A modal verb is an extra (supporting) verb that expresses capacity, availability, consent, or duty. Optional sentences (or sub) are just a mix of modal verbs and also the prefix that communicate the same concepts are modals.
Modals express the potential, intention, capability, or need of something. Therefore, they’re supplementary verbs (support verbs), they’re employed in conjunction with the paragraph’s main clause. Could, should, and therefore must are typical instances.
Modal dialogs are a type of phrase that is distinct from regular verbs. They’re never employed by themselves; they’re usually accompanied by a main verb. These give more details about the main verb. They’re employed to convey trust, potential, desire, duty, need, and capacity.
Uses of modal verbs
In English, modal verbs are being used to express functions such as:
· Possibilities
· Permissions
· Aptitude
· an absence of a requirement
· Responsibility
· advice
· possibility
Ensure to utilise modal dialogs in conjunction with verb phrases, such as:
· Since they look so very much alike, Kumar has to be her brother.
· I’ll probably go out to the park, however, I can’t guarantee it.
In the first case, the individual has made a comment that appears to be factual. Inside the second, the individual’s remark demonstrates a level of doubt, which allows that individual to avoid committing.
The very same modality verbs can be used to express probability, confidence, or total determination or certainty. Understanding modal auxiliary is difficult due to the many applications of the very same models.
Take a glance at how well the modal should go’ is utilised in the example below:
· In 10 minutes, the store will close. We must eat there right away.
Therefore, because an individual wishes to warn another person that they have to go to the business before closing,’ should go’ conveys a strong feeling of duty.
Types of modals
Generally, the modals are divided into 3 types. They are very much used in our day-to-day conversations and also used to frame in most of the sentences. Let’s discuss their types in detail:
· Epistemic modals
(i) The modal of probability: could, can, might, may
(ii) The modal of deductions: must, could, may
(iii) The modal of assumption or expectation: would, should, will, shall
· Deontic models
(i) The modal of permission: may, can, could
(ii) The model of obligation: should, must, shall, must
· Dynamic models
(i) The modal of ability: could, can
(ii) The modal of habit: would, might
Let’s now discuss the examples of modal verbs:
Examples of modal verbs
· Can
uses | examples |
To enquire about something | Can you please take me to the office? |
Impossible to perform | The people who came to fix the bulb can’t fix them. |
To show the possibility of doing anything | We can reach the destination on time if we leave now. |
To ask for permission | Mom, can I go to Arjun’s house to play cricket? |
· Could
uses | examples |
To ask for a request | could you please do the job for me? |
To suggest something | The plumber could fix the water pump easily. |
Used for possibility | We could go to the restaurant if I get the salary today. |
· May
uses | Examples |
To express the possibility of something | We may go to the hospital today. |
To seek permission | May I please leave the place after 7:00? |
· Might
uses | Examples |
To show any possibility | They might have gone to the movie already before time. |
To express possibility in future | Dr. Dinesh might be your doctor next week. |
also to express permission | Might he be excused from the school today? |
· Will
uses | Examples |
Used to express the intention | I will clean the house today if you pay me 100 rs. |
Also to make any prediction of happening of something | I will give you my shirt if you win the match. |
To express the habit or the usual behaviour | As before, I will do my homework at 5 pm. |
An informal request | Will you please open the door for me? |
· Would
uses | Examples |
To ask for the request | Would you pass the food over here, please? |
Used in the preferences | Among these two, would you prefer this shirt or that shirt? |
To ask or to request permission from somebody | Would you please let me go after the completion of the inquiry? |
To show a habitual activity | The dog would always bark if you throw a stone at him. |
To comment on something | The car just arrived. It would be your sister. |
· Shall
uses | Examples |
Used for the suggestions | This cloth shall be used to clean the stain on the table. |
To ask someone about what to do. | I shall recommend you to complete the job this way to get more rewards from the manager. |
To offer some help to someone | Shall I do the job for you as I’m good at it? |
In the legal matters | The plaintiff shall speak before the court. |
Conclusion
Modals are types of helping verbs. Modals express the potential, intention, capability, or need of something.Generally, the modals are divided into 3 types. They are: epistemic modals, deontic modals and dynamic modals. They are often used in daily conversations. One should remember the rules and uses of the modals to avoid any mistake while communicating.