MODAL VS SEOM

Written By : Calistha Naisyila Ilfiansa

What is Modal?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb in a sentence, expressing various functions such as ability, possibility, permission, obligation, advice, and certainty.

 

Modal Verbs consist of: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should, Will, and Would.

 

To use modal verb, you can use this form

Affirmative Sentence :

Pronouns + Modal Verb + Verb 1

Negative Sentence :

Pronouns + Modal Verb + Not + Verb 1

Example of Modal Verb with Rumus

 

Modal	Example
Can/Could	“I can show you the proof” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Verb 1   “She couldn't find her pen anywhere” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Not + Verb 1
May/Might	“It may rain later, prepare your umbrella” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Verb 1   “He might not agree with your plan” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Not + Verb 1
Will/Would	“You will arrive at school by 7 AM” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Verb 1   “I would not ask him to dance that day” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Not + Verb 1
Should	“You should exercise regularly to stay healthy” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Verb 1   “He shouldn't make you a backburner” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Not + Verb 1
Must	“You must submit your work by 5 PM” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Verb 1   “They must not cheat on exam” Pronouns + Modal Verb + Not + Verb 1

 

Similar Expression of Modal (SEOM)

SEOM is a similar form of modal, but SEOM is used when there are 2 pure modals or a ‘to infinitive’ is used

 

Modal Verb	SEOM
Can/Could	Be Able To
May/Might	Be Allowed To
Will/Would	Be Going To
Must	Have/Has To
Should	Be Supposed To

Example of SEOM with modal verb version

 

Can/Could

Modal Verb : She can swim.

SEOM : She was able to swim.

 

May/Might

Modal Verb : You may go home now

SEOM : You are allowed to go home now

 

Will/Would

Modal Verb : I will visit you tomorrow

SEOM : I am going to visit you tomorrow

 

Must

Modal Verb : He must stay focused

SEOM : He has to stay focused

 

Should

Modal Verb : You should start this meeting at 9 AM

SEOM : You supposed to start this meeting at 9 AM

Differences between Modal Verb vs SEOM

If the sentences is :

1. Have a single word structure;

2. Followed by bare infinitive;

3. and less flexible in tenses.

You have to use modal verb form, and when the sentences is :

1. Phrasal expressions;

2. Often followed by to + verb 1;

3. and can easily change tenses.

You have to use the SEOM form.

REFERENCES

 

• Aulia, K. (2016). Aturan penggunaan modal auxiliary dan similar expression of modal yang harus kita ketahui. Juragan Les. https://www.juraganles.com/2016/05/aturan-penggunaan-modal-auxiliary-dan-similar-expression-of-modal-yang-harus-kita-ketahui.html?m=1

 

• EF Education First Indonesia. (2022). Modal verb: Pengertian, cara menggunakan dan contohnya. https://www.ef.co.id/englishfirst/adults/blog/akademik-english-dan-persiapan-tes-inggris/modal-verb-pengertian-cara-menggunakan-dan-contohnya/

 

• English Top Grammar. (2020). Modal auxiliary and similar modal. EnglishTopGrammar. https://www.englishtopgrammar.com/2020/12/modal-auxiliary-dan-similar-modal.html?m=1

 

• Nurjaya. (2018). Penggunaan modal auxiliary verb, penting untuk dipahami! Kampung Inggris. https://www.kampunginggris.online/modal-auxiliary-dalam-bahasa-inggris/

 

• Reza. (n.d.). Modal dan SEOM [PDF]. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/657668560/Modal-da-SEOM