English Grammar Quiz

Modal Verb Quiz

Modal Verb Introduction:

Modal verbs, also known as modal auxiliary verbs, are a specific category of verbs that are used to express various attitudes, abilities, permissions, possibilities, and obligations in a sentence. These verbs modify or change the meaning of the main verb in a clause.

Here are the most common modal verbs in English:

• Can: Used to express ability, possibility, or permission. Example: "I can swim."
• Could: Past tense of "can," used to express ability or possibility in the past. Example: "She could speak French when she was younger."
• May: Used to express possibility, permission, or uncertainty. Example: "May I borrow your pen?"
• Might: Similar to "may," used to express possibility or uncertainty. Example: "It might rain later."
• Will: Used to express future actions or intentions. Example: "I will meet you tomorrow."
• Would: Past tense of "will," used to express willingness, preferences, or repeated actions in the past. Example: "He would always help his neighbors."
• Shall: Primarily used in formal or legal contexts to express future actions or obligations. Example: "I shall do my best to help you."
• Should: Used to express advice, recommendations, or obligations. Example: "You should study for the exam."
• Must: Used to express strong obligations, requirements, or necessity. Example: "You must finish your homework."
• Ought to: Similar to "should," used to express moral obligation or recommendations. Example: "He ought to apologize for his behavior."

Modal verbs are distinct from other verbs as they do not have an -s in the third-person singular present tense and do not have an infinitive or participle form. They are followed by the base form of the main verb in a sentence.

General English Grammar Quiz