GROUP ENGLISH ASSIGNMENT
MODAL VERBS
TOPICS USED ON THIS MODULE
.Definition of modal verb
.Types of modal verbs
.The four flavors
.How to use modal verbs
GROUP NAME:
1. Temesgen Tesfaye
2. Yonas Libanos
3. Maramawit Getenet
4. Dawit Tesegaye
5. Mihret Tesema
6. Fisha Kebede
7. Endrias Zerabruk
Source: Google
MODAL VERBS
A modal verb (also called a modal auxiliary verb) are helping verbs that
are used along with main verbs to represent the ability, possibility and
probability of a subject to do an action and emphasise the necessity of an
action. For example, in the statement “you must leave,” “must” is a modal
verb indicating that it’s necessary for the subject (“you”) to perform the
action of the verb (“leave”).
Modal Verbs fall into three different categories based on meaning
1. allow for different uses of the same word
2.dictate how multiple modals can be combined in a verb
string
3.each have their own set of rules, including for substitute
phrases and for preterites.
WHAT ARE THE 5 MAIN TYPES OF MODALS?
Depending on the meaning they express, there are five main types of modal
verbs:
•Modals denoting ability: can and could. I can speak four languages.
•Modals expressing permission: can and may. May I open the window?
•Modals for likelihood: will, might, may, can, and could. It may rain today.
•Modals denoting obligation: must and have to. You must do your
homework regularly.
•Modals for giving advice: should. I think you should stop smoking.
The 4 Flavors
The four categories of modals are Epistemic (relating to
speculation), Deontic (relating to ideals or regulations),
Volitional (relating to the subject’s will), and what we call
Praxic (relating to performance).
Here are the most common subtypes and some of the modals
associated with them:
EPISTEMIC MODALS
•Modals of Possibility: can, could
•Modals of Deduction: may, might, must, would
•Modals of Expectation: shall, should, will, would
DEONTIC MODALS
•Modals of Permission: can, could, may
•Modals of Advice: should, ought to
•Modals of Obligation: must, shall, have to, need to
VOLITIONAL MODALS
•Modals of Request: can, could, would
•Modals of Future Plans: could, might, shall, will
PRAXIC MODALS
•Modals of Ability: can, could
•Modals of Habit: could, might, will, would, used to
HOW DO we USE MODALS CORRECTLY?
Modals may be overwhelming and difficult to remember at first, but the more
you practice, the more you’re going to use them properly. There are four
fundamental rules you need to bear in mind when using modals. Let's see
what they are.
•Modal verbs always come first in a verb phrase. I can swim very well.
•Modal verbs are followed by bare infinitives. You should be more careful
next time.
•You can’t add “-s”, “-ed”, or “-ing” to modals: Mary must work hard
today.
•Modal verbs form their negative and interrogative like other auxiliaries:
I can't dive.
ther modal expressions
O
There are other modal expressions sometimes called phrasal modals, semi-
modals, or semi-auxiliaries that have characteristics of both auxiliary verbs
and modal verbs.
While modal verbs don’t change their form, phrasal modals are often based
on an auxiliary verb or a normal verb and change their form accordingly.
They usually express similar meanings to modal verbs (e.g., possibility and
obligation), and always precede the main verb.
THANK YOU………...
