Modals play a very important role in the formation of English sentences. Modals are helpful to acquaint the intention of the speaker. In short modals improve our manners and etiquettes.
Functions of modals
A) Will: Will is used to express.
- Request (For younger ones)
Ex. Dear Kids, will you help me?
- Determination
Ex. I will achieve my goal.
- Threat
Ex. I will see you.
- Future action
Ex. He will become a doctor.
- Certainty
Ex. It will rain.
B) Would: Would is used to express.
- Polite request
Ex. Would you help me?
- Past habit
Ex. He would play a lot.
- Willingness
Ex. I would like to help you.
C) Should: It is used to express.
- Advice
Ex. You should eat fruits.
- Moral obligation
Ex. You should help the poor.
- Duty
Ex. You should be on time.
D) Can: Can is used to express.
- Ability
Ex. He can pass the exam.
- Capacity
Ex. He can eat these items.
- Request (Younger ones)
Ex. Can you help me?
- Permission (Younger ones)
Ex. You can go.
E) Could: Could is used to express.
- Polite request
Ex. Could you help me?
- Past ability
Ex. He could pass.
F) May: May us used to express.
- Possibility
Ex. It may rain.
- Permission
Ex. May I go now?
- Wish
Ex. May god bless you.
G) Might: Might is used to express.
- Less possibility
Ex. It might rain.
H) Must: Must is used to express.
- Obligation / compulsion
Ex. You must go.
- Order
Ex. You must do this.
