Copycat
SSC
LoginJoin for Free
SSC Exam SSC Study Materials English Modals
» » »
Modals
The modals are used to indicate a certain possibility,
abilities, doubts, suggestions, requests, and more. The
examples of modal verbs are can, could, would, may,
might, must, etc.
Share
The modals are a type of verb that basically portray or show the tense and the mood. It helps us to
know the function and the purpose of the main verb. Modal verbs indicate a probability, an ability,
permission, any advice, a request, an obligation, a prediction, or certainty or likelihood of an incident
to occur. The different modal verbs examples are can, could, must, may, might, should, ought to,
would, will, shall, have to, used to, need, and more. The modals are also known as modal auxiliary
verbs. They help in delivering any extra information about the main verb’s function. They are
different from the other verbs because they behave in an irregular way.
Meaning of a Modal
Modals are an essential part of English grammar. The main characteristic of a modal is to depict the
function of the main verb or to deliver any additional information about it. Probability, certainty,
predictability, advice, request, obligations, and other similar traits are indicated by modals. The most
commonly used modal verbs are can, could, might, must, ought to, should, and more. These are
always used with any other verb. Sometimes, it can be a bit tough to recognise the correct modal to
be used. These verbs can not be used alone because they are auxiliary verbs that help the other
verbs show their function.
Consider the following examples –
1. I ought to deliver this package to Mrs. Henry before tonight.
2. You should drive slowly and carefully.
3. This work needs to be completed before the teacher comes.
Modal Verbs: Characteristics
The modal verbs have several characteristics. They are-
These verbs are auxiliary verbs
These are always used alongside another verb
These can never be used alone
In the third person singular form, ‘s’ is not used with these verbs
The questions formed with these verbs are based on inversions
They can be used to indicate probability, give advice, make requests, and more
The form of the modals never changes
The Infinitive, past-participle, and present participle forms of these verbs are not present
They do have past forms
The Functions of Modals
CAN represents ability, suggestion, request
BE ABLE TO represents ability
CAN’T represent the certainty of something that is impossible to happen
COULD (past form of can) represents the ability, a suggestion, or a request
MAY represents the possibility of something that is supposed to happen or formal permission or
request
MIGHT (past form of may) represents the possibility
MUST represents the obligation or the certainty of something to be true
HAVE TO represent obligation
NEED TO represent obligation
NEED NOT represents the lack of obligation
MUST NOT represent the prohibition
SHOULD (past form of shall) and OUGHT TO represent an opinion or a piece of advice
USED TO represents an action repeated in the past
WILL is used as the future tense auxiliary and for invites
WOULD (past form of will) represents a wish, a request, or a past habit
The Examples of Modals
The modals can be used in sentences in the following ways –
1. Pemela can speak many different languages.
2. He was able to open the drawer.
3. When the traffic signals turn red, everyone must stop.
4. Smoking can cause serious health issues.
5. Could you please pass the salt?
6. Next week, I might take leave.
7. You may get out of my class.
8. Since plenty of fruits is kept in the fridge, I need not buy anymore.
9. She should come and apologise to you for her mistakes.
10. He has been working so hard. He ought to be really tired.
11. We shall move out of this city very soon.
12. All the students have to memorise these tables by tomorrow.
