Modal verbs

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What are modal verbs?

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

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What does 'can' express?

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The verb 'can' expresses ability or possibility. For example, 'I can swim' means I have the ability to swim.

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What does 'can't' indicate?

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The verb 'can't' indicates impossibility or denial. For example, 'He can't be at the party' means it is impossible for him to be there.

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What does 'may' express?

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The verb 'may' expresses permission or possibility. For example, 'You may leave early' means you have permission to leave early.

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What does 'must' indicate?

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The verb 'must' indicates necessity or strong obligation. For example, 'You must finish your homework' means it is necessary for you to finish it.

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What does 'should' suggest?

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The verb 'should' suggests advice or recommendation. For example, 'You should eat healthy food' means it is advisable to eat healthy.

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What does 'could' express?

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The verb 'could' expresses past ability or polite requests. For example, 'I could ride a bike when I was five' indicates past ability.

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What is the difference between 'may' and 'might'?

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'May' suggests a higher possibility than 'might'. For example, 'It may rain' is more certain than 'It might rain'.

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What does 'mustn't' indicate?

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The verb 'mustn't' indicates prohibition. For example, 'You mustn't talk during the test' means it is not allowed to talk.

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What does 'won't' express?

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The verb 'won't' expresses refusal or future denial. For example, 'I won't go to the party' means I refuse to go.