Modals

Modals, also called modal verbs/auxiliary verbs/modal auxiliaries, are special verbs in English showing certain expressions and indicate modality. They are auxiliary verbs and thus are used in conjunction with the main verbs. Modal verbs show possibility, intent, ability or necessity for any action. Since they are used to highlight certain expressions and conditions, using them along with the main verb can bring about a change to the meaning of the main verb. They are used to give additional information about the function of the main verb following it. 

As iterated above, modal verbs are supplementary verbs used to explain the function of the main verb a bit more in the context of the sentence to modify its meaning as per our needs. Modals are of various types and are used to show various expressions. Some of the commonly used ones are listed below:

RULES TO USING MODAL VERBS- 

Just like any other element of a sentence, using modal verbs also comes with a set of rules one has to follow every time they wish to include a modal verb in their sentence. The rules are:

• Modal verbs always come before the main verb (except for questions). 
• With modal verbs, the infinitive form of the main verb is used with “to”. 
• Modal verbs don’t change their form, one does not add “s”, “ed”, or “ing” at the end of modal verbs.

USE OF MODAL VERBS-

Modal verbs are used to indicate the possibility, likelihood, ability, ask for permission, request, suggestion, advice, command, obligation, necessity, or habit. 

The table below shows what modal verb to use where:

EXERCISES: 

• ————– I come with you?

1. Can
2. Will 
3. Would 

• There was a time when I ———— stay up very late.

1. Would
2. Could
3. Can 

• I ———- get you a shawl from there.

1. Will 
2. Would 
3. Should

• She needs money, so she ——–  her house. 

1. Might
2. May 
3. Will

CONCLUSION:

Using modal verbs can enhance the quality of the sentence and change the meaning of the sentence slightly to make better sense. Modal verbs are used in different situations to modify the main verbs to suit the context. Their perfect usage comes with practice.