Modal Auxiliary

What is Modal Auxiliary?

A modal auxiliary is a type of verb that helps express the mood or intention of the main verb in a sentence. Modal auxiliary verbs are used to indicate abilities, possibilities, permissions, necessities, and obligations. Unlike main verbs, modal auxiliary verbs do not change form based on the subject and are always followed by the base form of the main verb.

In this article, we will explain what is modal auxiliary, the use of modal auxiliaries, and provide modal auxiliary examples with answers to help you understand them better. We will also include modal auxiliaries exercises with answers pdf and modal auxiliaries worksheets with answers to help you practice.

24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs

There are 24 modal auxiliary verbs in English, which can be categorized into different types based on their function. Here is a list of the main modal auxiliary verbs examples:

1. Can – Ability, permission, possibility
2. Could – Past ability, polite request, possibility
3. May – Permission, possibility
4. Might – Possibility, polite suggestion
5. Shall – Future intention, strong suggestion
6. Should – Advice, probability, obligation
7. Will – Future certainty, willingness
8. Would – Past habits, polite request
9. Must – Necessity, strong obligation
10. Ought to – Moral duty, advice
11. Need – Necessity
12. Dare – Challenge, courage

Some semi-modals also function similarly, such as:

• Have to – Obligation
• Be able to – Ability
• Had better – Strong advice
• Would rather – Preference

Understanding these modal auxiliary verbs helps in improving communication skills and writing clarity.

Do Check: Modal Verbs

Modal Auxiliary and Its Function

Each modal auxiliary has a specific function. Let’s understand the use of modal auxiliaries in different contexts:

1. Expressing Ability

   • Modal auxiliary can is used to express ability.
   • Example: She can swim very fast.

2. Giving Permission

   • Can, may, could are used to grant or ask for permission.
   • Example: You may leave early today.
   • Example: Could I borrow your book?

3. Expressing Possibility

   • Might, may, could, can are used for possibility.
   • Example: It might rain today.
   • Example: She can be at the office now.

4. Expressing Necessity and Obligation

   • Must, should, ought to, have to express obligation or necessity.
   • Example: You must wear a seatbelt.
   • Example: You should apologize.

5. Making Requests and Offers

   • Would, could, shall, will are used for polite requests and offers.
   • Example: Would you help me with this project?
   • Example: I shall assist you.

6. Giving Advice

   • Should, ought to, had better express advice.
   • Example: You should sleep early.
   • Example: You had better revise for the exam.

7. Expressing Certainty and Probability

   • Must, will, shall express certainty.
   • Example: She must be at work by now.
   • Example: It shall be completed soon.

These modal auxiliary examples show how these verbs are used in different contexts.

Do Check: Modals Exercises with Answers

Modal Auxiliary Examples with Answers

Here are some modal auxiliary verb example sentences to understand their correct usage:

1. Can – He can solve the problem easily.
2. Could – She could run very fast when she was young.
3. May – You may take a break now.
4. Might – It might snow tomorrow.
5. Shall – I shall complete the assignment today.
6. Should – You should drink more water.
7. Will – They will arrive soon.
8. Would – I would prefer coffee over tea.
9. Must – You must finish your homework.
10. Ought to – You ought to help the poor.
11. Need – You need to study for the exam.
12. Dare – He dare not speak against the rules.

These modal auxiliary verbs examples demonstrate their real-life application.

Use of Modal Auxiliaries in Sentences

Here are modal auxiliaries examples sentences to understand their structure better:

1. She can drive a car. (Ability)
2. You may go out now. (Permission)
3. He must attend the meeting. (Necessity)
4. We should eat healthy food. (Advice)
5. I might visit my grandmother this weekend. (Possibility)
6. She would like some tea. (Politeness)
7. You need to exercise daily. (Necessity)
8. We shall win this game. (Certainty)

By practicing these modal auxiliary verb example sentences, you can enhance your grammar skills.

Modal Auxiliaries Exercises with Answers PDF

To improve understanding, try some modal auxiliaries exercises with answers pdf:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct modal auxiliary verbs.

1. She ___ swim very well. (can)
2. You ___ listen to your elders. (should)
3. We ___ go to the park tomorrow. (may)
4. He ___ complete the task before the deadline. (must)
5. ___ I borrow your pen? (Could)

Answers:

1. can
2. should
3. may
4. must
5. Could

You can download more modal auxiliaries worksheets with answers to practice.

Do Check: Auxiliary Verbs

Common Errors in Using Modal Auxiliary Verbs

1. Incorrect: She must to finish the work.
   Correct: She must finish the work.

2. Incorrect: He can to swim.
   Correct: He can swim.

3. Incorrect: You should to go home.
   Correct: You should go home.

Always remember, modal auxiliary verbs are followed by the base form of the verb.

Conclusion

We have learned what is modal auxiliary, its functions, and various modal auxiliary examples with answers. The use of modal auxiliaries is essential in daily communication. By practicing modal auxiliaries exercises with answers pdf, you can improve your understanding and usage.

To master these verbs, use modal auxiliaries worksheets with answers and keep practicing with modal auxiliary verb example sentences. Understanding the 24 modal auxiliary verbs will make your English more fluent and natural.

So, start using modal auxiliary verbs examples in your daily conversations and enhance your grammar skills!

FAQs on Modal Auxiliary

What is Modal Auxiliary?

A modal auxiliary is a helping verb that expresses ability, possibility, permission, necessity, or obligation. Examples include can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought to.

What are the 24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs?

The 24 modal auxiliary verbs include can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, ought to, need, dare, and some semi-modal verbs like have to, be able to, had better, would rather, etc.

What is the function of Modal Auxiliary Verbs?

Modal auxiliary verbs help express different functions in sentences, such as: Can – Ability (She can run fast.) Must – Obligation (You must wear a seatbelt.) May – Permission (You may leave early.) Might – Possibility (It might rain today.)

How are Modal Auxiliary Verbs different from Main Verbs?

Unlike main verbs, modal auxiliary verbs do not change form based on the subject and are always followed by the base form of the verb. Example: Correct: She can dance. Incorrect: She cans dance.

Can Modal Auxiliary Verbs be used in Negative Sentences?

Yes, modal auxiliary verbs can be used in negative sentences by adding 'not' after the modal verb. Example: She cannot swim. You should not be late.