Auxiliary – English Grammar Tutorial

Modal auxiliaries, often referred to as modals, are a category of auxiliary verbs that express the mood or attitude of the speaker regarding the likelihood, necessity, ability, permission, or obligation of an action. Modal verbs are used in conjunction with the base form of a main verb to convey different shades of meaning. The primary modal verbs in English are can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought to.

1. Can:

• Usage: Indicates ability, possibility, or permission.
• Examples:
  1. She can play the piano beautifully.
  2. Can I borrow your pen?
  3. He can swim very well.

2. Could:

• Usage: Similar to “can” but often used to express past ability or make polite requests.
• Examples:
  1. When I was younger, I could run faster.
  2. Could you please pass me the salt?
  3. She could speak three languages fluently.

3. May:

• Usage: Indicates possibility, permission, or a polite request.
• Examples:
  1. You may leave the room if you’re finished.
  2. May I use your phone for a moment?
  3. It may rain later in the day.

4. Might:

• Usage: Similar to “may” but often used to express a lower degree of possibility.
• Examples:
  1. She might come to the party if she finishes her work.
  2. Might I suggest a different approach?
  3. It might snow tomorrow.

5. Shall:

• Usage: Often used for making suggestions, offers, or expressing future actions in formal contexts.
• Examples:
  1. Shall we go for a walk in the park?
  2. I shall inform the team about the decision.
  3. Shall I help you with your bags?

6. Should:

• Usage: Indicates advice, recommendation, or obligation.
• Examples:
  1. You should get enough rest before the exam.
  2. She should apologize for her behavior.
  3. We should finish the project by Friday.

7. Will:

• Usage: Expresses future actions or predictions.
• Examples:
  1. He will arrive at the airport at 3 PM.
  2. I will call you as soon as I reach home.
  3. Will you join us for dinner tonight?

8. Would:

• Usage: Similar to “will” but often used in more polite or conditional contexts.
• Examples:
  1. If I had more time, I would travel around the world.
  2. Would you mind passing me the salt, please?
  3. She said she would come to the party.

9. Must:

• Usage: Indicates necessity, obligation, or a strong recommendation.
• Examples:
  1. You must complete the assignment by tomorrow.
  2. We must follow the rules and regulations.
  3. He must be at the meeting by 9 AM.

10. Ought to:

• Usage: Expresses a strong recommendation, duty, or moral obligation.
• Examples:
  1. You ought to apologize for your mistake.
  2. We ought to help those in need.
  3. She ought to finish her homework before watching TV.

Understanding the various modal auxiliaries and their nuanced uses is crucial for expressing different shades of meaning and conveying the speaker’s attitude toward an action or situation.