Lesson on Modals

What Are Modals?

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, necessity, or obligation. They are followed by the base form of the main verb.

Common Modal Verbs

• Can: Ability or permission. Example: "I can swim."
• Could: Past ability or polite requests. Example: "Could you help me?"
• May: Formal permission or possibility. Example: "You may enter the room."
• Might: Possibility. Example: "It might rain later."
• Shall: Suggestions or future intentions (formal). Example: "Shall we go for a walk?"
• Should: Advice or expectations. Example: "You should study harder."
• Will: Future certainty or promises. Example: "I will call you tomorrow."
• Would: Polite requests or hypothetical situations. Example: "Would you like some coffee?"
• Must: Strong obligation or necessity. Example: "You must wear a seatbelt."
• Ought to: Moral obligation or advice. Example: "You ought to apologize."

Rules for Using Modals

• Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb. Example: "She can dance."
• Modals do not take an "s" in the third person singular. Incorrect: "He cans swim." Correct: "He can swim."
• Modals do not use auxiliary verbs to form negatives or questions. Example: "Can she swim?" (Not "Does she can swim?")

Common Mistakes

• Using two modals together. Incorrect: "She must can swim." Correct: "She must be able to swim."
• Using the wrong modal for the context. Incorrect: "He might do it right now." (Use "can" for ability in the present: "He can do it right now.")