Modals

Modals are a type of verb that express levels of ability, doubt or certainty. Modal verbs are always followed by the other verb in the infinitive form. There are many modal verbs, but some of the most common ones are can, may, could,  will, might and would. In this lesson, we will discuss Modal’s meaning and provide a list of the most common modal verbs. Stay tuned for more information on how to use these verbs in your own writing!

What is Modals Meaning?

Modals are words that express levels of ability, doubt or certainty. Modal verbs are the most common type of modal. They include words like could, might, may, can, must, shall,  ought to, should and will. You know you’ve seen a modal verb when you see a word that has an ‘-s’ on the end of it, like ‘He can do it.’ Modal verbs are always followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

What is a Modal Verb?

Modal verbs express levels of ability, doubt or certainty. The three most common models are can, may and could. Modal verbs are always followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

List of Modal Verbs

The following is a list of modal verbs:

– can

– could

– may

– might

– must

– ought to

– shall

– should

– will

Uses of Modal verbs:

Modals are special verbs, such as can and could, which give extra information about the other verb in a sentence. They are used to express: ability, possibility, certainty, advice or necessity. Modal verbs always accompany the base (infinitive) form of the other verb having semantic content. For example, You must do your homework. Modals are auxiliary verbs, which means they help to form a question or a negative sentence or to add emphasis.

Can and Could:

Can and could are modal verbs that indicate ability or possibility. Can is used to express ability in the present tense, while could is used to express ability in the past tense.

Example:

I can speak three languages fluently.

Yesterday I couldn’t find my keys.

Will and Would

Would is a lot like a will, in that it is used to talk about future actions. The main difference is that would is used to talk about actions that are not certain, whereas will is used to talk about actions that are certain. For example:

I think I’ll have a glass of water. (certain)

Would you like a drink? (uncertain)

May and Might:

May and might express possibility. They can be used interchangeably. Might is used more in formal writing than may. For example, you might see might in a contract.

Could and Would:

Could and would express ability or possibility, but they have different implications. “Could” is used when something is possible, but it’s not certain. For example, “I could go to the party, but I’m not sure yet.”

Shall and Should:

The modal shall is used to express determination or promise. It can also be used to give commands. For example,

– We shall overcome this adversity.

– You shall go to the ball!

“Should” is used to express obligation as well as give advice or make recommendations. For example,

– You should brush your teeth twice a day.

– I think you should see a doctor about that cough.

Conclusion

Modals meaning says that Modals are words that express levels of ability, certainty, or obligation. Modal verbs are the most common type of modal. The modal verb “can” is used to express ability, for example, I can speak three languages. Modals are also used to express certainty and obligation. The modal verb “must” is used to express obligation, for example, You must turn off your cell phone in class. Modals are not always used with verbs. The modal verb “can” can be used as an adjective.