could

d.Can                  Yes, I’d be happy to

  Yes, I’d be glad to

  Certainly

  Sure ( informal )

Request

1. 3. 1.  Would you mind if I + V2 = asking permission

a. Would you mind if I turned the fan off ?

b.Would you mind if I sat beside you?

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1. 3. 2. would you mind + ving = asking s.o do st.

a.Would you mind closing the door?

b.Would you mind picking me up at 4?

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 Typical responses:

a.No. Not at all

b.No, of course not

c.No, that would be fine

      

2. Expressing Necessity;Must, Have to= Have got to

2. 1. Must = have

     All applicants have to take an entrance exam

                               must

2.2. Have to lebih umum digunakan daripada must yang terkesan lebih penting/ kuat

   I’m looking for Hana. I’ve to talk to her about our lunch date tomorrow.

   I must talk to her right away 

3. Expressing Advisability; should, ought  to , had better

3. 1. Should and ought to = express advisability

a.You should   study harder

     ought to

b.Drivers ought to obey the speed limit

                    should 

Advisabality

3.2. had better is stronger than should/ought to.

It implies a warning or threat of possible bad consequences.

e.g.

a.The gas tank is almost empty. We had better    stop at the next service station. Otherwise, our car stop because of run out petrol

b.The rainy season had come. You’d better upstairs your electronical equipment.

Modal perfect

a)Should have/ ought to have = expressing past advise;

Rama misses  the first flight; he should have arrived  earlier.

b) Must have = past conclusion

Rama misses  the first flight; he must have overslept

c) Could have = past capability3) Could have = past capability;

Winda could have got into my car, but she walked.

4)Might have = past possibility;

Wandira seems very tired, she might have worked over time yesterday.