Understanding Modal Auxiliary Verbs in English Grammar
Definition and Characteristics of Modal Auxiliary Verbs Modal auxiliary verbs, also known as modal verbs, are helping verbs used to express likelihood, ability, permission, and obligation, among other things. Unlike regular verbs, modal auxiliary verbs do not change form depending on the subject; for instance, it remains “can” regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.
List of Common Modal Auxiliary Verbs Here is a list of frequently used modal auxiliary verbs:
- “can,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “must,” “shall,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “ought to,” “have to,” “had to,” “need to,” and “be able to.”
Additionally, there are semi-modal expressions like “be supposed to” and “be about to,” which serve similar functions to modal verbs.
Modal Auxiliary Verbs and Their Usage with Examples Below is a table showcasing common modal verbs, their uses, and examples:
| Modal | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Can | “Can you help me?” | Request/Suggestion |
| Be able to | “She is able to find the location.” | Ability |
| Can’t | “That can’t be true.” | Expressing disbelief/impossibility |
| Could | “Could you pass the salt?” | Request/Suggestion |
| May | “May I come in?” | Formal request/permission |
| Might | “It might rain today.” | Possibility |
| Must | “You must wear a seatbelt.” | Obligation/necessity |
| Must not | “You mustn’t be late.” | Prohibition |
| Need to | “You need to study hard.” | Obligation/necessity |
| Need not | “You need not worry.” | Lack of obligation |
| Have to | “I have to go now.” | Necessity/obligation |
| Don’t have to | “You don’t have to stay.” | Lack of obligation |
| Should | “You should call your mom.” | Suggestion/advice |
| Ought to | “You ought to see a doctor.” | Suggestion/advice |
Exercises on Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Answer the following exercises to test your understanding of modal auxiliary verbs:
1. To be admitted into a reputable university, Froza would rather improve her study habits. A. “had” B. “should change” C. “would like”
2. To check acidity, you’d better use litmus paper. A. “using” B. “used” C. “use”
3. The skiers would rather travel through the mountains than take the bus. A. “travel by train” B. “traveling by train” C. “go by train”
4. If you don’t mind, I would rather not go. A. “to go” B. “going” C. “go”
5. Travelers planning a trip to St. Martin’s Island should make their reservations in advance. A. “had better to make” B. “should make” C. “must make”
6. Every citizen must pay taxes. A. “must” B. “has to” C. “should”
7. I would have accepted the offer if I had known about it earlier. A. “hear” B. “have heard” C. “hearing”
8. Look at those clouds. It is likely going to rain. A. “could” B. “might” C. “will”
9. I doubt if I shall be able to attend the meeting. A. “shall” B. “can” C. “should”
10. All drivers should wear seat belts. A. “could” B. “should” C. “must”
11. After working all day, you must have been tired. A. “could” B. “must” C. “should”
12. You don’t have to help me. I can do the job on my own. A. “mustn’t” B. “don’t have to” C. “aren’t going to”
Answers
Here are the correct answers for the exercises above:
- B
- C
- C
- C
- B
- A
- B
- C
- A
- C
- B
- B
