Learn English Language
# Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs (are also called Modals, Modal auxiliary verbs or modal auxiliaries) are used to give additional information about a function of the main verb that follows it. Modal Verbs are special verbs which behave irregularly in English.
~ Use of Modal Verbs:
They are used to express functions such as:
- Permission
- Ability
- Obligation
- Prohibition
- Lack of necessity
- Advice
- Possibility
- Probability
~ Modal Verbs with examples are given below:
|
Modal Verb
|
Expressing
|
For instance,
|
|
Must
|
·
Strong obligation
·
Logical conclusion / certainty
|
1.
You must go home when lecture ends.
2.
He must be very tired. He has been working since morning.
|
|
Must not
|
·
Prohibition
|
1.
You must not eat here.
|
|
Can
|
·
Ability
·
Permission
·
Possibility
|
1.
You can solve these problems.
2.
Can I play football here please?
3.
Addiction can damage the brain.
|
|
Could
|
·
Ability in the past
·
Polite permission
·
Possibility
|
1.
When you were in University you could swim.
2.
Excuse me, could I open the lights?
3.
It could rain tomorrow.
|
|
May
|
·
Permission
·
Possibility, probability
|
1.
May I go to Washroom please?
2.
It may rain tomorrow.
|
|
Might
|
·
Polite permission
·
Possibility, probability
|
1.
He might be in hospital.
2.
I might go France next year.
|
|
Need not
|
·
Lack of necessity /Absence of obligation
|
1.
I need not buy tomatoes. There are plenty of tomatoes in the fridge.
|
|
Should / ought to
|
·
50% obligation
·
Advice
·
Logical conclusion
|
1.
(I should / I ought to) see a doctor. I have a terrible stomach pain.
2.
(You should / ought to) revise your lessons.
3.
(He should / ought to) be very tired. he has been working all day
long.
|
|
Had better
|
·
Advice
|
1.
You had better revise your lessons.
|
Remember:
Modal Verbs are followed by an infinitive main verb.
For instance,
1. You should go home.
2. You ought to play sports.
If you have any query, just comment below.
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