Modals in English Grammar
Website: Open Gateway Tamil
What are Modals?
Modals are auxiliary (helping) verbs that express necessity, possibility, ability, permission, or obligation. Common modals include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.
Rules for Using Modals
- Modals do not change form according to the subject (no "s" for third person).
- They are always followed by the base form of the verb (without "to").
- Modals do not require auxiliary verbs to form questions or negatives.
Common Modals and Their Uses
| Modal | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability, Permission | I can swim. / Can I borrow your pen? |
| Could | Past ability, Polite request, Possibility | She could play the piano. / Could you help me? |
| May | Permission, Possibility | You may go now. / It may rain later. |
| Might | Less certain possibility | He might come to the party. |
| Must | Obligation, Strong belief | You must wear a helmet. / She must be at home now. |
| Shall | Formal future intention, Suggestion | We shall overcome. / Shall we go out? |
| Should | Advice, Recommendation | You should eat healthy food. |
| Will | Future intention, Promise | I will call you tomorrow. |
| Would | Polite request, Hypothetical situations | Would you like a coffee? / I would go if I had time. |
Examples of Modals in Sentences
- Can: She can speak three languages.
- May: May I leave early today?
- Must: You must finish your homework before playing.
- Should: You should see a doctor if you're unwell.
- Will: We will visit the museum tomorrow.
Common Errors with Modals
- Incorrect: She must to leave now.
Correct: She must leave now. - Incorrect: Can he to drive?
Correct: Can he drive? - Incorrect: He will comes late.
Correct: He will come late.
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