What are modals and Types & General Meanings ?

Modals - Basic concept

What are modals ?

Modals are helping verbs that express ability, permission, possibility, advice, obligation, or request.

Position of modals in a sentence

Modals are placed before the main verb.:

  • Structure: subject + modal + base form of verb
  • She can swim.
  • He must study.

Important feature of modals

  • Modals do not change according to subject
  • Modals are always followed by base form of verb
  • Modals do not take "s", "es", "ing", or "ed"

Common modal verbs: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, ought to

Simple comparison:

  • She plays. wrong,
  • She can play.right

A modal is always followed by the base form of the verb.

  • subject → modal → base verb

MODALS – Types & General Meanings

What are Modals ?

  • Modals are helping verbs.
  • They show ability, permission, possibility, advice, obligation, request, etc.
  • Structure: Subject + Modal + Base Verb
  • Example: She can go.

1. Modals of Ability

  • Show skill, power, or capacity.
  • can, could
  • Examples:She can speak English. He could swim when he was young.

2. Modals of Permission

  • Used to ask or give permission.
  • can, may, could
  • Examples:May I come in? (polite/formal)Can I borrow your book? (informal). Could I use your phone? (very polite).

3. Modals of Possibility

  • Show chance or likelihood.
  • may, might, could
  • Examples: It may rain today. She might come later. It could happen.

4. Modals of Obligation/Necessity

  • Show duty, rule, or strong need.
  • must, have to, ought to
  • Examples:You must follow the rules.I have to reach school by 8.You ought to respect elders.

5. Modals of Advice/Suggestion

  • Used to give suggestions or advice.
  • should, ought to
  • Examples:You should study regularly.You ought to eat healthy food.

6. Modals of Request/Offer

  • Used to request, offer, invite.
  • can, could, would, shall
  • Examples:Could you help me? (polite request). Would you like tea? (offer). Shall I open the door? (offer)

Notes

  • Modals do not change with subject. He can… / They can… (same form)
  • Modals are followed by base verb (V1). She can sing. (NOT can sings / can singing)
  • Modals do not take s, es, ed, ing. cans, mayed, musting (wrong)

Meaning Changes by Situation

  • can → ability or permission: She can dance. / Can I come in?
  • may → permission or possibility: May I sit here? / It may rain.
  • must → strong rule or need: You must wear a uniform.