What are Modal Auxiliary Verbs in English | Type of Auxiliary Verb

Modal Auxiliary verb


The Modal verb is a type of Auxiliary verb. They are also called Helping verbs because they work with the main verb. 

The examples of Modal auxiliary verbs are: can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, and must.

Some more examples of Partly modal verbs are: ought to, need to, has to.

The Modal verbs are used to express potential, expectation, ability, permission, possibility, and obligation.


Let's understand the usage of all the modal verbs with examples:


Would

Would is the past form of will. The modal Verb Would is used to talk about Repetitive tasks in past, to express your wish, to make polite requests, and to talk about the future in the past.

Examples:
  • He told me that he would come to college today.
  • When I was a kid, I would go to school.
  • If I were you, I would reach the office on time.
  • I would like to take part in the event.
  • Would you like to join us?




Can

The modal verb "Can" is used to express ability, to request, ask for permission, show possibility, etc.

Examples:
  • I can drive the car.
  • She can not cook.
  • Can you please help me?
  • Can I go now?
  • It can be possible.



Could

Could is the past form of Can. It is used to tell about the possibility in past, to express past ability, to make polite requests, To ask for permission, to talk about past events, etc. 

Examples:
  • Could you please help us?
  • I could run for hours in my twenties.
  • Ramesh could have helped us.
  • Could I ask you a question?

Note: Could and Can both are used to make requests and ask for permission, but COULD is the more polite way.






May and Might

May and Might both are used to indicate the possibility but might is used when there is less possibility.

Examples:
  • It may rain today.   - High possibility
  • It might rain today.    - Less possibility.
  • She may come back.
  • She might come back.



Must

We use the "Must" modal verb when we want to say that
  • Something is necessary or very important
  • when we want to emphasize opinion.
  • When you want to recommend something.
  • To make an assumption.

Examples:
  • You must work hard on your English.   - Necessary
  • You must not east this.
  • I must admit, He played really well.       - Emphasize the opinion
  • I must say, You look really well.
  • You must visit this place in London.       - Recommendation.
  • You must go and watch the film.
  • It was a long journey, You must be tired.    - Assumption




Should

"Should" modal verb is used to give advice, to recommend something, to express obligation, and expectation.

Examples
  • You should visit all the famous places in Delhi.     - Recommendation
  • You should focus on your work.                             - Advice
  • I should be in the office by now.                             - Obligation
  • They should have reached London by now.           - Expectation




Will and Shall

The modal verb "Will" indicates willingness in the future and the negative form of will i.e will not or won't indicates unwillingness or refusal.

Shall is an alternative of will but Shall is more formal than will. But you can follow a general rule:
  • You can use "will" for affirmative and negative sentences about the future. 
  • Use "will" for requests.
  • Use "shall" to make an offer or suggestion with I/We.
  • For formal statements like obligations, use "Shall".

Examples:
  • I will play tomorrow.           - Affirmative sentence
  • They will play tomorrow.
  • She won't (will not) come today.            - Negative Sentence
  • It will not end soon.
  • They will protect her.
  • Will you please help with the exam preparation?   - Request
  • Shall we discuss this matter tomorrow?                 - Suggestion
  • Shall we go to the park later?
  • Shall we have something to eat?
  • Shall I make some lunch for you?                   - Offer
  • All the candidates shall provide their educational documents    - Formal obligation




Ought to

The modal verb "ought to" is used to express obligation/duty. 

Examples:
  • You ought to follow the rules.
  • We ought to leave now.
  • They ought to apologize.
  • Such things ought not to be allowed on the college premises.



That's it for the modal verbs. If you liked the article, please share 😊. 

Keep learning. Thank you.

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