What are modal verbs?

Today I would like to analyze a topic that is incomprehensible to many-modal verbs. This is what you need to know when learning English. So let's figure it out together!

Modals are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.

Will

This verb is used when the certainty that something will be done is to be communicated.

I will pay my student fees.

When the modal verb ‘will’ is used, that means that the action is certain to take place.

Would

The modal verb ‘would’ indicates a condition. It is possible that the action will take place, but another condition has to be met. The phrase including the modal verb will be followed by a connective such as ‘if’.

I would pay my student fees if I had the money in my account.

‘Would’ is used in the past tense.

Should and Ought to

When the modal verbs ‘should’ or ‘ought to’ are used it indicates that there is a requirement to carry out an action, but it has yet been completed. There could be many reasons why that obligation has not been enacted. Usually, a phrase, clause or sentence will explain why the action has not yet been completed. The connective ‘but’ often links the clauses.

I should pay my fees, but I have not gotten around to doing it.

The slight difference between the two modal verbs is that ‘ought to’ implies slightly less of an obligation than ‘should’.

I ought to go to the bank to pay my fees, but I have a bad cold.

Could

‘Could’ is a modal verb that indicates the ability is there to complete an action. However, the implication is offered that there is a reason for not having done what is required.

I could pay my fees. I have chosen not to.

Must

The modal verb ‘must’ says that something will definitely be done, or happen. It is a stronger word than will, implying that the action to take place is extremely important.

I must pay my fees, or I will not be allowed to attend lectures.

Exercise about Modals Verbs

1) I ______ go to the club with you on Saturday, but I am visiting my parents and am not sure if they have made plans for me.
2) When we finish our coffee, we ______ protect the environment and recycle our cup.
3) I ______ definitely finish my essay on time. I plan to work on it all weekend.
4) After we have bought our tickets, we ______ go to the concert.
5) ‘Now I am here, I ______ give you your Christmas gift. Here it is.’
6)) When we left our grandparents’ house, they ______ always give me a pound.
7) When the lion attacks, the giraffe ______ escape. It has an even chance of doing so.
8) ‘Thank you, you ______ pay for my coffee.’
9) When you enter the country, you ______ have your passport.
10) When we go to dinner at a friend’s house, we ______ take a small gift.