MODALS DEFINITION | MEANING | EXAMPLES | SENTENCES
MODALS
Modals are those auxiliary (helping) verbs which, together with the main verbs which follow them, express the ‘mode’ or manner of the actions indicated by the verbs. They express modes such as ability, possibility, probability, permission, obligation, etc.
The following are modal auxiliaries:
‘shall’, should’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘must’, ‘ought to’, ‘used to’, ‘need’, ‘dare’.
USAGE:
1. A modal does not change according to the number or person of the subject, e.g.,
He can learn. They can learn. I can learn. We can learn. You can learn.
2. A modal is always used with a verb in its basic form. The modal takes the tense, the main verb remains in its dictionary form, e.g.,
I can swim.
I could swim.
I may swim. I might swim.
3. Modals can be used alone in response to a question, e.g.,
Can you swim? I can.
Will you swim? I will.
Will you come? I may. I will.
4. Modals, when joined with ‘not’ to form a negative, can be contracted, e.g.,
I cannot swim. I can’t swim
I do not swim. I don’t swim.
I will not swim. I won’t swim, etc.
USES OF MODALS
1. Asking for and giving permission
May : May is used for asking permission in a formal manner.
May I come in ?
Yes, you may.
May I use this space?
Can : Can is used for asking permission in an informal way.
Can I go home early today
Can I borrow your book?
Can I buy ice cream from the vendor?
Could : Could expresses polite request.
Could I travel with you?
Could you lend me your magazine?
2. Possibility: ability
can and could, may and might
Can is used to express ability or possibility.
He can perform complicated Yogic aasanas.
Could is the past equivalent of ‘can’ and expresses an ability in the past. It also expresses a weak possibility.
He could do these exercises ten years ago.
He could some to the party this evening.
Could is also used to make polite suggestions.
We could go on a picnic next Sunday.
May and might also express possibility.
The principal may be in a meeting.
Might suggests a weaker possibility.
He might be taking a round of the school.
3. Compulsion, Obligation, Necessity
‘Must’, ‘should’, ‘ought to’ express compulsion, obligation and necessity.
You must control your weight.
You should exercise regularly.
You ought to see a doctor for obesity.
4. Promise, Determination, threat
Will and shall suggest promise or give assurance.
Will is used with ‘I’ and ‘we’.
Shall is used with ‘you’ and third person. In modern times, however, ‘will’ is used with all subjects.
We will attend your wedding.
You shall have a comfortable journey.
5. Wish
‘May’ is used to express a wish.
May you live for a hundred years.
May all joys be showered on you.
6. Request
Can, could, will, would.
‘Could’ and ‘would’ are more formal and polite in expressing a request than ‘can’ and ‘will’.
Would you like to wait here?
Could you take our class tomorrow?
7. Need, used to, dare
You need to be more tidy.
Used to expresses a past action now discontinued.
I used to swim every morning when I was young.
Dare is used to show not to be afraid to do something. It is mostly used in negative sentences and in questions.
Dare you challenge the boss?
No, I dare not.
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