what are modals? discuss the function of modals with the help of suitable examples
Answers
Modal verbs are used in conjunction with verbs to express their function. Examples are permission, obligation, lack of necessity, possibility, ability, prohibition, advice and probability. You must remember that modal verbs are followed by an infinitive but without the word “to”.
Modals are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs. They gives additional information about the function of main verb that follows it. They have great variety of communicative function.
Some Characteristics of modal :
1. They never change their form. You can't add 's', 'ed', 'ing'.
2. They are always followed by an infinitive without "to".
There are two types of modals :
Primary modals - is, am are, was, were, will be, shall be, has, have, had, do, does, did.
Modal auxiliary - can, could, will, would, should, may, might, must, used to, etc...
Example of primary modal :
The cat is running after the mouse.
In above example main verb are running nd primary modal are is...