MODAL VERBS

 

MODAL VERBS

The modal verbs of English are a small class of auxiliary verbs used to express possibility, obligation, advice, permission and ability.

Type	Modal verbs	Examples
Ability	Can, Could	i)                David can speak three languages ii)             He could speak fluently in English.
Permission	Can, Could, May	i)                Can I sit in that chair please? ii)             Could I open the door? iii)           May I get inside the class?
Advice	Should	i)                You should visit your dentist at least twice a year. ii)             You should try to study well.
Obligation	Must, Have to	i)                I must try to learn well. ii)             You have to take off your shoes before you get into the temple.
Possibility	Might, May, Could, Can	i)                It looks nice but it might be very expensive. ii)             Ramu may be coming to see us tomorrow.

 

 

Modal verbs – asking permission

Informal – can

Can I borrow your pen for a minute?

Can I speak to John?

Polite – Could

Could I please have a glass of water?

Could I open the window?

Formal – May

May I ask a question please?

May we go home now?

Polite – Would

Would you mind if I ask you something?

 

AUTHOR

 

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in