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SSC Exam » SSC Study Materials » English » Modals
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Modals

Modal verbs are also referred to as modal verbs, modal auxiliaries as well as modal auxiliary verbs. These verbs are considered as special verbs that behave irregularly in English.

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Modal verbs are different from normal verbs like work, visit as well as play.  These verbs are used as auxiliaries with the main verb to show request, possibility, demand, inquiry and other modalities. The form of modal verbs is unchangeable in any aspect or circumstances. “S”, “ing” as well as ‘ed can not be added with the modal verbs.

Modals

The modal auxiliary is considered to be the modal verb in English grammar. It is a special verb that behaves very irregularly in English. Modal verbs are quite different from normal verbs. It can play an effective role in providing additional information based on the main verb function. Along with this, modal verbs are indulged with a huge number of functions that are communicative like making an inquiry, request, showing a possibility, etc. Modal verbs remain unchanged in all situations. Inflections like “s”, “ing” as well as ‘ed cannot change the verb form. 

Modality can be indicated with the help of this verb. Modal verbs can play an effective role in expressing speakers’ certainty, willingness, necessity, possibility, obligation as well as ability. On the other hand, moral verbs don’t take “s” as the third form of the verb. She can speak Spanish is one example of a sentence using modal verbs. The word “not” can be used in order to make it negative. With the help of not anyone can make a simple present as well as a simple past sentence. As an example, she should not have done it. According to a study on modal verbs, it has been analysed that many moral verbs cannot be used in the future as well as past sentences. In the following point, the modal verb types have been demonstrated. 

Types of Modals

As per a study on the modal verbs, there is 1 important modal verb hugely used in English grammar. “CAN” is considered one of the major examples of modal verbs in English grammar. It is used for investigating as well as expressing the willingness of an individual. On the other hand, in terms of using this verb in the negative form, it can express the inability as well as impossibility. Along with this, it can demonstrate informal situations very well. In order to express permission, it can be used based on any present situation. 

Could is also referred to as an important moral verb. It can play a vital role in making a request. Moreover, for giving suggestions, showcasing ability based on past incidents.  It also helps to identify future possibilities in a polite form. 

May is also an important modal verb type that is used in English grammar. The use of this modal verb is quite similar to the use of could. As it can express present as well as a future possibility, in this context might as well as are interchangeable aspects. The following point demonstrates the examples of modal verbs.

Examples of Modals

  1. Can you teach me mathematics next Sunday?
  2. She can surf, but can’t swim.
  3. Dad, can I go over to my aunt’s house?
  4. Could you tell me the incident again slowly?
  5. Could I buy a new mobile?
  6. If he practises more, he could play better.
  7. Mr Salil may be our English teacher.
  8. She might be very aggressive.
  9. I should finish my dinner.
  10. He would never make such mistakes again in the future.
  11. I would leave for the office at 9 AM.
  12. We are going to the cinema, would you  like to join us?
  13. Which would you prefer between chicken or mutton?
  14. The doorbell rings, it would be my friend.

Conclusion

Modals are auxiliary verbs that are used in English language to show certain functionalities like showing possibility, certainty or ability making a request or an inquiry.  Can, could, may as well as might, should, would are considered as some of the major modal verbs that are used in English grammar. One should be thorough with the use of these verbs so that there is no mistake committed in their use while speaking and writing English.

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