The Importance of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs or modals are auxiliary verbs that indicate modality. Modals help send a clearer message in expressing different intentions. These “intentions” include but are not limited to obligation, prohibition, permission, ability, and suggestions. Modals, as an auxiliary verb, emphasize the meaning of the main verb that it governs. Unlike most other verbs, modals cannot stand alone, they have to be used as a supplement to support the main verb. Semi-modals (modal phrases) have the same purpose as modal verbs, the only difference is that it is composed of auxiliary verbs and the preposition ‘to’.

In expressing permission, the modals can, may, and could may be used. These modals are used when requesting the authority or consent of someone before acting. Modals can also be used for expressing prohibition, where the following may be used: can’t, must not. Prohibition is basically the opposite of giving permission, it is when an authority tells that an action mustn't be performed or done. Then we have the obligation modals, which express commitment or duty towards a particular action, these include has to/have to, must.

Aside from the aforementioned purposes of modals, they can also be used for expressing the lack of obligation. The modals don’t have to/doesn’t have to should be used for this purpose. These modals, when used, tells that an action or task may be done, but is not necessary. Many other modals exist aside from the ones above, from expressing a possibility (ex: may, might) to giving advice (ex: should). These modals may seem to have a wide variety of functions and types but in the end, it has a single major purpose, to give a clearer message about the function of the main verb.