1) What are modal verbs?
- Common modal verbs are 'Can', 'Could', 'May', 'Might', 'Will', 'Would', 'Shall', 'Should' and 'Must'. They are used to express ability, request, permission, advice, etc.
Examples:
I can swim. (Ability)
Could I have some tea, please? (Request)
You should send an email. (Advice)
- Modal verbs have the same form for all subjects and they are followed by the infinitive without 'to'.
Examples:
I can swim.
My brother can swim.
They can swim.
2) 'Shall' and 'Shan’t'
- We use 'shall' to make offers and suggestions.
Examples:
Shall I help you with that? (Offer)
Shall we go to the cinema? (Suggestion)
- We also use 'shall' to ask for advice.
Example:
What shall we do this weekend? (Advice)
- We can also use 'shall' to talk about future.
Examples:
This time next week I shall be in Scotland. (Future)
We shall visit the museum next week. (Future)
3) 'Should' and 'Shouldn’t'
- We use 'should' and 'shouldn’t' to ask for or give advice.
Examples:
Should I call my mother? (Ask for advice)
You should send an email. (Give advice)
You shouldn’t go by train. (Give advice)
- We can also use 'should' and 'shouldn’t' to express expectation.
Examples:
She should be in the office by now. (Expectation)
Doing my homework shouldn’t take a lot of time. (Expectation)
4) Negative forms of 'shall' and 'should'
The negative form of 'shall' is 'shall not' (shan’t) and the negative form of 'should' is 'should not' (shouldn’t).
Examples:
(+) We shall visit Paris tomorrow.
(-) We shall not visit Paris tomorrow.
(+) You should send an email.
(-) You shouldn’t send an email.
5) Question forms of 'shall' and 'should'
We make questions by putting the subject after 'shall' and 'should'.
Examples:
(+) We shall go to the cinema.
(?) Shall we go to the cinema?
(+) You should send an email.
(?) Should you send an email?