 Basic Modals in English This video is brought to you by the following websites. Basic Modals in English This video deals with what we call modals. It is a general overview of the basic ones. In our other videos, we go into more detail on the meanings of these words and how to use them. This is only the beginning. There is more to come. Basic Modals Modals are common words that go together with main verbs to slightly change the tone or to express such things as possibility, necessity, permission, or seriousness. For example, I do it every day. This is a simple statement of fact. I can do it now. That means there's a possibility or I have the ability to do it right now. One Word Modals Let's start with the most common, one word modals in English. They are can, may, might, must, could, should, will, and would. Notice the usage of modals in the following sentences. He will finish his work later. This indicates the future time. He has an intention of finishing it later. He can finish his work later. This means he has an ability or perhaps permission to do it later. He might finish his work later. This indicates possibility. Maybe he'll do it later. He should finish his work later. This indicates obligation. He must finish his work later. This indicates a very strong obligation on his part. Using Modals Correctly We'll talk about the various meanings of modals in another video. For now, let's talk about how to use them correctly. Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb, nothing else. Modal plus base form only. For example, she will go home at 9 o'clock, or she will be home at 9 o'clock. Common Mistakes with Modals The most common mistakes in using modals are following them with something other than the base form of the verb. Incorrect. I can too run. Correct. I can run. She could eat. Correct. She could eat. Incorrect. He should going. Correct. He should go. Another problem is using modals in the wrong position in questions. Modals come in the auxiliary position before the subject in questions. For example, incorrect. How I can help you? Correct. How can I help you? Incorrect. Where we should eat? Correct. Where should we eat? Incorrect. You will be there? Correct. Will you be there? Multiword Modals In addition, there are some modals that consist of more than one word. The grammar for their usage is the same. Follow them with the base form only. Some examples are had better, be going to, have to, have got to. For example, I have to go now. Note that to is part of the modal expression. I had better go now. To is not a part of this expression. We do not say I had better to go now. Correct. The modals in the following sentences. You can pause the video if you need more time. Here are the answers. Number 1. Ray could hear the music well. Number 2. He should come home on time. 3. Where can I find the subway station? 4. I have to go now. 5. Jason might leave soon. 6. Grace will help you later. 7. I must get my driver's license. 8. Dan had better write his essay. 9. I may work next Wednesday. We can also say I may be working next Wednesday. For more information about modals, try some of our other videos and web pages. See the links in the description below. Model Modals, Common Model Usage, Modals Chart, Past Modals. Thanks for watching. You can learn more from the following websites.