Abdul Atuia Ija Ismail 706200319 Environment management

Definitions of modal verbs

A modal verb is an auxiliary verb that expresses necessity or possibility. An auxiliary

verb, also called a helping verb, “helps” other verbs, show moods and tenses.

Types of Modal Verb

Probability
Modal verbs can be used to show how likely something is, or to express probability.
Example 1:

If she’s not at home, she must be at school.

 This sentence uses the modal verb “must.”

 “Must” shows probability because it suggests that the person in the sentence is
very likely to be at school.

 Modal verbs need to be followed by a base verb. In this case, the base verb is
“be.”
Example 2:

It might rain later today.

 This example uses the modal verb “might.”

 “Might” shows that there is a possibility that it will rain later today.

 The base verb “rain” follows the modal verb “might” in this sentence.

The modal verbs “will” and “would” can also express probability.

Example 1:

I will go to soccer practice after school today.

This example includes the modal verb “will.”

“Will” is followed by the base verb “go.”

In this example, “will” is used to demonstrate that it is very likely or certain that the
speaker will go to soccer practice after school.
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Example 2:

I would go to soccer practice after school today if I find a ride.

In this sentence, we see the modal verb “would.”

“Would” is followed by the base verb “go.”

In this case, “would” is used to express the probability that the speaker will go to soccer
practice. It is not likely that the speaker will attend practice unless he or she can find a
ride.

Ability

We can use the modal verbs “can” and “could” to describe ability.

Example 1:

Brittany can run eight miles without stopping.

This sentence uses the modal verb “can.”

In the example, “can” demonstrates Brittany’s ability to run eight miles.

“Can” is followed by the base verb “run.”

Example 2:

My grandmother could sew beautiful dresses.

The modal verb “could” is used in this example.

“Could” describes the grandmother’s ability to sew dresses.

The modal verb “could” is followed by the base verb “sew.”

Obligation

Modal verbs like “must” and “should” can be used to give advice and express
obligations or requirements.

Example 1:

You should try to eat healthy food.

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This sentence uses the modal verb “should.”

“Should” is used to give advice. In this case, the advice is about eating healthy.

The modal verb “should” is followed by the base verb “try.”

Example 2:

Students must complete their homework.

In this example, we see the modal verb “must.”

“Must” is used to express a requirement. In this case, the requirement is completing

homework.

The base verb “complete” follows the modal verb “must.”

Permission

You can use modal verbs to ask for and give permission.

Example 1:

You may go to your friend’s party on Saturday.

This sentence includes the modal verb “may.”

“May” is used to give permission to go to the party.

The modal verb “may” is followed by the base verb “go.”

Example 2:

Can we swim at Grandma’s house after school?

In this example, we see the modal verb “can.”

Can is used to ask for permission to swim at grandmother’s house.

The modal verb “can” is followed by the base verb “swim.”