Modal Verbs

MODAL VERBS
Modal verbs (modals) are verbs that add the meaning of logical possibility, ability, necessity,
and permission to verbs, which have a degree of strength from stronger to weaker. Modals
come before infinitive verbs and the “to” is removed. Modals do not need to match their subject
in plural agreement, so there is no need to add an “-s” or “-es” ending to a modal. Modals will
often be seen in sentences that are predicting a future possibility, describing an ability, give
advice, make requests, or ask for permission. The nine most common modals are can, could,
shall, should, will, would, may, might, and must.
When are modal verbs used?

What special conditions do modal verbs indicate? Here’s a list, along with examples:
Likelihood
Some things seem likely to be true but can’t be stated as definite facts. In these cases, you can
use the modal verbs should and must show probability without certainty.
Example Her parents must be so proud.

Example My baby brother should be asleep by now.
Possibility
In a situation when something is possible but not certain, use the modal verb could, may,
or might.
Example Judging by the clouds, it might rain today.

Example She may become the youngest pro soccer player ever.
Ability
The modal verb can express whether the subject of a sentence can do something. Likewise, the
negative form, cannot or can’t, shows that the subject is unable to do something.
Example She can speak three languages but none of them well.
Example You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
1
Permission
If you want to ask permission to do something, start your question with can, may, or could.
Traditionally, may is considered more formal and polite usage for permission; if you ask, “Can I
go to the bathroom?” it could be misinterpreted as “Do I have the ability to go to the
bathroom?” However, in modern informal usage, may and can are both perfectly acceptable
options for describing possibility or permission.
Example Students, you may leave early today.

Example Could I play too?
Request
Similarly, if you want to ask someone else to do something, start your question
with will, would, can, or could.
Example Would you get that box off the top shelf?
Example Will you turn that music down?
Suggestion/advice
What if you want to recommend a course of action but not command it? If you’re giving
suggestions or advice without ordering someone around, you can use the modal verb should.
Example You should try lasagna.

Example That guy should wear less cologne.
Command
On the other hand, if you want to command someone, use the modal verbs must, have, or need.
With the latter two, the main verb does not drop the word to from its infinitive form.
Example You must wash your hands before cooking.

Example You need to be here before 8:00.
Obligation or necessity
Modal verbs can express a necessary action, such as an obligation, duty, or requirement.
Likewise, the negative forms express that an action is not necessary. Use the same modal verbs
as with commands: must, have, and need.
Example We have to wait for our boss to arrive before we open.

Example You don’t need to come if you don’t want to.
2
Habit
To show an ongoing or habitual action—something the subject does regularly—you can use the
modal verb would for the past tense and will for the present and future. The phrase used to is
also acceptable when you’re talking about a habit in the past.
Example When I lived alone, I would fall asleep with music.

Example I will arrive early to every meeting and leave late.
Let’s see other Ways in the below table.
Use Modals Examples

Must (Most Certain) The dark clouds must mean rain today.
Will Due to the news, the stock will go down.
Would The chemical would help the experiment.
Should The case should prevent cracking.
Logical May This change may improve the results.
Possibility Can Being careless can have bad consequences.
Could The charm could protect you.
Might (Least Certain) I might be tired tomorrow.
Can (Stronger Ability) He can type 34 words per minute.

Could (Weaker Ability) I could assist by interpreting the results.
Ability
Shall (Suggestion) Shall we dance?
Necessity Must (Obligation) They must go to work today.

Should (Advice) You should floss every day.
May (Most Formal) Might May I turn my paper in tomorrow?
Could Might he have some more soup?
Permission
Can (Least Formal) Could I buy the new model?
Can I go to my friend’s house?

Modal Verbs

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MODAL VERBS

When are modal verbs used?

Example Her parents must be so proud.

Example Judging by the clouds, it might rain today.

Example Students, you may leave early today.

Example You should try lasagna.

Example You must wash your hands before cooking.

Example We have to wait for our boss to arrive before we open.

Example When I lived alone, I would fall asleep with music.

Let’s see other Ways in the below table.

Use Modals Examples

Can (Stronger Ability) He can type 34 words per minute.

Necessity Must (Obligation) They must go to work today.

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