What are modals? English grammar IELTS exam
What are modals?
All The Auxiliary verbs except “Be”, “Do” & “Have” are called “Modals”. Unlike other auxiliary verbs, modals only exist in their helping
forms; they cannot act alone as the main verb in a sentence. The verbs can,
could, may, might, will, would, should, must, and ought to, are called ‘Modal Auxiliary Verbs’. They are used before the Infinitives of other verbs and add
certain kinds of meaning to the utterances. Need and Dare can sometimes be used
as modal auxiliary verbs and the expression “had better” is used as a modal auxiliary. Modal verbs can be used to say with all these situations.
Possible – may, can
Certainly possible – must,
Possible by force/compulsion/obligation – should, ought to
Willingly possible – shall, will, would
Impossible – can’t,
Probable – might, could
Improbable – couldn’t, mightn’t
Example
MODAL | USES | EXAMPLES |
Can | Ability/ possibility Inability/ Impossibility Asking for permission request |
They can control their own budgets. We can’t fix it? Can I write here? Can you help me? |
Could | Asking for permission Request Suggestion Future possibility Ability in the past |
Could I borrow your dictionary? Could you say it again? We could try to fix it ourselves. I think we could have another “Gulf War”. He gave up his old job, so he could work for us. |
May | Asking for permission future possibility |
May I have another cup of coffee? India may become a major economic power |
Might | Present possibility Future possibility |
We’d better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now. They might give us a 10% discount. |
MUST | Necessity Obligation Prohibition |
We must say goodbye now. They must not disrupt the work. |
SHALL | Offer Suggestion Asking what to do |
Shall I help you with your luggage? Shall I do that or will you? |
SHOULD | Saying what’s right Recommending action Uncertain prediction |
We should sort out this problem at once. I think we should check everything again. Profits should increase next year. |
Will | Instant decisions Offer, promise Certain prediction |
1. I can’t see any taxis, so I will walk. 2. I will do that if you like. 3. I will get back to you on Monday |
Would | Asking for permission request Making arrangements Invitation preferences |
1. Would you pass the salt, please? 2. Would you mind waiting a moment? 3. Would you prefer tea or coffee? 4. I’d like tea, please. |
Rewrite the Sentence using modals and identify language functions;-
- Please return my library books. Will……………… Function…………..
- The files are heavy. I’ll carry them for you. Would……………….. Function……………
- Let me switch on the fan, ok? Do you ………………. Function ……………….
- “Bring the books to my office” Would……………. Function…………
Modal verbs
- Will you please return my library books? Request
- Would I carry the files for you? Seeking permission
- Do you mind if I switch on the fan? Request
- Would you bring the books to my office? Request
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