Using Modal Verbs (Helping Verbs)

In this episode, we’ll learn about modal verbs. Modal verbs are special helping verbs that add extra meaning to the main verb. They express things like possibility, ability, permission, and obligation.

1. What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs don’t have a meaning on their own; they always work with a main verb. They tell us about:

• Ability: can, could
• Possibility: may, might, could, can
• Permission: can, may, could
• Obligation/Necessity: must, have to, should
• Advice/Suggestion: should
• Future: will, would

2. Common Modal Verbs

Here are some of the most common modal verbs:

• Can: Shows ability or possibility.
  • Examples: I can swim. It can rain tomorrow.
• Could: Shows past ability, polite requests, or possibility.
  • Examples: I could swim when I was younger. Could you please open the window? It could snow tonight.
• May: Shows possibility or permission.
  • Examples: It may rain later. You may leave now.
• Might: Shows possibility (less certain than “may”).
  • Example: It might rain later.
• Must: Shows strong obligation or necessity.
  • Example: I must go to the doctor.
• Should: Shows obligation, advice, or expectation.
  • Examples: You should eat healthy food. He should be here soon.
• Will: Shows future intention or prediction.
  • Examples: I will go to the store tomorrow. It will be sunny tomorrow.
• Would: Shows past habit, polite requests, or conditional situations.
  • Examples: I would often visit my grandparents. Would you like some tea? If I were rich, I would travel the world.

3. Examples in Sentences

• I can speak English. (Ability)
• She may go to the party. (Possibility)
• Could you help me? (Polite request)
• You must finish your homework. (Obligation)
• You should drink more water. (Advice)
• I will call you later. (Future intention)
• He would always tell me stories. (Past habit)

4. Important Points about Modal Verbs

• They don’t change form for he/she/it (no “-s”). Example: He can swim. (Not “he cans swim.”)
• They are followed by the base form of the main verb. Example: She must go. (Not “she must goes” or “she must went.”)
• They form questions by inverting the subject and modal. Example: Can you swim? (Not “You can swim?”)
• They form negatives with “not.” Example: I cannot swim. (Or can’t)

5. “Have to”

“Have to” is similar to “must” in meaning, but it’s not a true modal verb. It changes form like a regular verb.

• Examples: I have to go. He has to work. I had to leave early.

What We Skipped (For Now):

• More nuanced uses of modal verbs.
• Semi-modals (like “ought to,” “had better,” “used to”).

Why are Modal Verbs Important?

Modal verbs add important meaning to our sentences by expressing different shades of possibility, obligation, and other concepts. They are essential for communicating effectively in English.

Other Useful Links

| Introduction to English Grammar | Noun | Pronoun | Adjectives | Verbs | Adverb | Preposition | Conjunction | Interjection | Articles | Phrases | Clause | Modal Verbs | Tenses | Passive Voice |