Will, would, should, shall, ought to, had better (modal verbs 2)

How do we use modals? 

It is always followed by a base form of a verb. 

There are no “s” in the singular. 

There is no “do/does” in the question. 

There are no “don’t/doesn’t” in the negatives. 

Do not have infinities or gerund forms. 

TYPES OF MODAL VERBS

WILL

CONCEPT

Future

Susan will travel to Israel next year. 

I will take some English classes next week. 

WOULD

CONCEPT

Past (used to)

When I was in middle school, I would play basketball. 

When I was young, I would help my father on the farm. 

Present unreal

I would buy a new phone but I can’t afford it. 

If I were you, I would buy it.

Offers

Would you like some tea?

Would you like some oranges?

SHOULD

CONCEPT

Recommendation

You should see a dentist. 

You should sleep at 8 pm for you to wake up earlier. 

SHALL

CONCEPT

Educated expression

Excuse me, I shall go now. 

Shall we start the class now? 

Offer

Shall I close the door? 

Shall I bring this to the office?

Contractual obligation

The Company shall pay the employees more on December 25th. 

The workers shall be given an hour of break time. 

OUGHT TO

CONCEPT

Formal Recommendation

Everyone must follow traffic rules. 

She didn’t eat lunch. She must be full.

HAD BETTER

CONCEPT

Warning

You had better listen to me or you will miss important information. 

I had better study more or I will fail the course.