6th Class English Modals

     Modals

In English, modals are the auxiliary verbs which have neither participles nor infinitives.

The following are some of the modal verbs in English grammar:

(i) Shall                                 (ii) Will

(iii) Should                           (iv) Would

(v) Can                                  (vi) Could

(vii) May                              (viii) Might

(ix) Used to                        (x) Ought to

(xi) Need to                       (xii) Dare

Note:

1. Do not use modals for things which happen definitely.

Eg: The sun rises in the East.

2. They do not have an -s in the 3rd person singular.

Eg: He can play football.

3. Questions are formed without do/does/did.

Eg: Can he speak Spanish?

4. It follows a full verb in the infinitive.

Eg: They must read the book.

5. There are no past forms (except could and would).

Eg: He was allowed to watch the film.

6. When you use the past participle, you tell about things which didn't happen in the past.

Eg: You should have told me.