Kinds of modals
Examples of modals
Sentences using modals
definition of modals
How modals can be used in a sentence
Usage of modals
I could read even without eyeglasses.
This sentence expresses a weaker ability of reading without eyeglasses.
2. What are modals?
Modals are helping verbs which are
used with the principal verb to
express certain moods like ability,
obligation, possibility, request,
suggestion and permission.
4. MODAL: Can
Usage: ability to do something in the
present
example:
Alia can speak English.
The sentence expresses that Alia has the ability
to speak in English.
5. Example:
Aside from singing, Sarah G. can also
dance.
The sentence states that Sarah G. has the
ability to dance.
7. MODAL: Could
Usage: express ability in a weaker manner
Example:
I could read even without eyeglasses.
This sentence expresses a weaker ability of
reading without eyeglasses.
8. Example:
I could solve that mathematical problem
when I was still in high school.
The sentence expresses a weaker ability of
solving a math problem.
10. MODAL: May
Usage: indicate permission, wish or
possibility
Example:
It may rain today.
The sentence shows that there is a possibility
to rain today.
11. Example:
You may get sick if you always skip your
meal.
This sentence shows possibility of getting
sick.
Example:
Ma’am, may I go out?
In this sentence, someone is asking permission
to go out.
12. Example:
May I leave you for a while?
In this example someone is asking
permission of leaving him for a while.
14. MODAL: Might
Usage: shows possibility but it is less possible
than may
Example:
It might rain today
This sentence shows less possibility of raining
today.
15. Example:
I might get sick.
This sentence shows less possibility of getting
sick.
17. MODAL: Must
Usage: showing force or necessity, expresses
advice or recommendation
Example:
I must go to the supermarket today.
This sentence shows the necessity to do
something.
18. Example:
You must respect your parents.
This sentence expresses the necessity to
respect our parents.
Example:
You must see the doctor for you to be sure
about your condition.
Someone is giving advice to see the doctor.
19. Example:
You must eat your breakfast before going
to school.
This sentence shows advice that you have to
eat breakfast.
24. MODAL: Would (past tense of will)
Usage: Make a request
Example:
Would you mind if I join you?
Someone is making a request.
25. MODAL: shall
Usage: for advice or suggestion
Example:
Shall we dance?
The sentence expresses a suggestion.
26. MODAL: should
Usage: indicate duty, necessity, condition,
probability or contingency
Example:
Students should attend classes regularly.
The sentence expresses the duty of the
students.
27. example:
Regular employees should work eight
hours a day.
This sentence shows that the regular
employees have a duty to work eight hours
a day.