MODALS

These verbs cannot be used as lexical (or principal) verbs. Modal Auxiliary verbs are as follows: Ought to, might, need, used to, shall, should, world, may, can, could, will, must.

(a)        OUGHT TO: We can use it to denote logical necessity. E.g. you ought to   respect your Parent

(b)        MAY: It is used to demonstrate or express possibility. Example: I may go to           Jos after the conference,

You can use ‘May’ when asking for permission to do something.

E.g.      May I meet you today?

May I take your ruler?

May I eat the fruit?

(c)        USED TO- It tells about the existence of something in the past. E.g.

*           There also used to be some flowers in the school.

– It also shows past habit. E.g.

* She used to smoke

* He use to steal his father’s money.

– It means ‘accustomed to’. Eg. Mr Okoro is used to hard work

(d)        SHALL: This is used as part of the future tense (in other words shall is used to       express the future) An Example:

I shall attend the meeting

(e)        WOULD: This is the past tense of ‘will’

Mr. Adeoye told me he would visit me the next day.

(f)        NEED: It is used to show the absence of obligation. An example

* She needs to go away at this material time

 

See also

CONSONANT

LEXICAL AND AUXILASRY VERBS

FIGURES OF SPEECH

ESSAY WRITING

SQUENCE OF TENSES

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Fully Funded Scholarships

Free Visa, Free Scholarship Abroad

           Click Here to Apply

Acadlly