MODAL VERBS

Modal verb & its uses

Modal verbs are used along with a main verb to indicate ability, necessity, possibility, and permission. In sentences containing modal verbs, the main verb typically takes the infinitive form. Modal verbs come before main verbs and never change form.

 Examples:

Ø I might walk to work today.

Ø You may have as many cookies as you’d like.

Ø Harish must order tickets in advance if he wants to go to the theater.

Modal verb table

Below is a table that illustrates some of the various uses of modal verbs. Note that modal verbs are very commonly used in a wide variety of senses—this table doesn’t cover every possible usage.

 

Modal verb	Function	Example
Can	Ø Indicate ability Ø Indicate possibility Ø Indicate permission (informal) Ø Make a request (informal)	Ø Janvi can play the guitar. Ø We can drive or walk. Ø You can borrow that book. Ø Can I have some water?
Could	Ø Past form of “can” Ø Indicate possibility Ø Make a polite request	Ø She could speak French. Ø You could become a chef. Ø Could you tell me the time?
May	Ø Indicate possibility Ø Indicate permission (formal) Ø Make a request (formal)	Ø Dana may arrive late. Ø You may enter. Ø May I respond?
Might	Ø Indicate possibility	Ø I might order pizza.
Must	Ø Indicate obligation Ø Indicate likelihood	Ø Cyclists must wear helmets. Ø You must be very proud.
Shall	Ø Indicate a future action (normally used only with “I” and “we”) Ø Ask a question (normally used only with “I” and “we”)	Ø I shall attend. Ø Shall we arrange a meeting?
Should	Ø Make a suggestion Ø Indicate likelihood	Ø You should watch that film. Ø Tom should be at the office.
Will	Ø Indicate a future action or event Ø Make a polite request	Ø Fay will book the venue. Ø Will you get the door?
Would	Ø Past form of “will” Ø Make a polite request	Ø She would often work late. Ø Would you call back later?

VIDEO REFERENCE (BOTH TAMIL & ENGLISH)

ENGLISH : https://youtu.be/Nk9nQwoCFig?si=Gr-28Iv48rZ4bB2Y

TAMIL : https://youtu.be/PQaaRNFHRX4?si=xmyOBu0uFcItR0wU