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Modals

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express meanings such as ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and advice, and they are followed by the base form of the main verb. Common modals include 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'must', 'shall', 'should', 'will', and 'would', each serving specific functions in communication. Understanding the correct use of modals is essential for clear and accurate expression of intentions.

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11 views3 pages

Modals

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express meanings such as ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and advice, and they are followed by the base form of the main verb. Common modals include 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'must', 'shall', 'should', 'will', and 'would', each serving specific functions in communication. Understanding the correct use of modals is essential for clear and accurate expression of intentions.

Uploaded by

adityapanigrahi2012
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Modals: Contextual Uses and Functions

Modals are special auxiliary verbs that express various meanings such as ability,
possibility, permission, obligation, and advice. They are unique because they do not
change form based on the subject and are followed by the base form of the main verb.

Common Modals and Their Uses

1. Can

o Ability: Shows capability to do something.

 Example: She can swim very well.

o Permission: Used to give or ask for permission.

 Example: Can I go to the party tonight?

o Possibility: Indicates that something is possible.

 Example: Smoking can cause lung cancer.

2. Could

o Past Ability: Describes someone’s ability in the past.

 Example: When I was younger, I could run fast.

o Polite Permission: Used to ask for permission more politely.

 Example: Could I borrow your book?

o Possibility: Indicates a possible event or action, often less certain than


"can."

 Example: It could rain later today.

3. May

o Permission: Used to ask for or give permission.

 Example: May I leave the room?

o Possibility: Indicates a possibility.

 Example: We may go to the beach if the weather is nice.

4. Might

o Possibility: Suggests a smaller chance than "may."

 Example: He might come to the meeting.

o Polite Suggestion: Used to make polite suggestions.

 Example: You might want to check your answers.

5. Must

o Obligation/Necessity: Indicates a strong necessity or obligation.

 Example: You must wear a seatbelt.

o Deduction: Used to make logical conclusions.

 Example: She must be at home; her car is in the driveway.


6. Shall

o Future Action: Indicates a future action, often in formal or legal contexts.

 Example: We shall overcome these challenges.

o Offers/Suggestions: Used to make offers or suggestions.

 Example: Shall we dance?

7. Should

o Advice/Recommendation: Used to give advice or recommendations.

 Example: You should study for the exam.

o Expectation: Indicates something that is expected.

 Example: They should arrive by now.

8. Will

o Future Intention: Indicates a future action or intention.

 Example: I will call you tomorrow.

o Promise/Offer: Used to make promises or offers.

 Example: I will help you with your homework.

9. Would

o Polite Requests/Offers: Used to make polite requests or offers.

 Example: Would you like some coffee?

o Conditional Actions: Indicates actions that depend on certain conditions.

 Example: If I were rich, I would travel the world.

Summary Table of Modals

Modal Use Example

Can Ability She can swim.

Can Permission Can I go out?

Can Possibility It can rain tomorrow.

Could Past Ability He could run fast.

Could Polite Permission Could I borrow your pen?

Could Possibility It could rain later.

May Permission May I come in?

May Possibility We may go out.

Might Possibility It might rain.

Might Polite Suggestion You might try again.

Must Obligation/Necessity You must wear a helmet.


Modal Use Example

Must Deduction He must be the manager.

Shall Future Action (formal) We shall see.

Shall Offers/Suggestions Shall we go?

Should Advice/Recommendation You should eat healthy.

Should Expectation They should be there by now.

Will Future Intention I will visit you.

Will Promise/Offer I will help you.

Would Polite Requests/Offers Would you help me?

Would Conditional Actions I would go if I could.

Understanding how to use modals correctly is crucial for clear and accurate
communication. Modals help convey the speaker’s intention of the situation.

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