Modal Auxiliary Verb is a major part of English Grammar . Modals are very useful for English learners and competitors. This chapter contains Modal Auxiliary Verbs, definition, list of modal auxiliary verbs, various examples with useful structures that will help the students and aspirants to boost their command on and develop their understanding of English language to score marks.
What is Modal Auxiliary Verb ?
Modal Verb is also Helping /Auxiliary Verb that is used to express the mood, mode or attitude of a speaker. These models are use to suggest Permission, Ability, Possibility, Advice, Promise, Intention, Request , Compulsion, Necessity , Prohibition, Wish or Prayer, Duty and Obligation.
List of Modals
These are the models Verbs and its forms-
| Model Verb | Present Form | Past Form | Perfect Form |
| Can | Can | Could | Could have |
| May | May | Might | Might have |
| Shall | Shall | Should | Should have |
| Will | Will | Would | Would have |
| Must | Must | —– | Must have |
| Used to | —– | Used to | —- |
| Ought to | Ought to | —– | Ought to have |
| Need | Need | —– | Need have |
| Dare | Dare | —– | —- |
Uses of Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Use of Can –
1- To express physical, mental or circumstantial ability – ( Subject + Can + Verb I + Object + Others )
Examples-
- You can teach English them regularly.
- He can speak French fluently.
- They can solve these question easily for their class work copies.
- Every one can face any problem in life .
- She can operate computer for typing the letter.
- Rakesh can not bring that heavy bucket.
2- To express possibility- ( Subject + Can + Verb I + Object + Others )
Examples-–
- Anyone can take advantage of your generosity.
- This information can be false.
- She can be fit for my family.
- You can not be suitable for this post.
3- To express Permission ( for taking and giving permission ) –
- Subject + Can + Verb I + Object + Others.
- Can +Subject + Verb I + Object + Others ?
Examples-–
- Can I go for toilet now ?
- You can go to market to buy many things for birthday celebration.
- Can they take some money from your purse ?
- You can not take money from my pocket .
- You cannot carry my bag for school.
4- To express Phrasal Use – ( Subject + Cannot + help + Verb I + -ing + Object + Others. )
Examples-
- She cannot help eating too much .
- They cannot help beating that thief.
- The teacher can not help teaching Mathematics.
- He can’t help singing a sweet song.
5- To express habit or nature – ( Subject + Can + Verb I + Object + Others )
Examples-
- A pick pocket can spare none .
- A fraudster can deceive anyone.
6- To express Purpose – ( Subject + Verb + Object + so that + Subject + can + Verb + object + others )
Examples-
- She read English so that she can learn it .
- Poonam work hard so that she can pass the board exam.
- They earn money so that they can feed their family.
7- To express polite request – ( Can +Subject + Verb + Object + Others ? )
Examples-
- Can I come in ?
- Can you please save the animals ?
- Can they go out for walking now ?
Use of Could –
1- To express past physical, mental or circumstantial ability – ( Subject + Could + Verb + Object + Others )
Examples-
- She could pass the examination.
- They could help those poor and needy people.
- Gita could cook food for twenty members of that group.
- You could not manage to help me by giving money.
2- To express more polite request ( Could +Subject + Verb + Object + Others ? )
Examples-
- Could you please save the animals ?
- Could they go out for walking now ?
- Could I come in ?
3- To express Suggestion – ( Subject + Could + Verb + Object + Others )
Examples-
- They could talk to the principal in this reference.
- You could consult to the doctor in this connection.
- People could take help from local leaders.
- Pooja could call me anytime for this noble cause.
4- To express Phrasal Use – ( Subject + Could not + help + Verb I + -ing + Object + Others. )
Examples-
- I could not help raising questions against the authority.
- You could not help talking to the doctor about your brother’s health.
- Raju could not help laughing at his friend’s joke.
- The boys could not help pulling the chain to stop the train.
5- To express possibility in Past- ( Subject + Could + have + Verb III + Object + Others )
Examples-
- You could have attempted all the questions in the examination.
- They could have completed their work .
- I could not have answered all the questions.
- You could have solved this problem any time.
Use of May
1- To express Possibility – ( Subject + May + Verb I + Object + Others )
Examples-
- It may rain here.
- He may help the poor tomorrow.
- We may be completing our works.
- Rakesh may come here any time.
- Pooja may solve any problem as we know.
2-Take Permission- ( May +Subject + Verb I + Object + Others ? )
Examples-
- May I come it?
- May she go to that room ?
- May Raju knock at the door ?
- May I enter the classroom?
- May I take your pen to write a letter ?
3- To Express wish and prayer in operative sentence– ( May +Subject + Verb I + Object + Others ! )
Examples-
- May God bless you all!
- May your dream come true!
- May success touch the feet of the hard working people !
4- To Express Request- ( May +Subject + Verb I + Object + Others ? )0
Examples-
- May I take your book please?
- May you expect my help for that noble cause?
- May they use your house for some days?
5- To Express Purpose in Adverb Clause ( Subject + Verb + Object + Others + So that + Subject +may + Verb I + Object + Others )
Examples-
- She works hard so that she may achieve success in UPSC Examination.
- Pooja is going to help the poor so that they may live happy life.
- Rokesh want to become a teacher so that he may spread knowledge.