MODALS : Modals are auxiliary verbs that express the attitude or necessity of the main verb in a sentence. They are used to convey possibility, probability, necessity, obligation, permission, ability, and requests.
Types of Modals:
• Can/Could:
》》Can: Used to express ability or possibility.
Example: She can speak Spanish fluently.
》》Could: Used for past ability or polite requests.
Example: Could you please pass the salt?
• Will/Would:
》》Will: Indicates future actions or predictions.
Example: He will arrive at 7 PM.
》》Would: Used for polite requests, hypothetical situations, or past habits.
Example: Would you like some coffee?
• Shall/Should:
》》 Shall: Often used in formal settings for suggestions or offers.
Example: Shall we go for a walk?
》》Should: Indicates advice, obligation, or probability.
Example: You should complete your homework.
• May/Might:
》》May: Expresses permission or possibility.
Example: May I borrow your pen?
》》 Might: Indicates a lesser degree of probability or a hypothetical situation.
Example: It might rain later.
》》Must:
Indicates necessity or a strong recommendation.
Example: You must finish your assignment by tomorrow.
》》 Ought to:
Expresses a sense of duty or moral obligation.
Example: You ought to apologize for your mistake.
》》 Can't/Couldn't:
Can't: Denotes impossibility or strong disbelief.
Example: She can't be at the party; she's out of town.
》》 Couldn't: Expresses inability in the past.
Example: I couldn't solve the puzzle yesterday.
》》 Shouldn't:
Indicates advice against a particular action.
Example: You shouldn't eat too much junk food.
Note:
• Modals are always followed by the base form of the main verb.
• They do not have a past tense form of their own; their past meaning is expressed through context and the main verb.
These examples and explanations should help you understand the usage and nuances of various modals.
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• Usage in Questions:
Modals are frequently used in forming questions.
Example: Can you help me with my homework?
• Negation of Modals:
To make a modal negative, add "not" after the modal verb.
Example: She should not skip classes.
• Modals for Politeness:
Modals like 'could,' 'would,' and 'may' are often used to make requests more polite.
Example: Could you please pass me the menu?
• Modals of Probability:
'Must' is used to express high probability, while 'might' and 'may' indicate lower probability.
Example: It must be raining (high probability).
• Modals in Conditional Sentences:
Modals are commonly used in conditional sentences to express hypothetical situations.
Example: If I had known, I would have come earlier.
• Modals with Infinitives:
Modals are followed by the base form of the main verb (infinitive) without 'to.'
Example: You should study regularly.
• Modals of Ability:
'Can' and 'could' are used to express physical or mental ability.
Example: I can swim.
• Modals of Request:
'Can,' 'could,' 'will,' 'would,' and 'may' are often used to make requests.
Example: Can you please close the door?
• Modals for Suggestions:
'Shall' and 'should' are commonly used for making suggestions.
Example: Shall we watch a movie?
• Modals with Adverbs:
Adverbs like 'always,' 'never,' 'often' can be used with modals to emphasize the frequency of an action.
Example: You should always speak the truth.
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