Modals and Common Errors - I

 

Modals and Common Errors - I

Dear readers, in the previous post we discussed some of the common errors associated with adjectives that English as non-native speakers encounter in their daily conversation. This present post highlights the common errors that people tend to commit while using modals.

Modals are also called modal auxiliary verbs as they are helpful in making a request and questions in conversations. Examples- can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, etc. Let’s look at some of the modals that might go wrong in daily conversations.

1.   I should to improve my English.                                                (Incorrect)

I should improve my English.                                                   (Correct)

Avoid ‘to’ after modals, like can, may, must etc.

2.   That person must not be my friend.                                          (Incorrect)

That person cannot be my friend.                                             (Correct)

‘Can’ is used to mention the possibility, but not ‘must’.

3.   We like ice cream.                                                                      (Incorrect)

We would like ice cream.                                                          (Correct)

If we like something that is part of our routine. If we want to offer something to someone, or if want something, we should use ‘would’.

For example, I would like some sweet. Would you like lemon tea?

4.   I prefer coffee than tea.                                                              (Incorrect)

I prefer coffee to tea.                                                                  (Correct)

When we prefer something, we should use ‘to’ instead of ‘than’.

5.   They can able to win a prize.                                                  (Incorrect)

They can win a prize                                                               (Correct)

When we mention one’s ability, it is advisable to use either ‘can’ or ‘able’, but not both in the same sentence.

 Let us discuss some more ideas on Modals in the next post.

 

Author:

Dr. K. Nandhakumar

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science (Autonomous)

Coimbatore- 641 020

 

Reference:

Saumya Sharma. (2017). Common Errors in Everyday English.