Modal Verbs in English Grammar
Modal Verbs vs Auxiliary Verbs
Modal verbs and auxiliary verbs are both types of helping verbs used to modify the meaning of the main verb in a sentence, but they serve different functions. Modal verbs such as 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'must', 'shall', 'will', and 'would' express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They do not change the base form of the main verb.
For instance: She can solve this issue easily.If we analysis this sentence:
She (subject)
Modal Verb (can)
Main Verb (solve)
Object (this issue)
Adverb (easily)
Here, solve is used just after the modal verb: 'can solve'. "solve" is the base verb, it will remain the same.
Verb can be divided into two parts.
Let's understand through flowchart.
Helping verb is also divided into two types:
- Modals
- Primary Auxiliary Verbs
Here, we are talking about Modals, so, it is necessary on our part to
know about modals before doing the exercises.
Error Detection:
They may not be able to attend the meeting.
- They may
- not able to
- attend the
- meeting.
Ans: (2) not able to
They may not be able to attend the meeting.
Explanation: Here "able" is an adjective, not a verb. So, if we want to
express ability in this context, it must be accompanied by the linking
verb " be" to complete the phrase "be able to".
- He
- might played
- the guitar in the
- concert yesterday.
Ans: (2) might played
He might have played the guitar in the concert yesterday.
Explanation: Modal verbs like would, may, could, should,
must be followed by the main verb, especially when referring
to a possibility in the past, the structure must be
Modal + have + Past participle.
The thief dare not to speak in front of the police
- The thief
- dare not to
- speak in front:
- of the police.
Ans:(2) dare not to
The thief dare not speak in front of the police.
Explanation: "Dare" is a semi- modal verb in negative sentences
when followed directly by "not' (dare not). As a modal verb it must
be followed by "bare infinitive", it means the base form of the verb
is used without 'to'.
You need not to reply to this email.
- You need
- not to reply
- to this
- email.
Ans: (2) not to reply
You need not reply to this email.
Explanation: When ' need not' is used as a modal auxiliary verb, it must
be followed by a bare infinitive or we can say the base form of the verb
without 'to'.
The child can plays with a ball in the park.
- The child
- can plays with
- a ball in
- the park.
Ans: (2) can plays with
The child can play with a ball in the park.
Explanation: After modal auxiliary verbs like will, should, can, we use
the first (base) form of the verb, not the third person singular form (plays).
Rajan must go not to the exhibition at this time.
- Rajan must
- go not to the
- exhibition
- at this time.
Ans: (2) go not to the
Rajan must not go to the exhibition at this time.
Explanation: When we use modal verbs like must, should, the negative word
(must be followed) by the modal verb, not the main verb. So, it should be
' must not go'.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct option:
He .............. be at home; the lights are off.
- will
- can
- can't
- must
Ans: (3) can't
Rule: "Can't" is used to express impossibility or disbelief.
..... you assist me with my project.
- Might
- Should
- Could
- Must
Ans:(3) Could
Rule: "Could" is used to make polite requests.
She ...... complete the homework by tomorrow.
- might
- will
- would
- should
Ans: (2) will
Rule: "Will" is used to express future certainty or determination.
We ....... visit the Lotus Temple this weekend if we have time.
- will
- should
- might
- must
Ans: (3) might
Rule: "Might" is used to express less possibility.
You .... leave now if you don't want to be late.
- can
- could
- must
- might
Ans: (3) must
Rule: "Must" is used to express necessity or obligation.
She ...... swim well when she was a child.
- might
- must
- could
- can
Ans: (3) could
Rule: "could" is the past tense form of "can" and is used to express
past ability.
...... I borrow your calculator for a moment?
- Can
- Will
- Should
- Must
Ans: (1) Can
Rule: "Can" is used to ask for permission.
He .... be tired after completing such a long project.
- would
- should
- must
- can
Ans: (3) must
Rule: "Must is used to make logical conclusions.
You .... carry an umbrella; it looks like rain.
- should
- can
- will
- might
Ans: (1) should
Rule: "Should" we used to give advice or suggestion.
