Modals (Helping Verbs)
Modals are helping verbs used with the main verb to express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, obligation, advice, and necessity.
👉 They do not change form (no -s, -ed, -ing).
10.1 Common Modals
- can, could
- may, might
- will, would
- shall, should
- must, ought to
10.2 Uses of Modals
1. Ability – can, could
👉 To show ability
Examples:
- She can swim.
- He could run fast when he was young.
2. Permission – may, can
👉 To ask or give permission
Examples:
- May I come in?
- You can use my pen.
3. Possibility – may, might, could
👉 To show possibility
Examples:
- It may rain today.
- She might come late.
- This could be true.
4. Obligation / Necessity – must, have to
👉 To show duty or necessity
Examples:
- You must obey the rules.
- I have to finish this work.
5. Advice / Suggestion – should, ought to
👉 To give advice
Examples:
- You should study regularly.
- We ought to help others.
6. Request / Polite Expression – would, could
👉 To make polite requests
Examples:
- Could you help me?
- Would you like some tea?
7. Future / Intention – will, shall
👉 To express future actions
Examples:
- I will call you.
- We shall overcome.
10.3 Important Features of Modals
-
Always followed by base form of verb
👉 She can dance. (not dances) -
Do not take -s, -ed, -ing forms
❌ He cans swim
✔ He can swim - Do not need “to” (except ought to, have to)
10.4 Common Errors
❌ She can dances well.
✔ She can dance well.
❌ He must to go now.
✔ He must go now.
❌ You should to study.
✔ You should study.
Quick Recap
- Modals express ability, permission, possibility, duty, advice
- Always use base verb after modal
- No change in form
Simple Memory Tip
👉 Modal + base verb = correct sentence
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