M for Modals

M for Modals

Modal Verbs–Definition and Usage

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs (also called helping verbs) like can, will, could, shall, must, would, might, and should.

• After a modal verb, the root form of a verb is generally used. The word to should not appear after a modal verb. 

• Exceptions : used to and ought to

Modal verbs add meaning to the main verb in a sentence by expressing possibility, ability, permission, or obligation.

• You must turn in your assignment on time. (COMPULSION)

• He might come late tomorrow.(POSSIBILITY)

• You can do it. (ABILITY/POSSIBILITY)

• The doctor ought to see you now. (You’ve waited long enough.)

Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:

• They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...

• They allow speakers to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability

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Here is a list of modal verbs:

• can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must

  
  

  dare, ought to, had better, and need not behave like modal auxiliaries to a large extent and my be added to the above list

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Modal verbs are used to express :

Permission

Ability

Obligation

Prohibition

Lack of necessity

Advice

possibility

probability

Multiple Choice

You ------ stop when the traffic lights turn red. (necessity)

• MUST

• MAY

• CAN

Multiple Choice

There are a lot of tomatoes in the fridge. You ----not buy any. (no need)

• MAY

• NEED

• MUST

Multiple Choice

---- you wait a moment, please?

• MAY

• SHOULD

• CAN

Multiple Choice

She ---- speak six languages. (ability)

• may

• has

• can

• should

Multiple Choice

You ---- start your exam now. (permission)

• can

• has

• may

Multiple Choice

You ------ check that document before you send it out. (advice)

• can

• may

• have

• should

Multiple Choice

You ----- try this juice. It’s excellent. (To Persuade)

• must

• should

• ought to

Multiple Choice

When I was a child, I ------ spend hours playing with my train set. (Habitual Past Action + can be done now )

• could

• would

• used to

Multiple Choice

If I were you, I ----- say sorry. (if-sentences)

• could

• would

• should

Multiple Choice

I ------ drink coffee every morning but now I drink tea. (habit in the past / not now)

• would

• should

• used to

Multiple Choice

You ---- start your exam now. (permission)

• can

• has

• may

Multiple Choice

you --------- forget all about your neighbours,

• shouldn't

• couldn't

• wouldn't