What does the modal verb show?

Key Notes:

1.What Are Modal Verbs?

  • Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, or requests. They help to convey the mood of the main verb.

2. Common Modal Verbs:

  • Some common modal verbs include:
    • Can: shows ability or possibility
    • Could: shows past ability or polite requests
    • May: shows permission or possibility
    • Might: shows a weaker possibility
    • Must: shows necessity or strong obligation
    • Shall: shows future action or intention
    • Should: shows advice or recommendation
    • Will: shows future action or willingness

3. What Modal Verbs Show:

  • Ability:
    • Example: “She can play the piano.”
    • Meaning: She has the ability to play the piano.
  • Possibility:
    • Example: “It might rain tomorrow.”
    • Meaning: There is a chance of rain tomorrow.
  • Permission:
    • Example: “You may leave the table.”
    • Meaning: You have permission to leave.
  • Obligation/Necessity:
    • Example: “You must finish your homework.”
    • Meaning: It is necessary to finish your homework.
  • Advice:
    • Example: “You should eat healthy food.”
    • Meaning: It is a good idea to eat healthy food.
  • Requests:
    • Example: “Could you help me with this?”
    • Meaning: This is a polite request for help.

4. Using Modal Verbs in Sentences:

  • Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the main verb (the verb without “to”).
    • Example: “She can swim.” (not “can swims”)

5. Examples of Modal Verbs in Context:

  • Ability: “I can ride a bike.”
  • Possibility: “He might come to the party.”
  • Permission: “May I use your pencil?”
  • Obligation: “You must wear a helmet.”
  • Advice: “You should study for the test.”
  • Requests: “Will you help me with my homework?”

6. Practice Identifying Modal Verbs:

  • Read sentences and underline the modal verbs.
  • Discuss what each modal verb shows in context.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Confusing modal verbs with regular verbs. Remember, modal verbs do not change form based on the subject (e.g., “He can,” “They can”).
  • Forgetting that modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the main verb.

Let’s practice!🖊️