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1. Introduction
Modals are a special type of auxiliary (helping) verbs used to express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, advice, and necessity.
They are always used with the base form (V1) of the main verb.
Examples:
She can swim.
You must study hard.
May I come in?
2. Definition
Modals are helping verbs that express the speaker’s mood, attitude, or possibility about an action.
3. Key Features of Modals
No ‘s’, ‘es’, ‘ing’, ‘ed’ forms
Always followed by V1 (base form)
Do not need another auxiliary verb
Used to express different meanings (like ability, permission, etc.)
4. Types of Modals with Uses
(A) Can / Could
Use: Ability, Permission, Possibility
She can dance. (ability)
Can I go out? (permission)
It could rain today. (possibility)
(B) May / Might
Use: Permission, Possibility
May I come in?
It might snow tomorrow.
(C) Must
Use: Obligation, Strong necessity
You must follow rules.
We must respect elders.
(D) Have to / Had to
Use: Compulsion
I have to complete my work.
She had to leave early.
(E) Shall / Should
Use: Suggestion, Advice, Duty
Shall we start?
You should eat healthy food.
(F) Will / Would
Use: Future, Request, Politeness
I will help you.
Would you like some tea?
(G) Ought to
Use: Moral duty / Advice
You ought to respect your parents.
5. Structure of Sentences
(i) Affirmative
Subject + Modal + V1
👉 She can play.
(ii) Negative
Subject + Modal + not + V1
👉 She cannot play.
(iii) Interrogative
Modal + Subject + V1?
👉 Can she play?
6. Important Points
No “to” after modals (except ought to, have to)
Only one modal is used in a sentence
Modals do not change with subject
7. Examples for Practice
He can speak English.
You should work hard.
They must obey rules.
We may go to picnic.
8. Common Errors
❌ He can plays → ✔ He can play
❌ She must to go → ✔ She must go
@grammar_with_sanjana
