Modal Verbs

Definition:

All the auxiliary verbs except “be”, “do” and “have” are called modals. Unlike the auxiliary verbs modal only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the principle verb in the sentence. Be, Do and Have differ from the other auxiliaries in that they can also serve as ordinary verbs in a given sentece. Modal verbs are used to express ideas such as possibility, intention, obligation and necessity. For example:

*You can have a sweet if you like.

*Jhon will be a footballer some day.

The modal verbs are: Can, Could, may, might, must, shal, should, outght t, will, would.

CAN

They can control their own budgets.

We can’t fix it.

Can I smoke here?

Can you help me?

Uses: Ability, Possibility, Inability, Impossibility. Asking for Permission Request.

COULD

Could I borrow your dictionary?

Could you say it again more slowly?

We could try to fix it ourselves.

I think we could have another Gulf War.

He gave up his old job so he could work for us.

Uses: Asking for permission. Suggestion, Future, Possibility, Ability in the past.

MAY

May I have another cup of coffee?

China May become a major economic power.

Users: Asking for permission, Future, Possibility.

MIGHT

They might give us a 10% discount.

Users: Future, Possibility.

MUST

We must say good-bye now.

They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary.

Uses: Necessity, Obligation, Prohibition.

OUGHT TO

Shall I helpyou with your luggage?

Shall we say 2.30 then?

Shall I do that I do that or will you?

Uses: Offer Suggeestion, Asking what to do.

SHOULD

We should short out this problem at once.

I think we should check everything again.

Profits should increase next year.

Uses: Saying what’s right or correct recommending action. Uncertain predition.

WILL

I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.

I will do that for you if you like.

I will back to you first think in Monday.

Profits will increase next year.

Uses: Instant decisions Offer, Promise, Certain prediction.

WOULD

Would you mind if I brought a collegue with me?

Would you pass the salt please?

Would you mind waiting a moment?

Would there o’clock suit you?

Uses: Asking for permission request, resquest making arrangements, Invitation preferences.

Notes

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