Ability, Admission and Advice
Basic Modals
Modals verbs modify principal verbs to express various degrees of modality such as necessity, permission, etc. . The most common modals are:
Can
Should
Can you provide me with directions on how to operate all the commercial equipment in the establishment?
To settle a debt you should contact us immediately.
Modal verbs remain in base form for all subjects.
Positive Form:
Subject + Modal + Verb + objects
Can you provide me with directions on how to operate all the commercial equipment in the establishment?
To settle a debt you should contact us immediately.
Negative Form:
Subject + Modal + Not + Verb + objects
When can we depreciate the value of our investment for tax credits?
You shouldn't just complete the task at your convenience.
Question Form:
Modal + Subject + Verb + objects
Can you provide a signature verification?
Should a bank loan be approved for an unemployed worker?
Can for Ability and Permission
'Can' is used to speak about abilities as well as asking for or giving permission.
Giving Advice with Should
Use 'Should' to ask for or give advice or suggestions.
Ought to, Had Better
'Ought to' and 'had better' express the same idea as 'should'. Although not as common as 'should' both these forms can be used in place of 'should'.
Example:
You ought to research your tax base.
He had better remember to check his income statement.
NOTE: 'had better' is a more urgent form.