Modal verbs (also known as modal auxiliaries or modal auxiliary verbs) are a specific group of verbs that are used to express a range of meanings related to possibility, ability, permission, obligation, or intention. They are called "modal" because they add a sense of mood or attitude to a sentence.
Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs do not change their form (i.e., they have no past tense, infinitive, or gerund forms). They are always followed by the base form of a main verb (without "to"), which is used to complete the meaning of the sentence. For example:
She can swim very well. (modal verb "can" + main verb "swim")
They may arrive late. (modal verb "may" + main verb "arrive")
You should study harder. (modal verb "should" + main verb "study")
There are nine commonly recognized modal verbs in English:
1) Can: "Can" is used to express ability, capability, or possibility.
Examples:
I can speak Spanish fluently.
Can you play the piano?
It can get very cold in the winter here.
2) Could: "Could" is the past tense form of "can," and it is used to express ability or possibility in the past. It can also be used to make polite requests or suggestions.
Examples:
When I was younger, I could run very fast.
Could you please pass me the salt?
We could go to the beach this weekend if the weather is nice.
3) May: "May" is used to express possibility, permission, or a wish.
Examples:
It may rain tomorrow.
May I use the restroom, please?
May all your dreams come true!
4) Might: "Might" is similar to "may" in that it is used to express possibility, but it often indicates a lower degree of probability or likelihood.
Examples:
She might be late for the meeting.
We might not have enough time to finish the project.
I might try the new restaurant downtown tonight.
5) Must: "Must" is used to express strong necessity or obligation. It can also be used to make deductions or draw conclusions based on evidence or logical reasoning.
Examples:
You must wear a seatbelt while driving.
I must finish this report before the deadline.
He's been studying all day, he must be exhausted.
6) Shall: "Shall" is used to express future actions, suggestions, or offers. It is more commonly used in British English than American English.
Examples:
We shall meet at the park at noon.
Shall I help you with your bags?
Shall we go to the movies or stay home?
7) Should: "Should" is used to express advice, obligation, or expectation.
Examples:
You should eat more vegetables for your health.
We should arrive at the airport at least two hours before our flight.
They should know better than to leave their valuables in the car.
8) Will: "Will" is used to express future actions, promises, or intentions.
Examples:
I will call you tomorrow.
She will graduate from college next year.
He will always love you, no matter what.
9) Would: "Would" is the past tense form of "will," and it is used to express past habits, conditional situations, or polite requests.
Examples:
When I was a child, I would often go fishing with my dad.
If I had more time, I would visit all the museums in the city.
Would you like some tea?
