MODAL AUXILIARY

What Are Modal Auxiliary Verbs?

Modal auxiliary verbs are used to show a necessity, capability, willingness, or possibility. Unlike most verbs, there is only one form of these verbs. Typically, verb forms change to indicate whether the sentence's structure is singular or plural. Most verbs also indicate whether something happened in the past, present, or future. This is not the case with most modal auxiliary verbs, which makes them simpler to understand and use correctly.

Examples of Modal Auxiliary Verbs

So, now that we understand the purpose of modal auxiliary verbs, let's take a look at some of the common ones you may see in writing. The modal auxiliary verbs include:

• Can
• Could
• May
• Might
• Must
• Ought
• Shall
• Should
• Will
• Would

Below are the eight possibilities of the verb phrase that includes a modal verb:

1. Modal Auxiliary + base form verb = will perform..
2. Modal Auxiliary + be + present Participle = will be performing..
3. Modal Auxiliary + have + past participle = will have performed.
4. Modal Auxiliary + be + past participle = will be performed.
5. Modal Auxiliary + have been + present participle = will have been performing.
6. Modal Auxiliary + have been + past participle = will have been performed.
7. Modal Auxiliary + be + being + past participle = will be being performed
8. Modal Auxiliary + have + been + being + past participle = will have been being eaten.

The conversion of modal verbs in past and present forms,

Present Tense	Past Tense
will	would
can	could
shall	should
may	might

Some rules to understand while using Modal Auxiliary verbs in a sentence.

1. For the sentences which are universal truth or will definitely happen, no modal verb will be used in that sentence.

For example, 

• The moon revolves around the earth.

2. For the 3rd person singular, no -s will be added.

For example, 

• She can dance well.

3. Without using do/does/did, question statements are formed.

For example, 

• Can you work for me?

4. The modal verb follows the main verb in its infinity.

For example, 

• You must sing a song right now.

5. No past forms are applicable except could and would.

For example, 

• She was unable to dance after an accident.

6. The tasks which do not happen in the past are explained in the past participle form.

For example, 

• He might have finished his work.

Modal Auxiliary verbs are used to explain some expressional functions in a sentence, Expressions are,

• Lack of necessity, Obligation, Probability, Possibility, Advice, Permission, Prohibition, Ability. 

Examples:

1. Shall:
   • Shall I sleep here on the footpath for an act?
   • We shall not register ourselves for the music concert.

2. Should:
   • Everyone should know the timing structure of this hostel.
   • I shouldn’t avail of any concession facility for your travel.

3. Will:
   • He will have been performing on the stage.
   • I know you will not understand what he taught you last night.
   • This will be punishable.
   • No need to arrange anything for me, I’ll go after awhile.

4. Would:
   • I would not be able to come with you all.
   • He would have come to an airport sharp at 7:00 PM.

5. Can:
   • I can tell the truth.
   • Can I call you back after some time?
   • I can’t do this right now. I’m very busy. 
   • Drinking alcohol can be very dangerous for your health.

• Could
  • He could cook two dishes at a time.
  • They could not go for a picnic.
  • Could you please stand inside for a while?
  • She couldn’t work continuously until it was necessary.

7. May:
   • She may have caught a fever in the night.
   • May I come into the classroom?

8. Might:
   • I might not come to England for certain issues.
   • It might have happened by mistake, but beware next time.

9. Must:
   • He must not drive a supercar as its breaks are damaged.
   • You must be Jayson, my wife’s brother.
   • You must not spit in this zone. 
10. Ought
• We ought to love our youngers.
• You ought to clean up our room.