modal verbs exercises could would should ought to must

To this list we can add the semi-modals or modal phrases like ought to, have to, need to, and be able to. They help the main verb to convey ideas like certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, prohibition, necessity, advice, or ability. That’s a fancy way of saying that modals express conditions. Modals are helper verbs, meaning that they help other verbs by expressing modality. “A verb (such as can, could, shall, should, ought to, will, or would) that is usually used with another verb to express ideas such as possibility, necessity, and permission.” It’s likely that you know them well already, even if you didn’t know they were called “modal verbs.” Before long, you’ll be a master of all things modal.Īccording to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a modal verb is: We’ll also talk about semi-modals (or modal phrases), which function similarly but have different grammar rules.

We’ll explain their special rules and provide some examples for you to practice with. Never fear! In this article we’ll cover the nine modal verbs and how to use them. Modal verbs can be tricky because they have many rules and uses.

Even though those sound more complicated, don’t worry-they’re just the same as modal verbs. Modal verbs are also known as modals, modal auxiliaries, or modal auxiliary verbs. They are helper verbs that give additional information about the main verb. Modal verbs are special verbs that express necessity or possibility.

How Do I Use Modal Verbs in a Sentence?.

Modal verbs exercises could would should ought to must