MODAL – Meaning of ‘Modal’ in English & Its Examples

Meaning & Examples of the English Lesson – ‘Modal’

MODAL – Here are its meaning as a lesson under the English subject and some examples used in sentences.

Under the English subject, we learn a lot of lessons about the language and grammar. It is among the core subjects since we were in our kindergarten years until college.

In fact, one of the courses in college, education, specializes in the teaching of the English language. Students of this course are taught on what how to teach the English lessons comprehensively.

With regards to the English lessons, one of those taught usually in high school and college is about modals. In this article, we will discuss about its meaning and some examples.

Modal Meaning Examples

Modals are auxiliary verbs. They are used to indicate a permission, a suggestion, a request, an order, or a capacity. Most sentences contain at least one of this type of verb.

What are its examples?

Some of its examples include – can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

All their counterparts on the other side such as the can’t, could not, might not, must not, shall not, etc. are also part of the group.

Can & Could

Both indicate the capacity to do so something but the could indicate a stronger ability.

Examples:

  • Niño can sleep even though the sounds around him are so loud.
  • I could lift all three full pails at once.
  • The waiter can serve it within three minutes.
  • She could not bear with you anymore.

May & Might

The modals may and might both indicate possibility. In this case, the might indicate a lesser possibility than may.

Examples:

  • It may rain tonight.
  • The teacher might cancel the test.
  • She may borrow the pad.
  • The building might collapse.

Must

Must indicates force or necessity. It may also refer the strength on an advice.

Examples:

  • You must report to the Principal’s Office as soon as possible.
  • Drake must pass all his subjects to qualify for the team.

Will & Would

These two modals indicate capacity and asking permission depending on the sentence.

The latter modal indicates more politeness than the other in terms of asking permission but it indicates more perseverance in terms of the capacity to do something.

Examples:

  • Nelly will call the doctor asap.
  • Fin would return the money to his father.
  • Will Jaime call you later?
  • Would the principal fire the teachers?

Shall & Should

Shall and should both indicate willingness or capacity to do something. The latter modal expresses more ability than the other.

Examples:

  • Tin shall give you a break after it.
  • The pig should be fed early.
  • Shall I go to the party tomorrow?
  • Should I buy you plane tickets?

READ ALSO: PREDICATE – Meaning of “Predicate” in Sentence & Its Examples

Leave a Comment