Professional Courses
Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.
Categories
Interactive Games
Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skillsβperfect for learners of all ages.
Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
Enroll to start learning
Youβve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take mock test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to Modals
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Today, we're going to explore modals which are auxiliary verbs used to express nuances in meaning such as necessity and ability. Can anyone tell me an example of the verb 'can'?
Like, 'I can swim'?
Great example! 'Can' indicates ability. Now, what do you think 'could' indicates?
It could mean permission, like 'Could I borrow your pen?'
Exactly! 'Could' is also used for possibility, like 'It could rain tomorrow.' Remember that modals are unique because they donβt change form.
So, 'can' is for ability and 'could' can be for permission or possibility?
Yes, that's correct! Let's summarize: 'can' for ability and 'could' for past ability or polite permission. Keep this in mind!
Types of Modals
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Now that weβve covered the basics, let's discuss the different types of modals. Who can mention some of them?
There are 'may' and 'might' for possibility, right?
Exactly! 'May' is often used for permission, such as 'May I come in?' and 'might' indicates a lesser degree of possibility. Can anyone give me a sentence using 'may'?
May I use the restroom?
Well done! Now let's talk about 'will' and 'would.' What do you think they express?
'Will' is for future actions, and 'would' is for polite requests?
Correct! 'Will' is definite, while 'would' is conditional and polite. We'll remember this distinction.
Obligation and Necessity Modals
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Next, letβs focus on modals that indicate obligation and necessity. What are some examples?
'Must' and 'have to' are examples.
Yes! 'Must' indicates a strong obligation, like 'You must complete this task.' Can anyone give an example of 'have to'?
I have to go to the grocery store later.
Exactly right! Now let's think about moral obligation. Can anyone tell me about 'ought to'?
'Ought to' means you should, like 'You ought to respect your elders.'
Perfect! Remember the phrase: **'Must' is a must! 'Have to' is necessity, 'ought to' shows morals!**
Practical Applications of Modals
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Finally, letβs apply what weβve learned! How would you use modals in everyday situations?
I can help you with your homework!
Great! That's a clear indication of ability. Letβs try a polite request. Who can give that a go?
Would you mind passing the salt?
Excellent! Now, can someone create a sentence that indicates possibility?
It might rain later today.
Very good! Remember these applications during your conversations. Letβs end with a review: We use modals to show ability, permission, obligation, and possibility!
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section explores modal verbs, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in sentences. Modals such as 'can', 'may', 'will', 'must', etc., serve to express various nuances of necessity, permission, and ability.
Detailed
Modals
Modals are a special class of auxiliary verbs that play a crucial role in English grammar by conveying nuance in terms of necessity, possibility, permission, ability, and obligation. They are unique in that they do not change form according to person or number, nor do they take an '-s' for the third person singular. Each modal has specific functions:
- Can/Could: Expresses ability (e.g., "I can swim") or permission (e.g., "Could I borrow your pen?"). 'Could' also denotes possibility (e.g., "It could rain tomorrow").
- May/Might: Used for permission (e.g., "May I come in?") or expressing possibility (e.g., "It might be true").
- Will/Would: 'Will' indicates future actions or commitments (e.g., "I will help you"). 'Would' serves in polite requests (e.g., "Would you mind closing the door?") and hypothetical situations (e.g., "If I were rich, I would travel the world").
- Shall/Should: 'Shall' is often used for formal future arrangements, while 'should' conveys obligation or suggestions (e.g., "You should study harder").
- Must/Have to: Indicates strong obligation or necessity (e.g., "You must complete this task").
- Ought to: Similar to 'should', it indicates a moral obligation (e.g., "You ought to respect your elders").
- Need to/Needn't: Expresses necessity or lack thereof (e.g., "I need to buy groceries").
- Dare to: Signifies challenges or courage (e.g., "How dare you!").
Understanding and using modals accurately enhances one's ability to convey precise meanings and attitudes in communication.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Understanding Modals
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Modals are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, obligation, etc.
Detailed Explanation
Modals are special verbs that are used in conjunction with main verbs to express various nuances of meaning. They help us convey whether something is necessary, whether it is likely to happen, whether we have permission to do something, or whether we are able to do something. For instance, the modal 'can' tells us about ability ('I can swim'), while 'must' indicates a strong obligation ('You must complete this task').
Examples & Analogies
Think about modals as tools in your toolbox. Just like a hammer is used for driving nails and a screwdriver is used for turning screws, modals are used to express different meanings in sentences. When you say 'I can help you,' itβs like using a tool to express your willingness and ability to assist.
Types of Modals
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
β Can/Could: Ability, permission, possibility (e.g., I can swim. Could I borrow your pen? It could rain tomorrow.)
β May/Might: Permission, possibility (e.g., May I come in? It might be true.)
β Will/Would: Future, willingness, polite requests, hypothetical situations (e.g., I will help you. Would you mind closing the door? If I were rich, I would travel the world.)
β Shall/Should: Obligation, suggestion, future (formal) (e.g., You should study harder. We shall overcome.)
β Must/Have to: Obligation, necessity, strong probability (e.g., You must complete this task. I have to go now.)
β Ought to: Moral obligation, strong probability (similar to 'should') (e.g., You ought to respect your elders.)
β Need to/Needn't: Necessity, lack of necessity (e.g., I need to buy groceries. You needn't worry.)
β Dare to: Challenge, courage (e.g., How dare you!)
Detailed Explanation
There are several types of modals, each serving a different purpose in a sentence. For example, 'can' indicates ability while 'may' suggests permission. 'Will' usually refers to future actions or willingness, while 'should' is often used for advice or obligations. Understanding these modals helps in constructing sentences that clearly communicate your intentions, requests, or obligations.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are planning a day out. When you say, 'I can climb that mountain,' youβre talking about your ability. If you ask, 'May I join you?', youβre politely requesting permission. Similarly, if you say, 'I must finish my homework before I go out,' you express a strong obligation. Each modal is like a signpost that guides how the listener should interpret your words.
Common Uses of Modals
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Examples:
- Can/Could: I can swim. (ability), Could you help me with this? (request)
- May/Might: May I use your phone? (permission), It might rain tomorrow. (possibility)
- Will/Would: I will call you later. (future), Would you like a drink? (polite offer)
- Shall/Should: Shall we dance? (suggestion), You should see a doctor. (advice)
- Must/Have to: You must wear a seatbelt. (necessity), I have to finish my project. (requirement)
- Ought to: You ought to apologize. (moral obligation)
- Need to/Needn't: You need to submit your assignment. (necessity), You needn't worry about it. (lack of necessity)
- Dare to: How dare you speak to me like that! (challenge)
Detailed Explanation
This chunk provides specific sentences demonstrating how to use different modals. 'Can' shows an ability, like when I say, 'I can bike,' while 'could' is more tentative and often used in requests. 'May' signals permission, while 'might' suggests uncertainty. Similarly, 'will' indicates future actions, and 'would' is used for polite requests. The other modals, like 'should' and 'must,' express obligations or necessities that guide decision-making.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a group of friends discussing plans for the weekend. One friend might say, 'I can drive us to the beach,' indicating ability. Another might reply, 'Could we leave early?' as a polite request. When planning, one might say, 'We should pack lunch,' suggesting a clear obligation. These modals help in expressing the nuances of what is needed, permitted, or expected.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Can: Indicates ability or permission.
-
Could: Signals past ability or polite requests.
-
May: Used for permission and possibility.
-
Might: Indicates a lesser possibility.
-
Will: Denotes future actions.
-
Would: Used for polite requests or hypotheticals.
-
Must: Expresses strong obligation.
-
Have to: Indicates necessity.
-
Ought to: Shows moral obligation.
-
Need to: Expresses necessity.
-
Dare to: Indicates challenge.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
I can play the guitar. (Ability)
-
Could you help me with this? (Polite request)
-
May I sit here? (Permission)
-
It might snow tomorrow. (Possibility)
-
Will you help me? (Future action)
-
If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world. (Hypothetical situation)
-
You must finish your homework. (Strong obligation)
-
I have to leave now. (Necessity)
-
You ought to apologize. (Moral obligation)
-
You need to attend the meeting. (Necessity)
-
How dare you speak to me like that! (Challenge)
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
-
'Can' and 'could' are abilities, 'may' gives permission with ease.
π Fascinating Stories
-
Imagine a story where a young girl named 'Can' can climb trees but 'Could' once climbed higher in the past and 'May' asks her teacher if she may climb the big oak, while 'Might' stays back thinking it might be risky.
π§ Other Memory Gems
-
Remember 'MCP SOM' for modal verbs: Must, Could, Permission, Should, Ought, May.
π― Super Acronyms
MIGHT - Modals Indicating Goodness, Help, and Teamwork in communication.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Modals
Definition:
Auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, and obligation.
-
Term: Can
Definition:
A modal verb indicating ability or permission.
-
Term: Could
Definition:
A modal verb signaling past ability or polite requests.
-
Term: May
Definition:
A modal used for permission or expressing possibility.
-
Term: Might
Definition:
A modal indicating a lesser possibility.
-
Term: Will
Definition:
A modal for future actions or commitments.
-
Term: Would
Definition:
A modal used for polite requests or hypothetical situations.
-
Term: Must
Definition:
A modal indicating strong obligation or necessity.
-
Term: Have to
Definition:
A modal indicating necessity.
-
Term: Ought to
Definition:
A modal showing moral obligation.
-
Term: Need to
Definition:
Expresses necessity.
-
Term: Dare to
Definition:
Indicates challenge or courage.