Modal Verbs! What is a modal verb? A modal verb might also be referred to as a ‘helping’ verb and these are very common within the English language. There are, however, certain rules which surround their use, for example the word ‘to’ must never be used after a modal verb. Learning these rules and how a modal verb can function within a sentence can greatly help you in forming grammatically correct sentences.
In this section, we are going to take a look at the modal verb in a little more detail as well as some examples of how it can be used, giving you a greater understanding of its function.
Learn the useful list of modal verbs and how to use modal verbs in English with useful grammar rules, example sentences and ESL picture.
What Is A Modal Verb?
What is a modal verb? The modal verbs of English are a small class of auxiliary verbs used to express possibility, obligation, advice, permission, ability, …
Modal verbs list: 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
Learn the list of modal verbs in English with grammar rules and example sentences.
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 Chart
Using Modal Verbs To Express Ability
List of Modals of Ability:
- Be able to
- Can/Can’t
- Be able to
- Could/Couldn’t
- Managed to
- Be able to
- Can/can’t
Using Modal Verbs for Asking Permissions
Learn how to use these modals for asking permissions in English.
- Can
- Could
- May
- Would
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Thank you so much. This lesson will help me explaine the modals verbs to my students.
Correction explain
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