Modal Auxiliary

Modal Auxiliary

          Modal (modality) is a form of word that helps verbs. Modal must be juxtaposed with verbs. Therefore, modal is also often called a substitute verb.
Modal Auxiliary includes:
a. Present tense:
Can, may, will, shall, must, need, ought to, dare.
b. Past tense:
Could, might, should
          Formula of Modal Auxiliary:
(+) s + modal + v1 + (o)
(-) s + modal + not + v1 + (o)
(?) modal + s + v1 + (o) + ?

          Formula of Modal Auxiliary (Passive) :
s + modal + be + past particle + (by Agent)
Example :
Tony Will give Anna a gift tonight (Active Voice (Modals))
Anna Will be given a gift by Tony (Passive Voice (Modals))

           Rules for using modal auxiliary:
a. Verbs should not be added to -s / es, if there is a modal auxiliary.
Example :
- He can makes a fruit cake. (False)
- He can make a fruit cake. (True)
- Katty must goes to her office right now. (False)
- Katty must go to her office right now. (True)

b. Between modal auxiliary words and verbs cannot be associated with "to".
Example :
- They can to take this paper to that room. (False)
- They can take this paper to that room. (True)

c. If the modal auxiliary of the past form, the verb used must be the first form of the verb (infinitive).
Example :
- They could sang at the karaoke until midnight. (False)
- They could sing at the karaoke until midnight. (True)

d. Interrogative sentence is formed by placing modal auxiliary in front of the sentence.
Example:
- Can your father speak English well?
- Could you contact him last night?

e. Negative sentence is formed by adding 'not' after modal auxiliary
          Would, must, can, need, can, should, with notes are often written in the form of contraction forms, namely, shouldn’t, can’t, couldn’t, mustn’t, wouldn’t and needn't.

          Will and would usually be abbreviated as ‘ll and ‘d.
Example : She’ll call him back after dinner.

          If shall not and will not be written in short form, they will be "shan't" and "won’t".
Example :
Mother won’t give the money unless you beg her to give you some money
Mother shan’t give the money unless you beg her to give you some money.

          If "can" and "not" are not written in short form (contraction form), “can” not be used as one word, namely cannot.

          To form a question taq, modal auxiliary is placed behind the sentence.
Example :
Jessica can study the math, can’t she?
You could see him last night, couldn’t you?



          Types of Modal Auxiliary:
a. Can / Could
The word can / could has several functions that are different in their use in each sentence. Some function to express ability, declare possibilities, state permits, or declare requests in a polite manner.
Function of Can/Could:
- Express Ability
Ex : She can write very well.
- Declare Possibilities
Ex : It Could be wrong.
- Declare Licensing
Ex : You can borrow my car tomorrow night.
Note: In terms of politeness, the word could be more refined and polite than the can.

b. May / Might
The word may / might has several different functions in its use in each sentence. Some function to declare possibilities below 80% and to declare licenses.
- Declare Possibilities (>80%)
Ex : Angga does not come to the office today, he may be sick.
- Declare Licensing
Ex : You might meet you famili

c. Must / Had to
The word must / had to has several functions that are different in their use in each sentence. There is a function to express the necessity and to declare certainty.

- Declare Necessity
Ex : You muat do it now!
- Declare Certainty
Ex : She hurt your finger with knife, itu mustahil be pain.

d. Shall
The word shall has several different functions in its use in each sentence. Kata shall generally be used only on pronoun "I & We". Shall is used to express a plan and to state suggestions in a question sentence.
- Declare Plan
Ex : We shall return this poster next month.
- Express Suggestions
Ex : Itu is too dirty here, shall I broom the floor?

e. Should
Should often be used to express suggestions. Should be different from must, because it should not require someone to carry out the advice given.
Ex : You look so pale, you should go to the doctor.

f. Will
The word will has several functions that are different in its use in each sentence. There is a function to declare the plan, express willpower, and state estimates.
- Declare Plan
Ex : Joe Will go to Bali next week.
- Express Willpower
Ex : I will help you
- State Estimates
Ex : If it is hot this afternoon, I will not come to your house.

g. Would
The word would have several functions that are different in their use in each sentence. Some function to express past plans (Past) and to express requests politely.
- Express Plan (Past)
Ex : I would go to Malaysia last month, but I didn't have enough money.
- Express Request (Politely)
Ex : Would you please show your driving lisence?

h. Ought to
The word ought to is generally used to express suggestions. But the advice given is not so strong or compelling.
Ex : You ought to sleep early tonight.