Modal verbs
also known as modal auxiliary verbs, are a type of auxiliary verb that express various meanings related to ability, permission, obligation, possibility, and certainty. They do not have their own meanings but modify the meaning of the main verb.
There are 10 modal verbs in English: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, and ought to.
Here are the different usages and differences between them, with examples:
Can: used to express ability, possibility, or permission in the present or future.
Example:
I can speak Spanish fluently. (ability)
Can I borrow your pen, please? (permission)
She can't come to the party tomorrow. (possibility)
Could: used to express past ability, possibility, or permission, or to make a polite request.
Example:
I could swim when I was younger. (past ability)
Could you please pass me the salt? (polite request)
It could rain later today. (possibility)
May: used to express permission, possibility, or uncertainty in the present or future.
Example:
May I leave early today? (permission)
It may rain later today. (possibility)
He may not show up for the meeting. (uncertainty)
Might: used to express possibility or uncertainty in the present or future, and is often used in more formal situations than "may".
Example:
She might be able to help us with the project. (possibility)
It might be a good idea to take a break now. (uncertainty)
Must: used to express strong obligation or necessity, or to express a deduction or conclusion.
Example:
You must finish your homework before you can watch TV. (obligation)
The shop must be closed now, it's already late. (deduction)
Shall: used to express a suggestion or recommendation, or to ask for advice or instructions. It is rarely used in modern English.
Example:
Shall we go to the cinema tonight? (suggestion)
What shall I do next? (asking for advice or instructions)
Should: used to express obligation, expectation, or advice.
Example:
You should apologize for what you said. (obligation)
I should be studying instead of watching TV. (expectation)
You should see a doctor if your symptoms persist. (advice)
Will: used to express future actions, predictions, or willingness.
Example:
I will go to the gym tomorrow. (future action)
She will probably be late for the meeting. (prediction)
I will help you with your project if you need it. (willingness)
Would: used to express past habits, polite requests or invitations, or hypothetical situations.
Example:
When I was younger, I would always play football with my friends. (past habits)
Would you mind closing the door, please? (polite request)
If I had more time, I would travel around the world. (hypothetical situation)
Ought to: used to express obligation or expectation, and is often used with the auxiliary verb "to".
Example:
You ought to study harder if you want to pass the exam. (obligation)
I ought to be more careful with my money. (expectation)
Complete the following dialogue using the correct modal to fill in each blank.
Dina: I hate to say this, Ragini, but you are in terrible shape.
Ragini: I know, what (a) ……………………………. I do?
Dina: Well, since you are putting on weight, you (b) ……………………………. plan a healthy diet.
Ragini: You are right. I (c) ……………………………. not eat so many chocolates and junk food.
Dina: That’s right, and you (d) ……………………………. also start exercising.
Ragini: (e) ……………………………. I start with walking for an hour every day?
Dina: Yes, but what is most important is that you (f) ……………………………. try to have a healthy lifestyle.
Answer:
(a) should
(b) must
(c) should
(d) could/should
(e) should/could
(f) must
“How long (a) ……………….. or (b) ……………….. a person wait on a hungry stomach?” This thought constantly (c) ……………….. come to an impoverished man who (d) ……………….. wait till his unemployment days are over, “(e) ……………….. I never get two full meals?” occupies his thought box. He (f) ……………….. not even get a chance ever to come out of this vicious circle of poverty.
Answer:
(a) can
(b) should
(c) may
(d) has to
(e) Shall
(f) might
On the Annual Day celebration, the Principal delivered a lecture, “Good Evening Children, you all (a) ……………… be the future policymakers, hence you (b) ………………. obey your teachers. You (c) ……………….. always try to win over the confidence of your superiors. You must not leave any stone unturned and you (d) ……………….. not worry about the result. Take a pledge that you (e) ……………….. obey and respect your elders. You (f) ……………….. take whatever stream you like but excel in the path chosen.
Answer:
(a) will
(b) ought to
(c) should
(d) need
(e) shall
(f) may
