ASL 122
Seattle Central Community College

UNIT 6 SENTENCES INCORPORATING MODALS  

Modals are auxiliary (helping) verbs that are used to provide additional information (attitude)  about the verb used in a sentence.  They modulate the meaning/mood/feeling of the verb.  Modals can occur in one of three locations in a sentence:
 

1. Directly before the verb sign
2. At the end of the sentence before the copy-subject pronoun 
3. Directly before the verb AND  before the copy-subject pronoun


English sentence:  "I must buy a book".

Note:  The above English sentence is demonstrated for all 3 modal placements.  Topic is highlighted in red.   The ME at the end of the sentence is called the copy-subject-pronoun.  This simply means that the subject pronoun ME is repeated at the end of each sentence.

 

I.  The modal precedes the  main  verb: 

             ASL:         BOOK,   ME    MUST    BUY     ME.

II. The modal is at the end of the sentence before the copy- subject pronoun: 

             ASL:        BOOK,    ME      BUY    MUST     ME.

III.  The modal precedes both the main verb AND is repeated at the end of the sentence before the  copy subject pronoun: 

             ASL:        BOOK,    ME    MUST    BUY    MUST     ME!
 



List of modals:

WILL     WON’T     CAN      CAN'T       SHOULD    WANT     MAYBE    

ALWAYS  DON'T-WANT      NOT-YET    MUST     FINISH    

NEVER      SHOULDN'T       TRUE            NOT




 Example:    "I must go home tomorrow".       MODAL:  WILL


(To emphasize the time indicator or tense marker sign, then place this sign at the beginning or near the beginning of the topic phrase).

      TOMORROW,    ME    WILL    GO    HOME     ME.
 
      TOMORROW,    ME    GO   HOME     WILL      ME.

      TOMORROW,    ME   WILL   GO   HOME    WILL    ME.




Instructions:   Work with your partner and determine the modal in each of the sentences below.   For each sentence, practice using the same modal with all three different sentence structures:

   
Practice Sentences:    Remember to topicalize.
 

     1.    I might study my homework this afternoon.

     2.     My favorite clothing store is always Nordstrom’s!   

     3.     Debra refused to watch my niece last Friday evening.   

     4.     Jack never plays basketball well.                               

     5.     I can meet you at the cafeteria.                                     

     6.     I  haven't shopped for groceries at QFC yet.  

    7.     I've eaten Chinese food.

    8.     You must come to the meeting today!