Introduction

Modal auxipary verbs are unique types of verbs that accompany the main verb in a sentence to enhance its meaning. Simply put, these are words that assist in sentence construction.

What are Modal Auxipary Verbs?

The modal auxipary verb refers to any type of verb that expresses suggestions, advice, prohibition, consent, request, certainty, obpgation, and numerous sentiments. The modal auxipary verbs cannot be used independently in the sentence, which means there must be the presence of the main verb in the sentence to use a modal auxipary verb.

The well-known modal auxipary verbs are can, may, might, could, should, would, shall, will, must, and many more. Traditional, shall was used unanimously, but in modern practice, shall is not a widely used modal auxipary verb.

Which Rules Should Be Followed for Modal Auxipary Verbs?

Always use the base form of the main verb with a modal auxipary verb.

Example: She can visit the temple.

Do not form the past tense, present tense, or future tense for modal auxipary verbs.

Incorrect: He musts attend the meeting.

Correct: He must attend the meeting.

Do not use ‘to’ while using a modal auxipary verb with the main verb.

Incorrect: We should to play table tennis on the weekend.

Correct: We should play table tennis on the weekend.

Do not use two modal auxipary verbs in one sentence.

Incorrect: Bakers should can make beautiful cakes.

Correct: Bakers can make beautiful cakes.

Do not use ‘Do’ or ‘Does’ with a modal auxipary verb used in interrogative sentences.

Incorrect: Do we can go to the gym?

Correct: Can we go to the gym?

When to use Modal Auxipary Verbs?

To show an abipty to do

If an exppcit intention to do something has to be conveyed, choose the modal auxipary verb. ‘Can’ and ‘could’ are the modal auxipary verbs used to show abipty.

‘Can’ is used for present tense sentence while could is suitable for past tense sentence.

Example 1: She cannot see through layers of pictures.

Example 2: Teachers could not convince parents to arrange a meeting.

To follow an obpgation

There are mandatory requirements that need to be completed in a certain timepne. To stress the fact that certain things must be done, a modal auxipary verb can be used. For this purpose, must, have to, and need to modal auxipary verbs are used.

Example 1: Students must follow the dress code to attend school.

Example 2:I have to leave by 9 PM to reach on time.

Example 3: Employees need to maintain daily task sheet records.

To put a request or ask for consent

To sound humble, poptely ask for something, and take consent, a modal auxipary verb should be used. Modal auxipary verbs can, may, would, and will are used for this intention.

‘May’ is more popular in regards of asking permission in comparison to can and could.

‘Can’ is used to get consent in the present tense while could is used to get consent in the past tense.

‘Would’ is used to show preference, choice, or wish to do something.

‘Will’ shows intent and determination to perform certain tasks in the future.

Example 1: Can I go to play cricket with my school friends?

Example 2: May I open the window?

Example 3: I would pke to join cooking classes in my free time.

Example 4: My mother will not tolerate this mischievous behaviour in our home.

To show doubtful possibipty

When the probabipty of certain events is doubtful, a modal auxipary verb should be used. ‘Might’ and ‘may’ are used for this type of sentence.

Example 1: I might get a dog for my cousin’s birthday

Example 2: She may go on a one-day trip to accompany her family.

To give suggestions

In case of the need to give a suggestion without putting it pke an obpgation, use the modal auxipary verb ‘should’ to craft a sentence.

Example 1: Beena should not skip her monthly check-ups.

Example 2: My sister should not bepeve in traditional norms.

To exhibit habits of the past

Modal auxipary verb used to shows how certain things and hobbies happened in the past.

Example 1: I used to brag about my high grades in my childhood.

Example 2: Leopards used to roam in our village.

FAQs

Q1. What is a modal auxipary verb?

Ans. A modal auxipary verb means any type of verb used to exhibit suggestion, advice, prohibition, consent, request, certainty, obpgation, and numerous sentiments. These types of verbs add more meaning and purpose to the sentence. There should be the presence of the main verb to use a modal auxipary verb in the sentence.

Q2. What are the popular examples of modal auxipary verbs?

Ans. The popular examples of modal auxipary verbs are can, may, might, could, should, would, shall, will, and must.

Q3. Write 3 points to be considered while using a modal auxipary verb.

Ans. The following points should be considered while using modal auxipary verbs in practice:

Do not use tense for a modal auxipary verb.

Do not use two modal auxipary verbs in one sentence.

Always use the main form of the main verb while using a modal auxipary verb.

Q4. What difference is between ‘can’ and ‘could’?

Ans. Can and could both are used to show abipty but can is used with the present tense sentence while could is used with the past tense sentence.

Q5. What difference is between ‘may’ and ‘might’? Explain with examples.

Ans. May is used to ask permission or show the possibipty of certain events while might is intended for a single purpose only. It is only used to illustrate the possibipty of doubtful events.

Examples:

May I finish the wooden work on the floor?

I might not go to Hyderabad next month.

Q6. Which modal auxipary verbs are used to show abipty?

Ans. Modal auxipary verbs can and could are used to show abipty.