Modal Expressions

'be about' is used to:

In the expression 'be about,' the verb 'be' shows that we need (am, is are) in present form. The important point to consider is that 'be about' is followed by a 'to infinitive.' Check these examples out:

When it comes to the past tense, the structure of the expression stays the same as the structure in the present tense unless you are supposed to use the past tense of the verb 'be' (was, were). Take a look at the examples:

The expressions with bound are used to indicate levels possibilities. Expressions with bound are used to express:

The existence of the verb be in this structure makes it easy to make it past. The only thing to do is to use the past tense of the verb be (was, were). Learn them through the examples:

The expressions made by due are different in their structure. So let us explain them one by one:

The expression 'be due' is used either before (to-infinitive) or (for + noun/noun phrase). Here is an example that can be useful:

In expressions with 'due,' there is a 'to be' verb that can change the tense of the sentence. So using the 'to be' verb in the past tense changes the tense of the sentence to the past tense. Check these examples out:

The expression 'to be likely' is used to express events that are probably going to happen in the future. In the examples, you can understand the usage of this expression better:

The expression 'be likely' can be followed by a (to-infinitive) to express something is probable to happen. This expression can also be followed by a (that-clause) with the same meaning. Check out the examples:

There are two different ways to make a negative sentence with be likely. We can either add the term 'not' to the 'to be' verb or use 'unlikely' instead of 'likely.'* Take a look at the examples:

The verb 'to be' is used in the past tense form to make it possible to use 'be likely' in the past tense. For example:

The verb 'be' can be used in a special structure and it is considered an expression. In this case, it is used to express:

Take a look at these examples:

The verb be is used before a 'to-infinitive' to express different intentions. Remember to use this structure for prohibiting, you need to use it in the negative form which is to add the term 'not' to the 'to be' verb. Here are the examples:

Using the past tense of the verb 'be' followed by a to-infinitive or to-perfect infinitive makes a sentence in the past tense. Check these examples:

We can use the phrases 'wish' and 'if only' as an expression to express:

We use 'as though' or 'as if' to give an example of one particular concept but we know that it is not the exact explanation. For example:

'As if' and 'as though' are used to:

Look at the examples:

'As though' and 'as if' are followed by a non-finite clause or prepositional phrase. 'as though' and 'as if' can be used before independent clauses as well.
Another point to keep in mind, is that you can use 'as if' alone as a fixed expression to show surprise in informal style.

'Would rather' and 'would sooner' are used when you prefer one thing to another. Would sooner and would rather mean the same however using would rather is more common.

There are two constructions when it comes to 'would sooner' and 'would rather.'
When the subjects in both clauses are the same, they are followed by a bare infinitive. When the subjects in the clauses are different the second clause following 'would rather' and 'would sooner' is in past tense however the meaning remains in the present tense.

In sentences with the same subjects, the term 'not' is added to 'would rather' or 'would sooner' followed by the bare infinitive. In sentences with different subjects, the term 'not' is added to the verb of the second clause. Here are the examples:

You can use 'have + past participle' (present perfect) after 'would rather' and 'would sooner' to talk about things that you preferred to be done in the past tense when the subjects are the same. But whenever the subjects are different, you have to use 'had + past participle' (past perfect) to talk about the past. For example:

Modal verbs are used to express concepts such as possibility, ability, permission, assumption, etc. You need to know that modal expressions are not made of modal verbs, instead, they are used to express the same concepts as modal verbs do. Here are the most important expressions on the list: