Modal Auxiliaries

Front

What are modal auxiliaries?

Back

Modal auxiliaries are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

Front

What is the function of 'must' in a sentence?

Back

'Must' is used to express obligation or necessity. For example, 'You must wear a seatbelt.'

Front

What does 'shouldn't' indicate in a sentence?

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'Shouldn't' indicates advice against an action. For example, 'You shouldn't go out in the rain without an umbrella.'

Front

What does 'can't' express?

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'Can't' expresses impossibility or inability. For example, 'It can't be true.'

Front

What is the difference between 'may' and 'might'?

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'May' suggests a higher possibility than 'might'. For example, 'It may rain tomorrow' (more likely) vs. 'It might rain tomorrow' (less likely).

Front

What does 'could' indicate?

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'Could' indicates a past ability or a possibility. For example, 'I could swim when I was younger.'

Front

What is the rule regarding the form of modal verbs?

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Modal verbs never change their form; they do not take 's', 'ed', or 'ing' endings.

Front

How do you use 'would' in a polite request?

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'Would' is used to make polite requests. For example, 'Would you mind if I borrowed your car?'.

Front

What does 'might' suggest in a sentence?

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'Might' suggests a possibility that is less certain than 'may'. For example, 'She might come to the party.'

Front

What is the meaning of 'don't have to'?

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'Don't have to' indicates that there is no obligation to do something. For example, 'You don't have to finish it today.'