• IELTS
Enhancing Language Proficiency: Mastering Modal Verbs for IELTS
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International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency test and is one of the most popular exams accepted by most colleges worldwide. Although there is no dedicated section mainly to test grammar, good scores still depend on the candidates’ knowledge of the fundamentals of grammar. Read the blog to understand the significance of understanding modal verbs for the IELTS exam.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests the candidates' language abilities, so grammar plays a pivotal role. It is essential that the candidate appearing for the test must have a firm grasp of grammar and also understands the impact of modal verbs for IELTS.
Rules of Modal Verbs
Most Common modal verbs for IELTS
Modal Verb | Uses | Examples |
Will | Future Possibility | I will study hard for exams to improve my scores |
Would | Used for unreal situations | If i had more time, I would have travelled the whole world |
May | Permission Possibility | May i begin It may rain tommorow, so don't forget to carry an umbrella |
Might | Possibility | I might move to another city in the future |
Should | Advice | People should fight for their rights |
Must | Obligation | We must listen to expert advice |
Can | Ability Permission Possibility | I can't work today Can we work from home today? Smoking can cause health-related issues |
Could | Polite request | Could you explain that again, Please? |
Also read: IELTS Exam Pattern
Semi Modal Verbs
Semi-Modal Verbs | Explanation |
To be able to | Allows other tenses for modals can and could when talking about the ability. |
Have to/ Have got to | Obligations and necessity from someone else’s point of view |
Ought to | Similar in meaning to should. Native speakers use one or the other, to avoid repetition. |
Had better | Alternate to must and have to but it usually considered much stronger, a threat. Used to present, past or furture without change |
Used to | Overcomes the limitations that would can only be used for actions |
Dare | It is often used in a negative sentence. Dare is used as a main verb and a modal. It follows modal rules when used as a modal |
Need | Need can be used as a main or modal verb and usually follows main verb rules. It is considered a little old-fashioned and formal as a modal so isn’t commonly used. |
Modal Verbs Hedging
Modal Verbs for IELTS in Reading and Listening sections
It empowers individuals to effectively articulate their ideas, express varying degrees of certainty or possibility, and adeptly respond to questions involving modal verbs. They are instrumental in enhancing performance in the IELTS exam, as they allow for sophisticated expression of ideas and effective communication. By understanding the subtleties of modal verbs, candidates can convey their thoughts with precision, navigate varying degrees of certainty, and confidently tackle questions involving these verbs.
Also read: Tenses for IELTS achieve high score in grammar
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