Modals and modal perfects

Front

What are modals?

Back

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

Front

What is the function of 'may' in a sentence?

Back

'May' is used to express permission or possibility. For example, 'You may leave early if you finish your work.'

Front

What is the function of 'must' in a sentence?

Back

'Must' is used to express obligation or necessity. For example, 'You must wear a seatbelt while driving.'

Front

What is the difference between 'must' and 'have to'?

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'Must' indicates a strong obligation or necessity imposed by the speaker, while 'have to' indicates an obligation imposed by external circumstances.

Front

What does 'could' express in a sentence?

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'Could' is used to express past ability or a polite request. For example, 'I could swim when I was younger.' or 'Could you help me with this?'

Front

What is the use of 'shall' in questions?

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'Shall' is used to make suggestions or offers, often in the first person. For example, 'Shall we go to the park?'

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What does 'mustn't' mean?

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'Mustn't' is used to express prohibition. For example, 'You mustn't smoke in the hospital.'

Front

What is the meaning of 'needn't'?

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'Needn't' means that something is not necessary. For example, 'You needn't worry about the exam; you've studied well.'

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How is 'might' different from 'may'?

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'Might' is used to express a lower possibility than 'may'. For example, 'It may rain tomorrow' (more likely) vs. 'It might rain tomorrow' (less likely).

Front

What is the function of 'would' in conditional sentences?

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'Would' is used to express a hypothetical situation or a polite request. For example, 'If I were rich, I would travel the world.'