** Modal Verb:
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs (also known as “helping verbs”). Normally modal verbs cannot work alone and must work with a main verb. The so-called “semi-modals” work partly like modals and partly like main verbs.
can | could | may | might | will |
would | must | shall | should | ought to |
# Modals are different from normal verbs:
- They don’t use an ‘s’ for the third person singular.
- They make questions by inversion (‘she can go’ becomes ‘can she go?’).
- They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without ‘to’).
# Probability:
First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that something happened / is happening / will happen. We often call these ‘modals of deduction’ or ‘speculation’ or ‘certainty’ or ‘probability’.
>For example:
- It’s snowing, so it must be very cold outside.
- I don’t know where John is. He could have missed the train.
- This bill can’t be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!
>Details: Click here to find out more about probability.
# Ability:
We use ‘can’ and ‘could’ to talk about a skill or ability.
For example:
- She can speak six languages.
- My grandfather could play golf very well.
- I can’t drive.
>Details: Click here to find out more about ability.
>More: English Club.
# Obligation and Advice:
We can use verbs such as ‘must’ or ‘should’ to say when something is necessary or unnecessary, or to give advice.
For example:
- Children must do their homework.
- We have to wear a uniform at work.
- You should stop smoking.
>Details: Click here to find out more about obligation
>More: English Club. English Club.
# Permission:
We can use verbs such as ‘can’, ‘could’ and ‘may’ to ask for and give permission. We also use modal verbs to say something is not allowed.
For example:
- Could I leave early today, please?
- You may not use the car tonight.
- Can we swim in the lake?
>More: Grammar Monster.
# Habits:
We can use ‘will’ and ‘would’ to talk about habits or things we usually do, or did in the past.
>For example:
- When I lived in Italy, we would often eat in the restaurant next to my flat.
- John will always be late!
>More: English Club.
# Past Modals:
The past modals ‘could have + past participle’, ‘should have + past participle’ and ‘would have + past participle’ can be confusing. I explain about them here.
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# Some Examples:
- He can do this.
- He should do this work.
- You must do this.
- He will do this.
- It might have happened.
- He could have helped you.
- You should have done the work.
- He would have given you the pen.
- He must have read the book.
- He may be playing in the field now.
- Rahim may be waiting for me.
- You should be studying now because tomorrow will be your exam.
- Everyday Rahim plays in the field this time, he must be playing now.
- He could be reading for sometime more.
- I would be walking the rest of the way.
- May he live long.
- May you be happy.
- He wished that I might prosper.
- People wished that the president might live long.
- He may/might have done the work.
- The street is wet, it must have rained.
- He seems to be happy, he must have passed.
- There are many people there, something must have happened.
- We eat so that we may/might live.
- He studied hard so that he might pass the exam.
- He work so that he may be rich.
- Would you help me please?
- Would you please not smoke. (Please do not smoke).
- Could you please tell me the man’s name?
- If I were a king I would love people.
- If I were a good player I would be happy.
- If he had come to me I could have given him the address.
# Exercise: