Modal auxiliary 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.
The modal auxiliary verb refers to any type of verb that expresses suggestions, advice, prohibition, consent, request, certainty, obligation, and numerous sentiments. The modal auxiliary 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 auxiliary verb.
The well-known modal auxiliary 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 auxiliary verb.
Always use the base form of the main verb with a modal auxiliary verb.
Example: She can visit the temple.
Do not form the past tense, present tense, or future tense for modal auxiliary verbs.
Incorrect: He musts attend the meeting.
Correct: He must attend the meeting.
Do not use ‘to’ while using a modal auxiliary 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 auxiliary 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 auxiliary verb used in interrogative sentences.
Incorrect: Do we can go to the gym?
Correct: Can we go to the gym?
If an explicit intention to do something has to be conveyed, choose the modal auxiliary verb. ‘Can’ and ‘could’ are the modal auxiliary verbs used to show ability.
‘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.
There are mandatory requirements that need to be completed in a certain timeline. To stress the fact that certain things must be done, a modal auxiliary verb can be used. For this purpose, must, have to, and need to modal auxiliary 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 sound humble, politely ask for something, and take consent, a modal auxiliary verb should be used. Modal auxiliary 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 like to join cooking classes in my free time.
Example 4: My mother will not tolerate this mischievous behaviour in our home.
When the probability of certain events is doubtful, a modal auxiliary 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.
In case of the need to give a suggestion without putting it like an obligation, use the modal auxiliary verb ‘should’ to craft a sentence.
Example 1: Beena should not skip her monthly check-ups.
Example 2: My sister should not believe in traditional norms.
Modal auxiliary 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.
Q1. What is a modal auxiliary verb?
Ans. A modal auxiliary verb means any type of verb used to exhibit suggestion, advice, prohibition, consent, request, certainty, obligation, 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 auxiliary verb in the sentence.
Q2. What are the popular examples of modal auxiliary verbs?
Ans. The popular examples of modal auxiliary verbs are can, may, might, could, should, would, shall, will, and must.
Q3. Write 3 points to be considered while using a modal auxiliary verb.
Ans. The following points should be considered while using modal auxiliary verbs in practice:
Do not use tense for a modal auxiliary verb.
Do not use two modal auxiliary verbs in one sentence.
Always use the main form of the main verb while using a modal auxiliary verb.
Q4. What difference is between ‘can’ and ‘could’?
Ans. Can and could both are used to show ability 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 possibility of certain events while might is intended for a single purpose only. It is only used to illustrate the possibility of doubtful events.
Examples:
May I finish the wooden work on the floor?
I might not go to Hyderabad next month.
Q6. Which modal auxiliary verbs are used to show ability?
Ans. Modal auxiliary verbs can and could are used to show ability.
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