MODALS

 A modal verb (also called a modal auxiliary verb) is used along with
a main verb to express possibility, ability, permission, obligation,
prohibition, advice, or necessity.
 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, giving advice, making requests, or
asking for permission.

Why is it important to learn about modal verbs?

Modal verbs are an essential part of the English language and are used to express a
range of possibilities, permissions and obligations. They add depth and nuance to our
communication, allowing us to convey possibility and degrees of certainty.

How are modal verbs used in sentences?

In sentences containing modal verbs, the main verb typically takes the infinitive form.
Modal verbs come before main verbs and never change form.
Examples: I might walk to work today.
You may have as many cookies as you’d like.
Lina must order tickets in advance if she wants to go to the theater.

Modal Function Example

Can Indicate ability Jay can play the guitar.
He can go to the party next week.
He can type 34 words per minute.
Indicate possibility You can borrow that book.
Indicate permission Can I go to the bathroom please?
(informal) Can I take your coat?
Make a request Can I have some water?
(informal)
Could Past form of “can” He could play violin when he was
twelve.
She could speak French.
Indicate possibility You could become a chef.
They could be on the 7:45 train from
Newcastle.
Polite permission Could I go to the bathroom?
Could you help me with these boxes
please?
Weaker ability I could assist by interpreting the
results.
The editor could edit 70 pages in two
days.
 Make a polite request Could you tell me the time?
Could not was not able to do
something in the past She couldn’t walk until she was two
years old.
May Indicate a possibility Dana may arrive late.
I may have to call you back later. I
don’t have much time.
Indicate permission You may enter.
(formal) May I go to the bathroom please?
May I turn my paper in tomorrow?
Make a request (formal) May I respond?
Might Indicate possibility, I might order pizza.
probability Sally isn’t answering her phone. She
might be driving.
You might find an open store after
12:00 AM.
Polite permission Might he have some more soup?
Must Indicate strong Cyclists must wear helmets.
obligation They must go to work today.
The kids must drink water everyday.
Logical conclusion/ The neighbors must be away. We
certainty haven’t seen them for days.
The weather report showed a 99%
chance of rain, so it must rain.
Must not Prohibition You must not run on the grass!
Indicate likelihood You must be very proud.
Shall Indicate a future action I shall attend.
(normally used only with
“I” and “we”)
Ask a question (normally Shall we arrange a meeting?
used only with “I” and
“we”)
more formal way May I take your coat?
to offer help

Should Make a suggestion You should watch that film.

You should wear a scarf. It is cold
outside.
Indicate likelihood Tom should be at the office.
Will Indicate a future action Fay will book the venue.
or event
Possibility Due to the news, the stock will go
down.
Would Past form of “will” She would often work late.
Make a polite request Would you call back later?
Cannot Uncertainty That can’t be Jessie. She isn’t wearing
glasses.
Not able to do Mary cannot speak more than two
something in languages.
the present or future He can’t come to class on Friday.