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Modal verbs and it's types including examples

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Modal verbs, also known as modal auxiliaries, are a type of auxiliary verb that express necessity, probability, permission, ability, obligation, and ability among other modalities. Here's a breakdown of different types of modal verbs along with examples:

1. Ability

These modals express the ability to do something.

  • Can
    • Example: "She can swim very well."
  • Could (past ability)
    • Example: "I could read when I was four."

2. Permission

These modals express permission or request for permission.

  • Can
    • Example: "Can I leave early today?"
  • May
    • Example: "You may start your exam now."
  • Might (less formal or tentative permission)
    • Example: "You might want to ask if you can join."

3. Possibility

These modals indicate that something is possible.

  • May
    • Example: "It may rain tomorrow."
  • Might
    • Example: "We might go to the beach this weekend."
  • Could
    • Example: "It could be a good idea to call her."

4. Obligation / Necessity

These modals indicate necessity or obligation.

  • Must
    • Example: "You must wear a seatbelt."
  • Have to
    • Example: "I have to submit my report by Monday."
  • Should (advice)
    • Example: "You should see a doctor."

5. Prohibition

These modals indicate that something is not allowed.

  • Must not (mustn't)
    • Example: "You mustn’t smoke in here."
  • Cannot (can’t)
    • Example: "You can’t park here."

6. Advice / Suggestions

These modals are used to give advice or suggestions.

  • Should
    • Example: "You should try that new restaurant."
  • Ought to
    • Example: "You ought to apologize."

7. Requests and Offers

These modals can be used to make requests or offers.

  • Can
    • Example: "Can you help me with this?"
  • Could (more polite)
    • Example: "Could you pass the salt?"
  • Will
    • Example: "Will you join us for dinner?"
  • Shall (formal)
    • Example: "Shall I open the window?"

8. Ability in the Future

These modals express a future ability.

  • Will be able to
    • Example: "I will be able to travel next year."
  • Can (used in future contexts)
    • Example: "I can help you tomorrow."

Summary of Modal Verbs

  • Can / Could: Ability, permission, possibility
  • May / Might: Permission, possibility
  • Must / Have to: Obligation, necessity
  • Should / Ought to: Advice
  • Shall / Will: Requests, offers, future actions

Modal verbs do not change form based on the subject and are always followed by the base form of the main verb (e.g., "I can go," not "I can goes").