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0.3. The meaning of the modal auxiliaries The modal auxiliaries of the present tense and the meanings are represented as follows with the subjectiveness and the objectiveness. 1. can ( objectiveness) a. ability ( objective meaning) b. permission ( objective meaning) c. possibility ( objectiveness - subjective meaning ) 2. may ( subjectiveness ) a. permission ( subjectiveness - objective meaning ) b. possibility ( subjective meaning ) 3. will ( subjectiveness ) a. volition ( subjectiveness - objective meaning ) b. prediction ( subjective meaning ) 4. shall ( subjectiveness ) a. volition and obligation ( subjectiveness - objective meaning ) b. prediction ( subjective meaning ) 5. must ( subjectiveness) a. obligation ( subjectiveness - objective meaning ) b. necessity ( subjective meaning ) 6. have to ( objectiveness) a. obligation ( objective meaning) b. necessity ( objectiveness - subjective meaning) 7. ought to ( objectiveness) a. obligation ( objective meaning) b. probability (objectiveness - subjective meaning) 8. need ( objectiveness) a. necessity (objective meaning) 7. dare (objectiveness) a. courage (objective meaning) The meanings of "can" and "may" are similar, since they have "permission" and "possibility." But "can" itself has the objectiveness and "may" itself has the subjectiveness, these meanings are actually different. "Must", "have to" and "ought to" are the same since they have "obligation" and "necessity." They are explained in detail in the chapter 1.

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