Modals in English Grammar

Modals - The helping verbs which express the mode of main verb are called Modals. The main Modals are - may, might, can, could, will, shall, would, should, must, need, ought to, used to.

Features of Modals - The main features of Modals are given below:

a) They indicate an action like ability, power, permission, request, possibility and willingness.

b) They don’t come alone. They come with main verb.

c) The number, gender and persons don’t affect them.

d) They are used with 1^st form of verb. But “to infinitive” is used with the modals like “ought” and “used”.

e) They don’t have any forms.

Modals in English Grammar

May Permission May I come in, Sir? May I help u? May I ask a question? You may buy something if u want. Possibility It is cloudy day. It may rain today. He may come today. If you work hard then you may get good marks. Wish/Blessing May God bless you! May his soul rest in peace! May you live long!

Might ( Past of "May") Purpose in Past He worked hard so that he might stand first. He ran fast so that he might catch the thief. He earned a lot of money so that he might live a better life. Possibility It might rain today. I might win the lottery. He might win the scholarship.

Can Capacity I can speak English. She cannot cook. I cannot understand your language. Permission Can you solve this question? (Informal manner) You cannot go. You cannot see me. They can live in my house. Possibility It can rain today. You can solve this sum. Anyone can slip on this floor.

Could ( Past of "Can") Polite request Could you please open the window? Could I have some water, please? Could I give you a lift? Could you fetch me that book? Could you turn the music down? Ability in the past When I was younger, I could run a mile. Last year, he could not speak English. Yesterday, I could not find my wallet. Narration He said that he could play a violin. He said that he could sing a song. He said that he could solve this problem.

Will Used with Second and Third Person He will get good marks. The boys will play a match in the evening. Will you deliver a speech tomorrow? Threat, Promise & Determination I will see you in the court. I will teach you a lesson. I will work hard to stand first in the class. We will sacrifice our lives for the sake of country.

Shall Used with First Person I shall meet you next month. We shall fly the kites. I shall help you. Threat, Promise & Determination You shall get a mobile if you stand first. You shall be punished for your mistake. He shall succeed if he works hard.

Should Advice You should not speak while eating. You should walk on the grass in the morning. You should go home now. Should I leave now? Lest Work hard lest you should fail. Speak slowly lest you should falter. Run slow lest you should fall down

Must Compulsion, Strong obligation You must apologize for your mistake. Your mother is not well, you must take care of her. A teacher must teach the students about etiquettes. You must work hard.

Would Polite request/ offer/wish Would you like a cup of tea? Would you like to play Cricket? What would you like to have in breakfast? I would like to say something. Past habit When I was little, I would play hide and seek. In my childhood, I would drink milk. When I was child, I would not tell a lie. Unreal condition We would go to Japan but we are too busy. If I won the lottery, I would travel the world. Would that I were millionaire. Narration He said that he would bring me a smart phone. He said that he would invite me on birthday party. He said that he would speak the truth from now.

Ought to Moral duty, Necessity You ought to respect your seniors. We ought to serve our country. You ought to cast your vote. You ought to be punctual. We ought to help the poor. You ought to visit your friends once in a while.

Need Necessity You need not stay here. Need she go there? Do we need to consult a doctor? Everybody needs to get some rest. I need to help him.

Dare To venture How dare you disturb me? Do you dare to swim in the river? He dare not speak against me. He didn't dare to open the door.

Used to Past habit My uncle used to go for a walk every morning. My grandmother used to go for a temple daily. He used to drink when he was young.