Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, or other conditions. Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs do not change form based on the subject and are followed by the base form of the main verb. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. They play a crucial role in conveying different shades of meaning in English sentences. Here are some key uses:
- Ability: “Tom can write poetry very well.”
- Lack of Ability: “Lisa can’t speak French.”
- Past Ability: “When I was a child I could climb trees.”
- Requests (Informal): “Can you lend me ten dollars?”
- Requests (Polite): “Could I have your number?”
- Permission (Formal): “You may start your exam now.”
- Possibility: “Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.”
- Suggestions (Polite): “Shall we go for a walk?”
- Advice: “You should check that document before you send it out.”
- Necessity: “You must have a passport to cross the border.”