What is a Modal Verb?
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to express ability, possibility, intention and necessity.
The following are some modal verbs:
can
could
may
might
must
will
shall
should
1. Can:
It is used to give permission, ability to do something, and request.
For ability:
-
Can he drive a car?
-
She can make a dress.
-
Holly can speak French.
For Permission:
-
Can I use your pencil?
-
Can I sit here?
-
Can I go now?
For Request:
-
Can you give me this pencil?
-
Can I have some juice please?
-
Can you help me please?
2. Could:
For Request:
-
Could I sit here please?
-
Could you give me a eraser please?
For Past ability:
-
I could play tennis when i was young.
-
She could make chocolate in her young age.
3. May:
It is used for possibility, permission, and wishes.
For Possibility:
-
It may cold tomorrow.
-
Alice may be tired.
-
She may be late for school.
For Permission:
-
May I use your pen?
-
May I go now?
-
May I sit here?
For Expressing Wishes:
-
May god bless you.
-
May all your dreams come true.
-
May you live long.
4. Must:
It is used for necessity and recommendation.
For Necessity:
-
I must go to the market today.
-
You must finish this work now.
-
Children must do their homework.
For Recommendation:
-
You must see this film.
-
You must eat this cake.
5. Might:
It is used for possibility.
-
She might go to meet her friend.
-
He might have finished his work now.
-
You might have lost that paper.
6. Should:
It is used to give advice or recommendation.
-
You should focus more on your study.
-
She should eat healthy food.
-
He should not drive so fast.
7. Shall:
For offer:
-
Shall we start the game?
-
Shall I pick you up from office?