Modal Auxiliary – Meaning, Definition, Examples & Uses – Smart School

Modal Auxiliary: Hello friends, in this article, we will see complete information about Modal Auxilary. What are modal auxiliary verbs, what is Modal auxiliary definition, and its examples? What is a Modal auxiliary verb? Modal auxiliary verbs worksheets, everything?

Definition of Modal Auxiliary :

Main verbs such as read, play, run are often used with some ‘helping verbs’ to indicate the shade of motion, mood, and time. These helping verbs are called “Modal Auxiliary verbs“.

Modal Auxiliary verbs are characteristically used with a verb of predication and expression. It differs from other verbs, like lacking “-s” and “-ing” forms

Examples :

Can, Could, ought, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, etc.

What is a modal verb?

A small group of auxiliary verbs is called Modal verbs or we can say modal auxiliary verbs or modal auxiliaries, or simply modals. These verbs are only used in combination with ordinary verbs. Modals may express permission, ability, prediction, possibility, or necessity. This verb changes the other verb’s meaning to something different from a simple form.

So now we know that modal verbs are different from ordinary verbs and these are played a role like helping verbs.

They can not be changed by suffixing an “ing”, an “ed”, or “s” to form the third-person singular.

Modal Auxilary verbs are always followed by the infinitive form of a verb.

Solved examples :

A] Pick out the modal auxiliary in each of the following sentences.

1. You ought to exercise daily

Ans. Ought

2. I would have to visit the chemist to get the bill.

Ans. Would

3. It may rain heavily tomarrow.

Ans. May

4. Could you spare a moment, please?

Ans. Could

5. They might make it on time for the match.

Ans. Might

6. You should ensure you insurance coverage.

Ans. Should

7. Can you please ask her to go home?

Ans. Can

8. I shall keep the food ready for you.

Ans. Shall

9. We would have completed the work if he had asked me.

Ans. Would

10. Bhavi must know about the truth.

Ans. Must

Examples for Practice :

B] Pick out the modal auxiliary in each of the following sentences.

We might visit Lonavala today.
Ans.

Can you this lake in five minutes?
Ans.

Riya should not have complained about her work.
Ans.

May I have a cup of tea please?
Ans:

Everyone ought to follow the traffic rules.
Ans.

We would have been home by that time.
Ans.

Vikas may walk in a few minutes.
Ans.

Swara must have taken the zoo.
Ans.

Sarika couldn’t appear for her exam.
Ans.

Indians must be proud of their country.
Ans.

Answers :

1. Might
2. Can
3. Should
4. May
5. Ought
6. Would
7. May
8. Must
9. Could
10. Must