Modals

 Modals

 

Modals, also known as modal verbs mix with another verb point mood or tense. All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called models. These modals cannot act alone as the main verb in the sentence.

 

Some important models

 

Use of ‘can’

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The modal can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission and show possibility or impossibility.

(1) I can dance very well.                (ability)

(2) He cannot stay out after 11 p.m. (permission)

 

 

Use of ‘could ‘

 

‘Could’ modal is used to express possibility for past ability and also to make any suggestion and polite requests.  ‘Could’ is also commonly used in conditional sentences showing the possibility in past.

 (1) Extreme rain could cause a delay in the matches.               (possibility)

 (2) Seema could sing like a pro by the age of one.                   (past ability)

 (3) You could wait or call again later.                               (suggestion)

 (4) Could i use your mobile to call my mother.                        (request)

 

Use of ‘may’

              

‘May’ modal is usually used to express a possibility. It can also be used to give or request for a permission in formal cases.

                          

 (1) Meena may be at home or perhaps at work.                               (possibility)

 (2) Ram, you may go out for a trip along with your friends.              (giving permission)

 (3) May i come in?                                                                             (seeking permission)

 

 

Use of ‘might’ 

           

‘Might’ modal is usually used to express a possibility. It is also used in conditional sentence English speakers can also use me to make some suggestions for requests. 

 

(1) Your luggage might be in the lobby.                                              (possibility)

(2) If you had called me, I might have come.                                      (conditional)

(3) You might visit the Taj Mahal during your visit to Agra.                  (suggestion)

 

 

 Use of ‘should’

 

‘Should' is usually used to make a recommendation or give advice. It might also be used to express    obligation as well as an exception.

 

(1) You should focus more on your study than games.  (advice)

(2) I really should be in office by 9:00 a.m.                    (obligation)

(3) By now, they should have read Delhi.                      (expectations)

 

 

Use of ‘must’

 

‘Must’ is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to express necessity or strong recommendation.

 

 (1) This must be the right ingredient for this hard dish.                                   (certainty)

 (2) Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this school.  (necessity)

 (3) You must take some extra food along with you.                             (strong recommendation)

  

 

Use of ‘ought to’

 

‘Ought to’ is used to advise or make recommendations. Out of it is also used to express the moral of obligation.’ ought not’ (without ‘to’) is also used to advice against doing something.

 

  (1) You ought to stop drinking.                                            (recommendation)

  (2) We ought to respect our elders.                                       (moral obligation)

  (3) This stock ought to increase in value.                                  (probability)