Modal Verbs- Definition, Uses And Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Are Modal Verbs?
• Functions Of Modal Verbs
• Use Of Modal Verbs In Sentences
• Modal Verbs Assessment

Modal verbs come are special verbs that add shades of meaning to our sentences, expressing possibility, permission, obligation, and more.  

From polite requests to strong obligations, modal verbs are essential for social interactions and expressing ourselves clearly. They add depth and complexity to our language, allowing us to convey a wide range of meanings and intentions.

What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are a special category of auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) that cannot function as main verbs. They combine with main verbs to express a range of modalities, such as permission, obligation, ability, or probability.

Key Characteristics:

• Modal verbs do not change form for different subjects (e.g., I can, you can, he can). 
  
• They are always followed by the base form of the main verb without "to" (e.g., can swim, must go). 
  
• They convey the speaker's perspective on the likelihood, possibility, or necessity of the action.  

Example:

• "She must study for the exam."

Here, "must" expresses a strong obligation.

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Modal Verbs Quiz Questions and Answers

Functions Of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs convey a speaker's attitude or judgment about the action or state being described.

1. Permission: These modal verbs indicate that an action is allowed or permitted. They can be used to formally or informally give someone the go-ahead to do something. The specific modal verb chosen often reflects the level of formality or the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
   
2. Obligation and Necessity: These modal verbs convey a strong sense of duty or requirement. They indicate that an action is essential or unavoidable, often due to rules, laws, or moral codes.
   
3. Ability and Inability: These modal verbs express the capacity or skill to do something in the present. They indicate that someone is capable of performing an action.
   
4. Possibility and Probability: These modal verbs indicate a high likelihood or probability that something will happen. They suggest that an event or situation is very likely to occur.
   
5. Advice and Suggestion: These modal verbs offer strong advice or recommendations about what someone should do. They convey a sense of urgency or importance.
   
6. Habitual Actions in the Past: These modal verbs describe actions that were done regularly or habitually in the past. They often imply that these actions no longer occur.
   
7. Requests, Offers, and Invitations: These modal verbs are used to make polite requests or inquiries. They soften the request and make it less demanding. They are used to offer something to someone, such as help, assistance, or a beverage.
   
8. Prohibition and Warnings: These modal verbs express a strong prohibition or restriction. They indicate that an action is forbidden or not allowed.

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Modal Verbs Quiz Questions: Exam!

Use Of Modal Verbs In Sentences

Understanding the rules to use modal verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. 

1. Placement of Modal Verbs
   

• Before the Main Verb: Modal verbs always appear before the main verb in a sentence. They act as auxiliary verbs (helping verbs), modifying the main verb's meaning.  

Example: She can speak French. (Modal verb "can" precedes the main verb "speak")

• Between the Subject and Main Verb: In a basic declarative sentence, the modal verb sits between the subject and the main verb.

Example: They should arrive soon. (Subject "They," modal verb "should," main verb "arrive") 

• In Questions, Before the Subject: In interrogative sentences (questions), the modal verb comes before the subject.

Example: Can you help me? (Modal verb "can" precedes the subject "you")  

• With "Not" for Negation: To form the negative, "not" is placed immediately after the modal verb.

Example: He must not forget his appointment. ("Not" follows the modal verb "must")

Important Considerations

• No "To" Infinitive: Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without "to."

Incorrect: She can to swim.

Correct: She can swim.  

• No Third-Person "s": Modal verbs do not take an "s" in the third person singular present tense. 
  

Incorrect: He cans swim.  

Correct: He can swim.
 

• No Past Participle: Modal verbs do not have past participle forms.

Incorrect: I have could do it.

Correct: I could have done it.

• Use of "Have to" for Past and Future: "Have to" is used to express obligation in the past and future tenses, as modal verbs do not have their own past or future forms.

Example: I had to work late yesterday. (past obligation)Example: She will have to finish the project tomorrow. (future obligation)

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Choose the correct modal verb for the sentence

Modal Verbs Assessment

Exercise 1: Underline the modal verb in each sentence.

1. You should wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
2. She can speak fluent Spanish.
3. May I borrow your pen, please?
4. They must arrive on time for the meeting.
5. We might go to the cinema later.
6. He could play the piano when he was younger.
7. You mustn't smoke in this building.

Answers:

1. should
2. can
3. may
4. must
5. might
6. could
7. mustn't
   

Exercise 2: Identify the function of the bolded modal verb in each sentence. Write the letter of the correct function in the blank.

Functions:

1. You must complete your homework before you go out. 
2. She can sing beautifully.
3. He might be late for the meeting due to traffic. 
4. May I use your restroom?
5. You should drink plenty of water every day. 
6. They ought to apologize for their mistake.
7. We can't go to the party because we're busy.

Answers:

1. b
2. c
3. d
4. a
5. e
6. b
7. c 

Exercise 3: Complete each sentence with the most appropriate modal verb from the word box.

Word Box:

1. You _______ see a doctor if you're feeling unwell.
2. She _______ swim really well when she was a child.
3. _______ I borrow your book?
4. They _______ be at the library, but I'm not sure.
5. He _______ finish his work before he can go out.
6. We _______ go for a walk later if the weather is nice.
7. _______ you like some help with that?

Answers:

1. should
2. could
3. May
4. might
5. must
6. might
7. Would

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