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
He can determine quality criteria on site.
We should store the quantity on hand so we can fill the order when it arrives.
Modal verbs remain in base form for all subjects.
Positive Form:
Subject + Modal + Verb + objects
He can determine quality criteria on site.
We should store the quantity on hand so we can fill the order when it arrives.
Negative Form:
Subject + Modal + Not + Verb + objects
The technical sheet can't have been printed before the order confirmation.
Jason shouldn't inflate the quantity on order in the report.
Question Form:
Modal + Subject + Verb + objects
Can you accurately report on the quantity in transit?
Should we obtain a randomized sample?
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:
We ought to raise the reorder point.
We ought to be sure that the machines have received proper maintenance.
NOTE: 'had better' is a more urgent form.