What does the modal verb show?

Key Notes:

1. Definition of Modal Verbs:

  • Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs used to express ability, permission, possibility, necessity, or obligation.
  • Common modal verbs include: can, could, will, would, may, might, shall, should, must, ought to.

2. Functions of Modal Verbs:

  • Ability: Expresses what someone is capable of doing.
    • Example: She can swim well.
  • Permission: Expresses whether something is allowed.
    • Example: May I go to the bathroom?
  • Possibility: Shows that something might happen.
    • Example: It might rain tomorrow.
  • Obligation/Necessity: Indicates something that must be done.
    • Example: You must complete your homework.
  • Prohibition: Shows what is not allowed.
    • Example: You must not run in the hallways.
  • Advice/Recommendation: Suggests what is a good idea.
    • Example: You should eat more vegetables.
  • Politeness/Requests: Can make requests sound more polite.
    • Example: Could you please help me?

3. Examples of Modal Verbs in Sentences:

  • Can: I can play the guitar.
  • Must: You must wear a helmet while biking.
  • Should: You should try the new restaurant.
  • Might: He might come to the party later.
  • May: May I borrow your pen?

4. How Modal Verbs Affect Meaning:

  • Modal verbs can change the strength of a statement.
    • Example: I must go (stronger than I should go).
    • May I? is a more polite request than Can I?

5. No Change in Verb Forms:

  • Modal verbs do not change form according to the subject (they don’t add -s for third-person singular).
    • Example: She can swim (not She cans swim).

Let’s practice!🖊️