Modal Verb - Academic Mode

Modal Verb Definition
A modal verb is a type of verb that combines with another verb to create a mood or situation. Also known as a “modal auxiliary”, a modal verb expresses uncertainty, necessity, permission or ability. Unlike auxiliary verbs, a modal verb never changes its form; Therefore, no "‑ing", "‑en", "‑s" or infinitive forms are used. There are ten basic modal verbs: It must be accompanied by a basic verb like "play", "eat", "drink", "think" and so on. On the other hand, a modal verb is never associated with auxiliary verbs such as “do”, “do”. does ”and“ did ”.

The negative form of a modal verb can be made by simply adding “not” to the verb. In an interrogative form, when a modal verb immediately precedes the subject of the sentence, "She thought I must hurry before the robbers come" (The Interior Castle, by Jean Stafford), the word "must" is a modal verb. In its negative form, "not" is added after "must". "And in its questioning form, the modal verb will come shortly before the topic that is in front of the positive sentence.

Characteristics of a modal verb
Probability
A modal verb is used when it is certain that something has happened, will happen or will happen:

" It is snowing, so must You feel cold. "

Ability
" Can "and" Could "are used when talking about an ability or skill, when making a request, or when asking permission:

" He can speak many languages. "

" Could I ask you a question? "

Permission
The modal verbs" may, "" could, "" may "or" could "are used when permission is given in the present or future." May "and" could "are also used when discussing uncertainties about past events :

"You can use my car tonight. "

" We might go shopping tonight, but I'm not sure yet. "

" The fact that she failed the test surprised me. I heard that she may have had a fever during the exam. “

Habit
The modal verb“ would ”is often used to discuss something someone has done now or in the past:

“ If she lived in the U., she often drank coffee in a coffee shop next to her apartment. ”

Advice or Obligation
The modal verbs "must" and "should" are used when someone is giving advice or discussing the meaning (or unimportance) of something:

“Children have to do their homework before going to sleep. "

" You should be present for your final exam. "

Making offers / suggestions
The modal verb" shall "usually appears in the first-person narration:

" Should I buy you an ice cream? "(Offer)

" Shall we play cricket today? "(Suggestion)

Examples of modal verbs in literature
Example 1: The picture of Dorian Gray (by Oscar Wilde)
" There are many things that we would throw away if we were not afraid that others might pick them up. ”

On this line The author used the modal verb“ power ”to show uncertainty about the past.

Example 2: The things they wore (by Tim O'Brien)
“ After that, when the fire ended they blinked and peeked. Touch their bodies, be ashamed, and then quickly hide them. They would force yourself to stand. Like in slow motion, the world would take on the old logic frame by frame - absolute silence, then Wind, then sunlight, then voices. ”

In this excerpt, O'Brien used the modal verb“ would ”to discuss the previous habits of a particular group of people.

Example 3: Emma (by Jane Austen)
"You may not see one in a hundred with a gentleman written as clearly as in Mr. Knightley ... He will be a completely rude, vulgar peasant ..."

In this excerpt, the author has used two modal verbs: "power" and "will". "Power" indicates uncertainty about the future while "will" indicates absolute certainty.

Example 4: The Gettysburg Address (of Abraham Lincoln)
"Government of the people by the people for the people will not perish."

Lincoln used the modal verb “shall” in his speech. Here, “shall” has different functions; it represents a suggestion, a possibility and an offer of advice.

Function
Modal verbs fulfill different functions, depending on how they are used in a certain text. They show possibilities, skills, and predictions, they help writers discuss the future with certainty, they help writers make promises, make decisions, and give permission or confirmation. Modal verbs also help other verbs express their meanings. Grammatically, modal verbs make sentences more complete and meaningful.