GRAMMAR – Modal Verbs

What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary (helping) verbs that express possibility, necessity, ability, permission, and other attitudes toward the action of the main verb. Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs do not change form based on the subject (e.g., “I can,” “he can”). They are always followed by the base form of the main verb.

Common Modal Verbs:

1. Can:
   • Ability: Used to express someone’s capability.
     • Example: She can speak three languages.
   • Permission: Used to ask for or give permission.
     • Example: Can I leave early today?
2. Could:
   • Past Ability: Used to talk about ability in the past.
     • Example: When I was younger, I could run fast.
   • Polite Requests: Used to make polite requests.
     • Example: Could you help me with this?
3. May:
   • Permission: More formal than “can.”
     • Example: You may leave the room.
   • Possibility: Indicates a possible situation.
     • Example: It may rain tomorrow.
4. Might:
   • Possibility: Indicates a weaker possibility than “may.”
     • Example: It might snow later.
   • Suggestions: Used to make suggestions or give advice.
     • Example: You might want to try that restaurant.
5. Must:
   • Necessity: Indicates a strong obligation or requirement.
     • Example: You must wear a seatbelt.
   • Logical Deduction: Used to make logical conclusions.
     • Example: She must be at work; her car is in the parking lot.
6. Should:
   • Advice: Used to give recommendations or advice.
     • Example: You should see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell.
   • Expectation: Indicates something that is likely to happen.
     • Example: The train should arrive by noon.
7. Ought to:
   • Advice: Similar to “should,” but slightly stronger.
     • Example: You ought to apologize for your mistake.

Using Modal Verbs in Different Contexts:

• Requests:
  • Use “can,” “could,” or “may” to make requests.
  • Example: Can you pass the salt?
• Offers:
  • Use “shall” or “will” for offers.
  • Example: Shall I help you with that?
• Suggestions:
  • Use “should” or “might” for suggestions.
  • Example: You should try the new cafe.
• Possibility:
  • Use “may” or “might” to express possibilities.
  • Example: I might go to the concert if I finish my work.

Tips for Using Modal Verbs:

• Remember that modal verbs do not take “to” before the main verb (e.g., “I can swim,” not “I can to swim”).
• Modal verbs can change meaning based on context, so pay attention to how they are used in different sentences.
• Practice using modal verbs in conversation to improve your fluency and understanding.
  

• Tom can write poetry very well. (Ability)
• Lisa can’t speak French. (Lack of ability)
• When I was a child I could climb trees. ( Past ability)
• Can you lend me ten dollars? (Request, informal)
• Could I have your number? (Request, polite)
• You may start your exam now. (Permission, formal)
• Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price. (Possibility)
• Shall we go for a walk? (Suggestion, polite)
• You should check that document before you send it out. (Advice)
• You must have a passport to cross the border. (Necessity)
• May I sit here? (Request)

Conclusion

Modal verbs are essential in English for expressing various attitudes and functions. By mastering their use, you can communicate more effectively in both spoken and written English.