My mom was an English teacher and I went through school when grammar was still taught, so I SHOULD know about modal verbs, but I didn't. Thank you for the lesson! My favourite example is "should". I use that one a lot, about nearly everything on my To Do list. I "should" switch to "will", and I "would" except I know it won't make any difference. It just occurred to me: does "won't" or any other modal verb that has "not" (or its contraction) added to it also qualify as a modal verb?
Yes, it's still the modal (because of what it does) but it's the negative form of one, I guess. I love modals - they do such great little jobs considering how small they are.
Great post! Would ‘I would do anything for love, but I might not do that’ have the same enigmatic appeal?
It does sound a little vague!!
Appreciated this useful, hilarious lesson - may/could/would need more practice!
My mom was an English teacher and I went through school when grammar was still taught, so I SHOULD know about modal verbs, but I didn't. Thank you for the lesson! My favourite example is "should". I use that one a lot, about nearly everything on my To Do list. I "should" switch to "will", and I "would" except I know it won't make any difference. It just occurred to me: does "won't" or any other modal verb that has "not" (or its contraction) added to it also qualify as a modal verb?
It would seem so, looking back at your post which uses that Rolling Stones' song :)
Yes, it's still the modal (because of what it does) but it's the negative form of one, I guess. I love modals - they do such great little jobs considering how small they are.
Thanks!
jenny_o