Modal Helping Verbs (Modal Auxiliary Verbs)
Definition
Modal Helping Verbs (also called Modal Auxiliary Verbs) are helping verbs that express the speaker's attitude such as ability, permission, possibility, probability, advice, obligation, necessity, willingness, or requests. They are always used with the base form (V₁) of the main verb.
StructureSubject + Modal + Base Verb (V₁) + Object
She can swim.
We must obey the rules.
You should study hard.
We must obey the rules.
You should study hard.
Common Modal Helping Verbs
| Modal | Main Use |
|---|---|
| Can | Ability, Permission |
| Could | Past Ability, Polite Request |
| May | Permission, Possibility |
| Might | Weak Possibility |
| Shall | Suggestion, Future |
| Should | Advice, Duty |
| Will | Future, Willingness |
| Would | Polite Request, Habit |
| Must | Strong Obligation |
| Ought to | Moral Duty |
Uses of Modal Verbs
- Ability → can, could
- Permission → can, may
- Possibility → may, might, could
- Advice → should, ought to
- Obligation → must
- Necessity → must
- Future → will, shall
- Polite Request → would, could
- Offer → shall, can
- Promise → will
Examples
Can → I can drive a car.
Could → Could you help me?
May → May I come in?
Might → It might rain today.
Should → You should exercise daily.
Must → We must follow the rules.
Will → I will call you tomorrow.
Would → Would you like some tea?
Could → Could you help me?
May → May I come in?
Might → It might rain today.
Should → You should exercise daily.
Must → We must follow the rules.
Will → I will call you tomorrow.
Would → Would you like some tea?
Important Rules
- A modal is always followed by the base form (V₁).
- No -s, -es, -ing, or -ed is added to the modal.
- Only one modal is normally used before the main verb.
- Most modal verbs do not change according to the subject.
✔ She can play tennis.
✘ She can plays tennis.
✘ She can plays tennis.
Negative Forms
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
| can | cannot / can't |
| could | couldn't |
| may | may not |
| might | might not |
| shall | shan't |
| should | shouldn't |
| will | won't |
| would | wouldn't |
| must | mustn't |
Quick Summary
Modal Verbs:
Can, Could, May, Might, Shall, Should, Will, Would, Must, Ought to
Remember:
Remember:
- Modal + V₁
- No "to" after most modal verbs.
- No "s" with modal verbs.
- Used to express ability, permission, advice, possibility, obligation, necessity, request, offer, promise and future actions.
Formula
Subject + Modal Helping Verb + Base Verb (V₁) + Object
Examples:
Subject + Modal Helping Verb + Base Verb (V₁) + Object
Examples:
- She can speak English.
- You should study every day.
- We must respect our parents.
- They will arrive tomorrow.
Tags:
Verbs