Using Modals Correctly

Modals are a special class of auxiliary verbs that express various kinds of mood or attitudes, like possibility, necessity, permission, ability, expectation, and so on. The most commonly used ones in English are: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, and must. For example, "He can swim" shows ability, "I should finish my homework" expresses obligation or advice, "We may go to the park" indicates possibility, and "You must wear a mask" conveys necessity or obligation. Modals are very useful in conveying nuanced meanings and attitudes in language, and are used extensively in everyday communication as well as in formal writing.