Lecture 6 Modal Verbs Ling 140: English Grammar for Teachers Winter, 2014 Dr. Jan FrodesenModal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms Definition • Modal auxiliaries (can, may, shall, will, …) are different from other auxiliary verbs (be, have, do) as well as other ordinary verbs because they lack subject-verb agreement and tense: Modals do not inflect. • But what about … can vs. could will vs. would may vs. might shall vs. should Ø vs. must?Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms Definition • While modals verbs can be used to indicate tense shifting (in indirect speech), the so-called rules for tense-shifting are not always adhered to by English NS • Past-tense could and would don’t always work in past-time frames: *He could leave yesterday. (Nope!) • In fact, they often occur with reference to present time: Would/could you lend me a thousand dollars? • Other past-tense modals may refer to present and future time: That could be Judy at the door. You should see a doctor if you are still sick tomorrow. • Conversely, some so-called present-tense modals refer to past time: Jim may have been worked late last night.Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms Phrasal modals • Phrasal modals are not “true” modals: • They inflect • They require infinitive to before the lexical verb (sometimes these even contract: gotta, gonna, hafta) Modal Phrasal Modal Modal Phrasal modal can, could be able to will, shall be going to, be about to must have to, have got to should, ought to be to, be supposed to would (=past habit) used to may, might be allowed to, be permitted toModal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms Combination of modals and phrasal modals: What works, what doesn’t! • Modal + modal doesn’t work: *They may can come with us tonight. • Modal + phrasal modal works: He will have to improve his work. • Phrasal modal + modal doesn’t work: *He was supposed to must take care of the baby. • Phrasal modal + phrasal modal works: He ought to be to learn the modal meanings.Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms Phrasal modals vs. BE + adj + prep + gerund I am able to go there. [phrasal modal + verbinfinitive] I am used to going there [be + adj + prep + verbgerund]  typical (advanced) learner error: *I am used to go there How would you explain why this is an error to an English learner (advanced, with knowledge of grammar terms)?Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms The meaning of modals • Modals can express two major meanings: • An epistemic* meaning (expressing logical probability/speaker certainty) The sun may come out later this afternoon. I may take four courses during the summer session. • A deontic*meaning (expressing a use related to social interaction) You may leave the room. * You don’t have to know the terms epistemic and deontic . They are just FYI Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms The logical probability meaning of modals • A scalar concept: That must be David. (That will be David) That should be David. That may be David. That could/might be David. Must • Must is often used to express • Necessity: You must fill out the top of the form. • Conditions: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms The social interaction function of modals (Modals Part 2) • Making requests: Could you help me with this math problem? Can you help me with the math problem? May I leave now? Would you open the door? Will you open the door? • Note: the position of the negative not matters! Won’t you please get into the pool? Will you please not get into the pool? Couldn’t I please go to the party? Could I please not go to the party?Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms The social interaction function of modals • Giving advice/suggestions: You must get some rest. You should/ought to get some rest. You might/could try getting some rest. You (had) better/best not tell them the truth right now. You ought not (to) take so many courses. You shouldn’t take so many courses. You’re not supposed to make excuses. You don’t have/need to make excuses. • Advisability (1st person) I should make an appointment to see my T.A. I ought to finish my paper tonight.Modal auxiliaries and related phrasal forms Other meanings and uses of modals • Potential realization (can, be able to) • Ability: Patrick can play the violin. • Potentiality (inanimate subjects): This juicer is able to make a gallon of juice. • Desire (would like) We would like to make reservations for six. • Offer/invitation (would like) Would you like to sit on the patio? • Preference (would rather, would prefer) I would rather travel to South America than to