Basic Modals

Modal auxiliary verbs are used to moderate the main verb, that is to enhance or restrict the verb to a certain context.

The most common modal auxiliaries in English are:

Notice the usage of modals in the following sentences:

Modals are followed by only the base form of the verb and are not used alone unless there is a clear connection to a main verb.

There are many ways to make requests in English. The most common involves using the imperative and modals. See the examples below:

Using the Imperative

The imperative is the simple form of the verb. The
subject of an imperative sentence is understood as “you” although it is usually not spoken.

The imperative is often used by persons of authority when speaking to subordinates, e.g. parent to child.

Using Modals

To show respect and politeness, most people use modal expressions when making requests. For example:

Common Problems with Modals

1. Using “to” unnecessarily:

2. Using anything but the base form after a modal:

3. Using double modals:

4. Omitting “be” in certain modal expressions:

5. Using wrong word order in questions:

Grammar : Common Modal Usage

Vocabulary : Simple Modals

Modal Verb Introduction (from Englishpage.com)

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