A
Almasha
Jul 04, 2022

Explain model verbs and give examples.

Model verbs : 

Model Verbs combine with other verbs to form compound verbs.

 

Model verbs and their functions:

Model verbs

Function

Can, could,  may, might, would

To indicate possibility

Can, will, could, would

To indicate ability

Must, will, shall

To indicate certainty

Might, should, ought

To indicate probability

Can, could, may

To indicate permission

Should, must, need, ought to

To indicate obligation

Used to

To indicate a past habit

 Examples:

  • May I ask you a few questions? (permission)
  • Can you swim? (ability)
  • You should keep your promise. (duty or obligation)
  • We ought to help him. (moral obligation)
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