Scribd
Upload
842 views

Modals Short Notes

Uploaded by

AKSHAJ BAJAJ
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
842 views

Modals Short Notes

Uploaded by

AKSHAJ BAJAJ
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Modals

Definition:

Modals, also known as modal verbs or modal auxiliaries, are a category of auxiliary verbs used in
conjunction with the base form of the main verb to express various shades of meaning such as
possibility, necessity, permission, ability, probability, and obligation.

Types of Modals:

1. Can:

- Definition: Indicates ability, possibility, or permission.

- Example: She can swim. (Ability) Can I borrow your pen? (Permission)

2. Could:

- Definition: Past tense of 'can'; used for ability, possibility, or polite requests.

- Example: She could speak French. (Past ability) Could you please pass the salt? (Polite request)

3. Will:

- Definition: Expresses future actions, predictions, or willingness.

- Example: She will come to the party. (Future action) I think it will rain tomorrow. (Prediction)

4. Would:

- Definition: Past tense of 'will'; used for polite requests, preferences, or hypothetical situations.

- Example: Would you mind closing the door? (Polite request) I would prefer tea. (Preference)

5. Shall:

- Definition: Primarily used for suggestions, offers, or in formal invitations.

- Example: Shall we go for a walk? (Suggestion) Shall I help you? (Offer)

6. Should:

- Definition: Indicates advice, obligation, or probability.


- Example: You should study for the exam. (Advice) He should be at the meeting by now.
(Probability)

7. May:

- Definition: Expresses permission, possibility, or a wish.

- Example: May I use your phone? (Permission) It may rain later. (Possibility)

8. Might:

- Definition: Similar to 'may,' indicating a lesser degree of probability.

- Example: She might join us later. (Less probable possibility)

9. Must:

- Definition: Indicates necessity, obligation, or a strong inference.

- Example: You must submit the report by Friday. (Obligation) The door is open; he must be inside.
(Inference)

10. Ought to:

- Definition: Expresses moral obligation, duty, or advisability.

- Example: You ought to apologize. (Moral obligation) We ought to finish the project soon.
(Advisability)

Explanation and Use in Sentences:

- Modals are used in conjunction with the base form of the main verb to convey various meanings.

- They help express degrees of certainty, ability, necessity, and other nuanced aspects in sentences.

- Modals are often used to soften requests or suggestions, making language more polite.

- They play a crucial role in constructing sentences that convey a range of meanings, from expressing
abilities and permissions to giving advice and indicating possibilities.

Note:

- Modal verbs do not have an '-s' form in the third person singular.

- The base form of the main verb follows the modal verb in sentences.
Understanding and effectively using modals enhance the precision and clarity of communication in
English.

You might also like