Select the Right Helping Verb Part-II
THE MODALS PART-II
Modals are those helping verbs, used to express action like ability, power, permision, request, possibility, willingness,etc.
Use of Can
Can means to be able to or know how to. It is used to express strength - may it be physical, mental or of the official authority, of wealth, etc. It is uesd as follows :
- To express Ability,
- To express Possibility,
- To express Permission,
- To express Disposition,
- In the form of Phrase.
Examples:
- I can solve this question easily.
- Anyone can read this letter.
Use of May
May is used as follows :
- To express Permission,
- Possibility,
- Purpose,
- Wish or Prayer.
Examples :
- You may go there.
- She may be at home.
Use of Must
Must is used to express the following:
- Necessity,
- Obligation,
- Determination,
- Compulsion,
- Certainty or Belief,
- Emphatic Advice,
- Possibility,
- Expectations,
- Prohibition.
Examples:
- You must run fast to catch the train.
- You must follow the rules of the road.
Use of Ought + to
Two important facts about the use of ought to
- In present time, we use present infinitive, i.e. to after ought and then use first form of the verb : OUGHT + TO + V-I.
- In past time, we use perfect infinitive, i.e. to have after ought and then use third form of the verb : OUGHT + TO HAVE + V-III.
Ought to is used to express the following:
- Moral Duty or Obligation in Present Tense,
- Moral Duty or Obligation in Past Tense,
- Advice,
- Strong Probability.
Examples :
- We ought to respect our elders.
- You ought to have run fast.
All the best for the Quiz!
The Principal _____ also fine him. (Possibility)
I _____ not help laughing. (Phrase)
The road _____ be blocked. (Possibility)
We eat so that we _____ live. (Purpose)
_____ her soul rest in peace. ( Wish or Prayer)
You _____ help your friend in the hour of need. (Necessity)
There _____ be something wrong in her mind. (Expectations)
He _____ have lost his temper. (Certainty or Belief)
We _____ walk fast as we are getting late. (Advice)
He is very hard-working ; he _____ win a scholarship. (Strong Probability)
