Explain model verbs and give examples.
Difficulty: Hard
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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