Structure – Modal auxiliary verbs forms. - SS3 English Lesson Note
Modal auxiliary verbs are a type of verb that is used to express modality, or the degree of certainty or necessity of an action. They are used to express possibility, permission, obligation, and other modal concepts.
The most common modal auxiliary verbs in English are can, will, shall, would, could, must, and may.
The forms of modal auxiliary verbsare different from the forms of regular verbs. Modal auxiliary verbs do not have an infinitive form, and they do not have a past participle form.
The uses of modal auxiliary verbsvary depending on the verb. Can is used to express ability, permission, or possibility. Will is used to express future time, determination, or willingness. Shall is used to express future time in formal contexts, or to make a suggestion. Would is used to express a hypothetical situation, or to make a polite request. Could is used to express ability in the past, or to make a polite request. Must is used to express obligation or necessity. May is used to express permission, or to express a possibility.
Here are some examples of how modal auxiliary verbs are used in English:
- Can: I can drive. (Ability)
- Will: I will go to the store. (Future time)
- Shall: We shall meet at 7 o'clock. (Formal future time)
- Would: I would like to go to the movies. (Hypothetical situation)
- Could: I could have gone to the movies, but I was tired. (Past ability)
- Must: I must go to the store. (Obligation)
- May: May I go to the store? (Permission)