II. SOCIAL FUNCTION OF MODALS: MODALS FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT

5. Phrasal Modals: An Introduction

So far, we have used only simple single-word modals that come before the base form of a verb. However, there are also phrasal modals, which use compounded words, including additional auxiliary verbs or other words. Modals are actually auxiliary verbs; however, other auxiliary verbs can be added to the modal to make a phrasal modal. Other forms of verbs besides the base form of the verb are also used in phrasal modals.

5.1 Comparing Simple Modals and Phrasal Modals: Introduction

5.1.1 Simple Modals and Verb Tenses

So far, we have looked at Simple Modals (meaning just the modal + base form verb) that are used for the present. However, there are also Simple Modals that are, by definition, a past modal or a future modal.

• 'Can' has a past modal, 'could', that means the same thing. However, 'could' is its own separate word—it is not the past form of 'can'. It has the meaning of 'able to do' something.
  Example: When he was young, he could run a marathon, but now he can only manage five kilometers.
• 'Would' is used for a repeated action in the past.
  Example: When he was young, he would run 10 kilometers every day.

Simple modals don't have a different verb tense form for past, present and future. Instead, the phrasal modal is itself a past, present, or future modal. Here, the verb tense is expressed through the modal, which we choose, and the context, which usually includes a time word. The important thing to remember with simple modals is that the written form of the verb doesn't change when you use a past or future modal. Instead, you just use a different modal with the base form of the verb. The base form of the verb does not change.

Note: Some language experts say that there is actually no future tense in English. Instead, the future modals 'will' and 'going to' are used. Note the examples above. The modals are often used with time words (such as 'tomorrow' and 'yesterday'), so the context puts it in the future.

5.1.2 Phrasal Modals

Phrasal modals have some of the same functions as simple modals, but they have additional nuances (slight additions or changes to meaning). Unlike simple modals, most phrasal modals have a descriptive function rather than a social function.

• Like simple modals, the past or future tense of the phrasal modal depends on the modal we choose, the meaning that is being expressed, and also by its context. However, unlike simple modals, phrasal modals can include forms that are normally used with verbs (such as progressive and perfect forms). These are mostly used with modals that have a descriptive function rather than a social function.
• Phrasal modals that use 'to' or 'had better' are usually more flexible and express different nuances of social obligation than the simple modal 'must'. For example, 'must' has a fairly straightforward (simple) meaning of not having a choice. 'Had better' also means that we don't have a choice, but also that there will be a negative effect if we do or don't do something.
• In addition, there is flexibility of function. 'Had better' can be used as a social obligation or, on the other hand, as a practical necessity.
• Like simple modals, different levels of intensity are expressed by using different modals. For example, 'ought to' is fairly weak, while 'need to' implies that there is no choice.

Both simple modals and phrasal modals have different social functions, though phrasal modals tend to deal with intensity and nuance of meaning.