The functions of modal forms independently of their context of use

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This document aims at describing and understanding the functions of modal forms independently of their context of use.

Extraits

[...] Suggestion: "Can we go to the restaurant this weekend? / Could we go to the restaurant this weekend? (polite suggestion) / May I help you (polite suggestion) / Shall I open the door for you?" Same modals (can, could and may) could be used for a suggestion. Advice: "You must see the new TV show on CBC / You ought to swim carefully in the sea / You should swim carefully in the sea" In order to give advices, the verbs (must, ought to and should) would be used. [...]

[...] Is it possible to describe and understand the function(s) of modal forms independently of their context of use? In English grammar, there are several modal verbs (can, could, may, might, will, would, should to, must and shall). These modals are generally used to express functions like permission, ability, obligation, lack of necessity, advice, possibility or probability. Each one of modal verbs expresses multiple functions: Can: ability, permission, possibility, request, offer and suggestion. Could: ability in the past, polite permission, polite request, polite suggestion and possibility. [...]

[...] That is why the writer chose may instead of can. Example "It may have helped a bit, at least for online orders, to have allowed reporters an early peek two hours before the public entered." For this example, may is use for a polite suggestion. Example "If you suspect your child may have a problem" Since we have "suspect" so the telling here is not exact, but it is a weak possibility, so may was the one used here. Example "This finding paired with a high intraclass correlation indicates that ELL students may have fewer opportunities to participate in music ensembles within the schools they attend." Here we have a fact (the finding correlation) that expresses a possibility (which is not known or strong), that explains the use of the modal may. [...]

[...] Will: wish/request, prediction, promise and habits. Would: polite wish/request, habits in the past. Should: advice and obligation. Must: necessity, possibility and advice/recommendation. Must not: strong prohibition. Shall: suggestion. Need not: not necessary. Ought to: advice and obligation. [...]

[...] As we can see, it is possible to describe functions of modal forms because they are well known. But, since each modal has many functions and some of the modals has the same functions, it is necessary to see the context of their use in order to perfectly understand the meaning and the choice of the modal. To understand the importance of contexts, we are going to study the case of some examples of functions: Ability to do something: can speak French (in the present) / I could speak French (in the past)" Both can and could here refer to the ability to speak French Permission to do something: "Can I watch TV? [...]