Learn useful list of Modal Verbs and how to use Modal Verbs in English with examples.
The modal verbs of English are a small class of auxiliary verbs used to express possibility, obligation, …
The modals and modal phrases (semi-modals) in English are:
- Will
- Shall
- Would
- Should
- Ought to
- Must
- Mustn’t
- May
- Might
- Can
- Could
- Have to/ Has to
- Don’t/ Doesn’t have to
Modal Verbs List
Will
The verb “will” is used to express:
Promise
Example:
Don’t worry, I will be here.
Instant decision
Example:
I will take these books with me.
Invitation/Offer
Example:
Will you give me a chance?
Certain prediction
Example:
John Smith will be the next President.
Future tense auxiliary
Example:
Tomorrow I will be in New York.
Shall
The verb “shall” is used to express:
Asking what to do
Example:
Shall I get the phone? Or will you?
Offer
Example:
Shall I call a cab?
Suggestion
Example:
Shall I call again on Thursday?
Would
The verb “would” is used to express:
Asking for permission
Example:
Would you mind if I opened the window?
Request
Example:
Would you make dinner?
Making arrangements
Would you be available at 6 pm tonight?
Invitation
Example:
Would you like to go out sometimes?
Preferences
Example:
Would you prefer the window seat or the aisle?
Should
The verb “should” is used to express:
Advice
Example:
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Recommending action
Example:
You really should go to the new museum on Main Street.
Uncertain prediction
Example:
I posted the cheque yesterday so it should arrive this week.
Logical deduction
Example:
I’ve revised so I should be ready for the test.
Ought to
The verb “ought to” is used to express:
Advice
Example:
You ought to have come to the meeting. It was interesting.
Logical deduction
Example:
30$ ought to be enough for the taxi.
Must
The verb “must” is used to express:
Obligation/ Necessity
Example:
I must memorize all of these rules about tenses.
Deduction
Example:
She lied to the police. She must be the murderer.
Mustn’t
The verb “musn’t” (must not) is used to express:
Prohibition
Example:
You mustn’t smoke in this restaurant. It’s forbidden.
May
The verb “may” is used to express:
Possibility
Example:
Richard may be coming to see us tomorrow.
Ask for permission
Example:
May I borrow your dictionary?
Might
The verb “might” is used to express:
Slight possibility
Example:
It looks nice, but it might be very expensive.
Past form of “may” in reported speech
Example:
The President said he might come.
Can
The verb “can” is used to express:
Ability
Example:
David can speak three languages.
Permission (informal)
Example:
Can I sit in that chair please?
Offers
Example:
Can I carry the luggage for you?
Could
The verb “could” is used to express:
Request
Example:
Could I borrow your dictionary?
Suggestion
Example:
Could you say it again more slowly?
Ability in the past
Example:
I think we could have another Gulf War.
Asking for permission
Example:
Could I open the window?
Have to/ Has to
The verb “have to/has to” is used to express:
External Obligation
Example:
You have to take off your shoes before you get into the mosque.
Don’t/ Doesn’t have to
“Don’t/Doesn’t have to” is used to express:
Is not necessary
Example:
You don’t have to do all the exercises, only the first one.
Modal Verbs | Picture
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