Modal Auxiliaries:

Definition, Usage, and Characteristics

Arranged by Aswarini S.
 Definition
• MODAL AUXILIARIES are those helping verbs, which express the ‘mode’ or
‘manner’ of the actions of the main verbs.

• They express modes such as ability, possibility, probability, permission, obligation, etc.

• Modals include:
 Usage
Modals are used to:

1. Ask permission—may, can, could

Examples: May I come in?
Could I use your pen, please?

2. Make a request—can, could

Example: Could you please give me the doctor’s telephone number?

3. Express a possibility—may, might, could

Example: It might rain during the night.
 Usage
Modals are used to:

4. Give advice or suggestion—should

Example: You should wear a helmet while riding your motorbike.

5. Express necessity or compulsion—must, have to

Examples: We must slow down while driving in front of a school.
I have to submit my project by tomorrow.

6. Express prohibition
Example: You must not talk loudly in the library.
 Usage
Modals are used to:

7. Express a promise or intention—will, shall

Example: I will mail you my address.

8. Express a wish—may
Example: May you have a long life!
 Characteristics
Characteristics Examples

1. A modal does not change according to • He can learn.

the number or person of the subject. • I can learn.
• You can learn.
• They can learn.
• We can learn.
2. A modal is always followed by a verb in its • I can run.
basic form (Verb 1). • I may run.
• I could run.
• I might run.
 Characteristics
Characteristics Examples

3. Modals can be used alone in response to • Can you sing? I can.

a question. • Will you sing? I will.
• Will you come? I may./I will.

4. Modals, when joined with ‘not’ to form a • I cannot run. I can’t run.
negative, can be contracted. • I will not run. I won’t run.
 Exercise
Fill in the blanks in the following sentences by using appropriate modals.
1. __________ you please tell me the direction to the hotel?
2. You __________ pay in cash. They do not accept credit cards.
3. I __________ come home from the office today.
4. __________ I help you?
5. You __________ clean your room.
6. We ________ keep the lights and fans switched off when they are not in use.
7. We __________ improve the existing education system.
8. __________ you have a wonderful day!
9. __________ go to see the movie. The reviews are good.
10. __________ definitely be at the airport to receive you.
 References
1. Pearson Longman – Modals
2. Cliff’s for TOEFL Preparation Guide
 Thanks!
Do you have any questions?

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