Modal verbs are an essential part of English grammar. They help us express ability, possibility, necessity, and permission in a sentence. Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs do not change form (they don’t take “-s,” “-ed,” or “-ing”). They are always followed by the base form of the verb (without “to”).
For example:
- She can swim. (Expressing ability)
- You must wear a seatbelt. (Expressing necessity)
- May I leave early? (Asking for permission)
What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are special auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb to show possibility, ability, permission, obligation, or necessity. Below are the most common modal verbs with their meanings and example sentences:
-
Can – Used to express ability, permission, or possibility.
Example: She can play the piano. -
Could – Refers to past ability, polite requests, or possibility.
Example: He could run fast when he was young. -
May – Used for formal permission or possibility.
Example: You may enter the room now. -
Might – Indicates a weak possibility.
Example: It might rain later. -
Must – Expresses strong necessity or obligation.
Example: You must finish your work before leaving. -
Shall – Often used for formal suggestions or future intentions.
Example: We shall meet at noon. -
Should – Used for advice or mild obligation.
Example: You should eat more vegetables. -
Will – Shows future certainty or willingness.
Example: She will call you later. -
Would – Used for politeness, hypothetical situations, or past habits.
Example: I would love to help you. -
Ought to – Expresses strong recommendation or moral duty.
Example: You ought to apologize. -
Need to – Refers to necessity.
Example: You need to submit your report today. -
Dare – Used to show challenge or courage.
Example: He dare not speak against the leader. -
Used to – Describes past habits or repeated actions.
Example: She used to go to that school.
How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences
Modal verbs do not change form and are always followed by the base form of the verb.
- She can speak Spanish. (Not She cans speak Spanish.)
- You should go now. (Not You should to go now.)
Modal Verbs in Different Tenses
| Tense | Example with “Can” | Example with “Must” |
|---|---|---|
| Present | She can swim. | You must follow the rules. |
| Past | She could swim when she was five. | He had to leave early. |
| Future | She will be able to swim next year. | You must complete the project by tomorrow. |
Some modal verbs, like must, may, and shall, do not have a past or future form. Instead, alternative phrases like “had to” (for must) or “be allowed to” (for may) are used.
Modal Verbs for Different Functions
1. Modal Verbs for Ability
Used to express what someone can or cannot do.
- I can ride a bike.
- She could run fast when she was younger.
2. Modal Verbs for Permission
Used to ask for or give permission.
- You may take a break now.
- Students must not use their phones in class.
3. Modal Verbs for Obligation and Necessity
Used to talk about rules, duties, or necessities.
- You must wear a seatbelt.
- We have to submit the assignment by Friday.
4. Modal Verbs for Advice and Suggestions
Used to make recommendations.
- You should eat more vegetables.
- You ought to see a doctor.
5. Modal Verbs for Possibility and Probability
Used to express how likely something is.
- It might snow later.
- She must be at home now.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using “to” after a modal verb
Incorrect: You must to finish your homework.
Correct: You must finish your homework.
- Using the wrong modal verb for past situations
Incorrect: She can drive when she was younger.
Correct: She could drive when she was younger.
- Using a modal verb with an “-ing” verb
Incorrect: You should going now.
Correct: You should go now.
Modal Verbs Quiz
1. She ___ drive a car when she was 18.
a) can
b) could
c) must
2. You ___ finish your work before you leave.
a) can
b) must
c) might
3. ___ I borrow your book for a day?
a) May
b) Must
c) Should
4. It ___ rain later, so take an umbrella.
a) might
b) must
c) will
5. You ___ study harder if you want to pass.
a) ought to
b) mustn’t
c) dare
6. In the past, he ___ swim very well.
a) should
b) used to
c) must
7. You ___ not be late for the meeting.
a) must
b) may
c) could
8. I ___ help you if you need assistance.
a) shall
b) must
c) can
9. She ___ be in her office now.
a) must
b) can
c) dare
10. We ___ go to the museum tomorrow if we have time.
a) must
b) might
c) shall
Quiz Answers
1) could
2) must
3) May
4) might
5) ought to
6) used to
7) must
8) can
9) must
10) might
