Modal Verbs vs. Normal Verbs
Normal verbs and modal verbs are different types of verbs that may confuse learners. In this lesson, we will learn their differences and uses.
What Is Their Main Difference?
The main difference between normal verbs and modal verbs is that a normal verb may be the only verb of the sentence, while a modal verb is never the only verb of the sentence.
Normal Verbs
Normal verbs are verbs that show the subject's action or state. Normal verbs have several types, including:
Take a look at the following examples to see how these verbs work:
I
She
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (also known as modals and modal auxiliary) are used to give additional information about the role of the main verb. Modal verbs are considered as a type of auxiliary verbs. We have nine modals in English:
Here are some of the modals in action:
She
I
Differences
Function
Modals functions as a helper to the main verb:
- Talk about possibilities, probabilities, etc.:
- Ask for advice, permission, etc.:
- Talk about habits:
The murder
Here, we are talking about a possibility.
Here, we are asking for permission.
She
Here, we are talking about habits.
Normal verbs are used to express the action or the state of a subject:
I
They
Question and Negation
While modals take 'not' when making a negative statement, we cannot add 'not' to normal verbs. To make a negative statement, we add an auxiliary verb + not before the sentence's main verb. Have a look:
I
She like not vegetables.")
When making questions, we invert the modal as the head of the sentence. However, with normal verbs, we cannot invert them as the sentence will make no sense to the audience. Instead, we add an auxiliary verb and invert it to create a question. For example:
She
You
Not "Remember you it all too well?"
Limitation
Normal verbs can be the only verb in a clause. Modals, however, cannot be used alone and must be accompanied by the main verb (unless it is in a short answer like "We shall." "I will."). Modals cannot be used with another modal. Another point that needs your attention is that each clause must have a main verb but not necessarily a modal. Here are some examples:
I
I will can eat the pizza.)
I
Inflection
Normal verbs inflect (they get different suffixes like: –s, -ing, -ed), but modals do not, and are always used in the base form. These are some examples for clarity:
He shoulding leave the compound as soon as possible.")
He
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