Page 153 - English Grammar - IX-X

Function Modal Use Example
should to give advice or a suggestion • You should tell the truth.
advice, ought to to convey a sense of moral duty or • We ought to obey our
suggestion, suggesting the right way to do parents.
obligation something (it is a little stronger than • We ought to protect our
should) national monuments.

will to make a request • Will you close that
window, please?
would to make a request more polite than • Would you speak a bit
will slowly?
request
can to make an informal request • Can we meet tomorrow?
could to make a polite request when • Father, could you buy me
it is uncertain whether it will be a pet dog, please?
accepted or not

must not to indicate that something should • Students must not leave
not be done because it is a rule their classrooms without the
prohibition permission of the teacher.
ought not to indicate that something should • You ought not to make fun
to not be done because it is a duty of others.
will to suggest a promise or intention • I will stand by you through
thick and thin.
promise
shall • The farmers shall get their
dues by the end of this week.
must to express an internal compulsion • I must work hard to
(authority comes from the speaker) improve my performance.
have to to suggest an external compulsion • My grandmother is not
(authority comes from outside the well. I have to take her
speaker) to the doctor.
compulsion/ have got to to suggest an external compulsion • We have got to finish the
necessity (authority comes from outside the packing by evening.
speaker, but it is more informal)
had to as the past form of must • I had to pay the penalty for
breaking the antique vase.

will have to as the future form of must • I will have to stay back
in the office today to
complete this work.

wish may to express a wish • May all your dreams come
true!
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