Must, shall, should, will, would
Modals
(Must, shall, should, will, would)
1. In a statement, we use must, shall, should, will, would in this way:
Subject + must, shall, should, will, would + base form of main verb / the verb ‘to be’
Example:
John will resume work tomorrow.
We must be there at 8.00 sharp.
2. In a question, we use can, could, may or might at the beginning in this way:
Must, shall, should, will, would + Subject + base form of main verb / the verb ‘to be’
Example:
Shall we have lunch at the new café?
Would Margaret be at home now?
Remember:
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Must is usually used to indicate that something is a rule or is necessary.
Example:
You must get a license in order to drive a car.
I must get some petrol for my car.
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Must is also used to indicate that something is sure to be true.
Example:
That girl must be Joey’s identical twin.
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Must is used in a question that ask if something is necessary.
Example:
Must we pack so many items for the trip?
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Shall and will are usually used to indicate the strong possibility of an action or event taking place in the future. But shall is only used with the pronoun I and we.
Example:
I / We / You / He /She / It / They will sleep soundly tonight.
I / We shall be there punctually tomorrow.
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Shall is usually used with I and we in questions to make suggestions.
Example:
Shall we start a school band?
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Should is usually used to indicate that something will possibly take place.
Example:
The train should be here in 15 minutes.
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Should is also used to indicate that something is considered the right thing to do.
Example:
We should be friendly to everyone.
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Should is usually used in questions that ask for advice.
Example:
Should I put on the black tie or the blue one?
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Will and would is usually used in questions to make request for help.
Example:
Will / would you tell him that I called?
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Would followed by you like is also used to make an offer.
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