Modal verbs-Meaning, Usage And Examples

Meaning –

words such as shall ,should ,will, would ,may ,might, can , could, must, ought to ,need ,dare, and used to are called modals verbs.Modal verbs, often simply called modals, are a type of auxiliary verb used to express necessity, possibility, ability, permission, obligation, or likelihood in a sentence. They modify the main verb by expressing the speaker’s attitude or opinion toward the action

Examples of moral verbs

1. **Can**: Indicates ability, possibility, or permission.

    – *She can speak French.*

    – *Can I borrow your pen?*

2. **Could**: Similar to ‘can’ but often used in more polite requests or to express past ability or possibility.

    – *I could run fast when I was young.*

    – *Could you please pass the salt?*

3. **May**: Expresses permission, possibility, or likelihood.

    – *You may leave the room.*

    – *It may rain later today.*

4. **Might**: Similar to ‘may,’ expressing possibility or uncertainty, often with a lesser degree of probability.

    – *He might arrive late.*

    – *I might go to the party if I finish my work.*

5. **Must**: Indicates obligation, necessity, or strong certainty.

    – *You must submit the assignment by Friday.*

    – *She must be at the airport by now.*

6. **Should**: Suggests advisability, duty, or a recommendation.

    – *You should exercise regularly.*

    – *We should leave early to avoid traffic.*

7. **Would**: Often used to express willingness, insistence, or in hypothetical situations.

    – *He would help if you asked.*

    – *I would buy that car if I had enough money.*

8. **Will**: Expresses future tense or willingness.

    – *They will arrive tomorrow.*

    – *I will help you with your project.*

9. **Shall**: Often used in formal or old-fashioned English for suggestions, offers, or future events.

– *Shall we go to the movies tonight?*

   – *I shall be there at 7:00 PM.*

“Ought to” is a modal verb that expresses obligation, duty, or advisability. Here are some examples of its usage in sentences:

1. Ought to:
   • You ought to apologize for what you said.
   • She ought to study more if she wants to pass the test.
2. Ought not to (negative form):
   • You ought not to speak to your elders like that.
   • They ought not to skip breakfast; it’s important.
3. Ought to + Infinitive:
   • He ought to take better care of his health.
   • We ought to be more considerate of others’ feelings.

“Need” can function both as a main verb and as a modal verb expressing necessity or obligation. Here are examples of its usage as a modal:

1. Need to:
   • You need to finish your homework before you go out.
   • She needs to speak with you urgently.
2. Need not (negative form):
   • You need not worry about the presentation; you’re well-prepared.
   • He need not come if he’s feeling unwell.
3. Needn’t (contraction of “need not”):
   • They needn’t have hurried; the meeting was postponed.
   • I needn’t remind you of the deadline; you’re aware of it.

“Need” as a modal verb indicates requirement or lack thereof, often related to duty, obligation, or necessity, similar to “must” or “have to.”