Modal Verbs PDF

Modal Verbs Table of contents 1. Definition 2. How are modal verbs used in sentences? 3. Modal verbs list 4. Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs 5. Modal verbs and mood 6. Other uses of modal verbs 7. Why is it important to learn modal verbs? 8. Differenc...

Modal Verbs Table of contents 1. Definition 2. How are modal verbs used in sentences? 3. Modal verbs list 4. Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs 5. Modal verbs and mood 6. Other uses of modal verbs 7. Why is it important to learn modal verbs? 8. Difference between « can » and « could ». 9. « May I » and « Can I » 10. « Shall » and « Should » 1. Definition A modal verb (also called a modal auxiliary verb) is used along with a main verb to express possibility, ability, permission, or necessity. 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”). The modal verb “will” is used to form the future tense, indicating an action that has not yet occurred (e.g., “I will clean the garage”). Examples: Modal verbs in a sentence We should listen to some music. Can you drive me to the airport? Amanda might practice her German. 2. How are modal verbs used in sentences? Modal verbs are used along with a main verb to indicate ability, necessity, possibility, and permission. In sentences containing modal verbs, the main verb typically takes the infinitive form. Modal verbs come before main verbs and never change form. Examples: How to use modal verbs I might walk to work today. You may have as many cookies as you’d like. Lina must order tickets in advance if she wants to go to the theater. 1 3. Modal verbs list Below is a table that illustrates some of the various uses of modal verbs. Note that modal verbs are very commonly used in a wide variety of senses—this table doesn’t cover every possible usage. Modal verb Function Example Can Indicate ability Javi can play the guitar. Indicate possibility We can drive or walk. Indicate permission (informal) You can borrow that book. Make a request (informal) Can I have some water? Could Past form of “can” She could speak French. Indicate possibility You could become a chef. Make a polite request Could you tell me the time? May Indicate possibility Dana may arrive late. Indicate permission (formal) You may enter. Make a request (formal) May I respond? Might Indicate possibility I might order pizza. Must Indicate obligation Cyclists must wear helmets. Indicate likelihood You must be very proud. Shall Indicate a future action (normally used I shall attend. only with “I” and “we”) Shall we arrange a meeting? Ask a question (normally used only with “I” and “we”) Should Make a suggestion You should watch that film. Indicate likelihood Tom should be at the office. Will Indicate a future action or event Fay will book the venue. Make a polite request Will you get the door? Would Past form of “will” She would often work late. Make a polite request Would you call back later? 4. Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs Modal verbs are classed as a type of auxiliary verb. Auxiliary verbs are used along with a main verb to express tense, mood, or voice. However, unlike modal verbs, regular auxiliary verbs follow subject-verb agreement and must be conjugated for tense and mood. Examples: Auxiliary verbs in a sentence Mary was building a sandcastle. Gordon has burned the toast. Do you know what time it is? Modal verbs can be used along with auxiliary verbs to refer to possible past, continuous, or future action. 2 When a modal verb is followed by another auxiliary verb (e.g., “have,” “be”), the main verb takes either the past participle form (typically ending in “-ed,” “-n,” or “-t”) or the present participle form (ending in “-ing”). The modal verb “will” is used in all aspects of the future tense (e.g., “I will talk,” “you will be traveling”). Examples: Modal and auxiliary verbs combined He should have asked me first. You may be wondering what I mean. Farrah will have finished work by then. 5. Modal verbs and mood The grammatical mood of a verb indicates the intention of the sentence. Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs are used along with a main verb to express mood. Grammatical Function Example mood Indicative State a fact “Lana is drinking coffee.” Imperative Express a command or a request (often with a “Don’t forget to call.” negative auxiliary verb) Interrogative Ask a question “Would you open the window?” Conditional Express a condition “You should leave now if you want to get the bus.” Subjunctive Express a wish, doubt, or hypothetical situation “If you were free, we could watch a movie.” 6. Other uses of modal verbs Modal verbs have various other functions in English. They can also be used:  In indirect speech  In negative statements  For emphasis Indirect speech Modal verbs are used in indirect speech to indicate what someone else said. While most modal verbs stay the same when used in indirect speech, the past form of some modal verbs is used instead (e.g., “can” becomes “could”). Examples: Modal verbs and reported speech Darren said “I will visit on Saturday.” Darren said he would visit on Saturday. 3 Pria said “we should go to France.” Pria said we should go to France. Negative statements In negative statements containing modal verbs, the adverb “not” comes immediately after the modal verb and before all other verbs. The negative form is often contracted (e.g., “would not” becomes “wouldn’t”). Examples: How to use modal verbs Tera can’t focus because her brother is playing the drums. You mustn’t play football inside the house anymore. Emphasis In everyday conversation, people sometimes place emphasis on a modal verb to refute a previous statement or question. The emphasized word is often italicized when written down. Examples: Modal verbs emphasizing a statement Why can’t you be nice? I can be nice! You won’t finish the project on time. I will finish it on time! 7. Why Is It Important to Learn Modal Verbs? Learning modal verbs is essential because they add depth and precision to your communication. They allow you to express not just actions, but also attitudes, degrees of politeness, and levels of certainty. Understanding modal verbs helps you navigate various social and professional interactions more effectively. Enhancing Communication Skills Modal verbs enable you to make requests, offer help, give advice, and express possibilities in a nuanced manner. For instance, saying “Can you help me?” is more direct than “Could you help me?” which is softer and more polite. Navigating Social Interactions Using modal verbs appropriately helps you interact with others in socially acceptable ways. For example, using “may” for permission in formal settings (“May I come in?”) shows respect and politeness. Clarifying Intentions Modal verbs help clarify your intentions, whether you’re expressing necessity (“You must stop smoking”), giving advice (“You should try this”), or indicating a future action (“I will call you”). 4 8. Difference Between Can and Could The English language can be tricky, especially when it comes to modal verbs like “can” and “could.” These words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between “can” and “could” is essential for mastering English grammar. This article will explore their differences, when to use “can,” and when to use “could,” with clear examples to guide you. What is the Difference Between Can and Could? “Can” and “could” are both modal verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, and requests. However, they differ in terms of time, politeness, and degree of certainty. “Can” is used to express present ability or possibility, such as in the sentences “I can swim” and “You can reach me by phone.” On the other hand, “could” is the past tense of “can” and is used to express past ability or possibility. For example, “I could swim when I was a child” and “She could reach the top shelf when she was younger” illustrate this usage. In terms of politeness, “could” is often considered more polite and formal than “can.” This distinction is particularly important when making requests or asking for permission. For instance, “Can you help me with this?” is less polite compared to “Could you help me with this?” Additionally, “can” implies a higher degree of certainty or direct ability, while “could” often suggests a hypothetical situation or a lower degree of certainty. For example, “We can go to the park if it stops raining” is more certain, whereas “We could go to the park if it stops raining” is less certain and more hypothetical. When to Use Can “Can” is used in various contexts to express ability, possibility, permission, and requests. When expressing ability, “can” is used to talk about someone’s capability to do something in the present. For example, “She can play the piano” and “I can speak three languages” demonstrate present abilities. In terms of possibility, “can” indicates that something is possible or that someone has the potential to do something. For instance, “This road can be dangerous at night” and “Anyone can learn to cook” show the potential and possibility of situations. When seeking permission, “can” is used, though it is less formal. Examples include “Can I use your phone?” and “Can we leave early today?” Furthermore, “can” is commonly used when making direct requests. Phrases like “Can you pass the salt?” and “Can you help me with my homework?” illustrate how “can” is used in this context. 5 When to Use Could “Could” serves multiple functions, including expressing past ability, making polite requests, and suggesting possibilities. To express past ability, “could” is used to describe what someone was able to do in the past. For example, “He could run very fast when he was young” and “I could read when I was four years old” highlight past abilities. When making polite requests, “could” is preferred for a more formal tone. For instance, “Could you please open the window?” and “Could I borrow your book?” demonstrate polite requests. In addition to this, “could” is used to suggest possibilities or hypothetical situations. Sentences like “It could rain later” and “We could go to the beach tomorrow” illustrate how “could” is employed to discuss potential events. Finally, “could” is often used if you need to ask permission in a more polite or formal manner. Examples include “Could I leave early today?” and “Could we postpone the meeting?” which show how “could” softens the request. In Summary, understanding the difference between “can” and “could” is vital for using these modal verbs correctly. “Can” is used for present abilities, possibilities, and more direct requests and permissions. In contrast, “could” is used for past abilities, polite requests, and hypothetical or less certain possibilities. 9. “May I” and “Can I” Definition of “May I” “May I” is a phrase used to ask for permission in a polite and formal manner. It emphasises respect and courtesy, making it suitable for situations where formality is expected or desired. For example, in professional settings, formal gatherings, or when speaking to someone of higher authority, “May I” is the preferred choice. For instance, “May I leave the room?” or “May I borrow your pen?” are examples of how “May I” is used to seek permission politely. Definition of “Can I” “Can I” is also used to ask for permission but is considered less formal than “May I.” It often focuses more on the ability or possibility of doing something rather than the act of seeking permission. While “Can I” is grammatically correct and widely understood, it is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversations, especially among peers and in informal settings. Examples include “Can I go out tonight?” or “Can I have another slice of cake?” What are the Differences between “Can I” and “May I”? The primary difference between “Can I” and “May I” lies in their level of formality and the context in which they are used. “May I” is more formal and polite, often used in situations 6 requiring a higher degree of respect. For example, in a business meeting, one might say, “May I present my report?” This phrase emphasises respect and acknowledges the authority of the person being asked. On the other hand, “Can I” is more casual and focuses on the ability to do something. It is commonly used in informal contexts where strict politeness is not necessary. For instance, a student might ask a classmate, “Can I borrow your notes?” Here, the phrase implies capability and familiarity rather than strict permission. Another key difference is that “Can I” sometimes causes confusion as it can imply both ability and permission. For example, “Can I swim?” might be interpreted as “Am I capable of swimming?” or “Do I have permission to swim?” In contrast, “May I swim?” clearly asks for permission, leaving no room for ambiguity. 10. “Shall” vs. “Should”: What’s The Difference? When to use shall or should The word shall is an auxiliary verb, also known as a helping verb. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express intention, as in what one plans to, intends to, or expects to do, as well communicate obligation (in the case of laws and directives). It can also be used to ask questions. For example:  I shall go with Gary to the store tomorrow.  We shall return this wallet because it is the right thing to do.  All official meetings shall be held in the town hall.  Shall we dance? Should is the past tense form of shall. Should is the form of shall that is used in the subjunctive mood to express hypothetical statements. For example:  If the king should die unexpectedly, his brother becomes regent. However, this usage of should is not common in modern American English (and is more common in British English). Instead, should is most often used to state an obligation or duty someone has, as in You should always have a spare roll of toilet paper or I really should clean the garage, but I can never find the time. Both shall and should are used in questions. Both words are often used interchangeably, but the word should often implies that the asker is more conflicted or less confident in what the correct answer is than if they used the word shall. For example:  Shall I open this door? (The asker is pretty confident that opening the door is the correct thing to do.)  Should I open this door? (The asker is hesitant about opening the door or doesn’t know if opening the door is a good idea or not.) Like other auxiliary verbs, shall and should are sometimes used alone. In these cases, the main verb is understood but has been omitted. For example:  She asked me if I will go to the party tonight and I said that I shall (go).  I don’t wash my car as often as I should (wash it). 7 Verbs similar to shall and should Two other auxiliary verbs follow a similar pattern to shall and should. The word would is used as the past tense of will and the word could is used as the past tense of can. Examples of shall and should used in a sentence We should test what we have learned by looking at example sentences that show how we typically use shall and should.  We shall decorate the ballroom tonight.  You really should avoid going near that hornet’s nest.  If it should rain tomorrow, the guests can eat inside.  Shall we tell him which box we think he should open?  I think we should ask somebody where the parade shall be held. References : 1. https://www.scribbr.com/verbs/modal-verb 2. https://www.proofreading.co.uk 3. https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/ 8