word usage - What modal verbs do natives use nowadays?


We are being taught English by a native speaker from Alaska. He states that many of modal verbs we were taught are outdated and have been replaced.


E.g.:




  • We must ➙ We have to

  • May I come in? ➙ Do you mind if I come in?

  • We don't have to leave yet. ➙ We don't gotta go yet.



Totally outdated: "ought to" and "shall".


Is it true, and if so, to what extent? Which modal verbs do you regularly use in your spoken English and which in written language?



Answer



The question is to some extent a matter of opinion. However, I would say that your examples are not examples which are widely considered outdated, especially in written English.


We must is used in formal speech and in writing. In informal speech, it has been largely replaced by we need to, we have to and we've got to.


Gotta is slang for have got to, and the latter is certainly not outdated. We don't gotta go yet is terrible English, and I suggest you do not get into the habit of saying something that will make you stand out as a poor speaker of English.


The list of modal verbs in use today is too broad to be addressed here, but you can learn them by reading. Reading personal blogs will give you an idea of how people speak. Reading articles will give you an idea of how people write today.


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