Language Use:
ESL Guide to Modal Verbs Will
Why is the modal verb Will used?
Where in a sentence is a modal verb commonly placed?
What are examples of the modal Will in statements?
What are examples of the modal Will in negative statements?
What are examples of the modal Will in questions?
What is the difference between Will and Am Going To when expressing the future?
What is a modal verb?
A modal verb is an auxiliary (helping) verb that expresses a particular quality of a verb. Modal verbs are used with the infinitive (base form) of a main verb to modify its meaning.
MODALS INCLUDE WORDS LIKE:
Can, Could, May, Might, Must Shall, Should, Will, Would and Have To.
Why is the modal verb Will used?
Will is used to express promises, voluntary actions, and predictions about the future. Will is very commonly used to express actions that are quickly decided (rapid decisions).
Where in a sentence is a modal verb commonly placed?
- Statement: subject + modal + base verb
- Negative Statement: subject + modal + “not” + base form
- Question: modal + subject + base verb
What are examples of the modal Will in statements?
- Statement: subject + will + base verb
- I water the plants.
- The leaves change color.
- Erin trims the bushes.
- Paul grows roses and tulips.
- The kids rake the leaves at night.
- I will water the plants later.
- The leaves will change color in October.
- She will trim the bushes tonight.
- He‘ll grow sunflowers next year.
- The kids will rake the leaves tonight.
subject + modal + base verb
No “S” for 3rd Person Singular
CONTRACTIONS:
I will = I’ll
he will = he’ll
she will = she’ll
you will = you’ll
we will = we’ll
they will = they’ll
What are examples of the modal Will in negative statements?
- Negative Statement: subject + will + “not” + base form
- I will not water the plants.
- The leaves will not change color in July.
- Erin will not trim the bushes.
- Paul will not grow roses next year.
- The kids will not rake the leaves in the morning.
(contraction)
- I won’t water the plants.
- The leaves won’t change color in July.
- Erin won’t trim the bushes.
- Paul won’t grow roses next year.
- The kids won’t rake the leaves in the morning.
NEGATIVE STATEMENTS
WITH WILL
subject + modal + “not” + base form main verb
NEGATIVE CONTRACTION
WITH WILL
will not = won’t
What are examples of the modal Will in questions?
- Question: will + subject + base verb
Question – Auxiliary Do/Does
- Do I water the plants?
- Do the leaves change color?
- Does Erin trims the bushes?
- Does Paul grows roses and tulips?
- Doe the kids rake the leaves at night?
Question – Modal Will
- Will I water the plants?
- Will the leaves change color?
- Will Erin trim the bushes?
- Will Paul grow roses and tulips?
- Will the kids rake the leaves at night?
QUESTIONS WITH MODALS
The subject of the sentence is placed between the modal and base form of the main verb.
modal + subject + base verb
QUESTIONS WITH MODALS
When we ask as a question with the modal WILL we are asking about a future event.
What is the difference between Will and Am Going To when expressing the future?
The modal Will and the present progressive form Am Going To can both be used to express predictions. Will is commonly used to express rapid decisions and intention. Am going to is commonly used to express previously made plans.
- I will water these plants.
- I‘ll buy the two small bushes.
- She will wash the cars for you.
- He‘ll visit his brother later.
- The kids will help you with the boxes.
- I am going to water these plants.
- I am going to buy the two small bushes.
- She is going to wash the cars for you.
- He is going to visit his brother later.
- The kids are going to help you with the boxes.
RAPID DECISION
Q: Are you going to buy anything?
A: I don’t know. Maybe I will buy these flowers.
PREVIOUSLY MADE PLANS
Q: Are you going to buy anything?
A: Yes, I am going to buy these flowers. I came to buy them.
