Level: beginner
The modal verbs are:
can could
may might
must
shall should
will would
We use modals to show if we believe something is certain, possible or impossible:
My keys must be in the car.
It might rain tomorrow.
That can't be Peter's coat. It's too small.
We also use them to do things like talk about ability, ask permission, and make requests and
offers:
I can't swim.
May I ask a question?
Could I have some tea, please?
Would you like some help?
Modal verbs
Average
Give it 5/ 5
G
ive it 1/5
G
ive it 2/5
G
ive it 3/5
G
ive it 4/5
G
ive it 5/5
Average: 4 (619 votes)
Probability
Ability
Permission
Requests, offers and invitations
Suggestions and obligations
'can' and 'could'
'may' and 'might'
'will' and 'would'
'will have' and 'would have'
Modals with 'have'
Functions Examples
Will you please pass me the salt?
Will you lend me your pen for a moment?
Asking Will you be available for a meeting tomorrow afternoon?
Will you help me move the furniture?
Will you help me carry these bags to the car?
It will probably rain tomorrow.
She will likely be late for the meeting.
Possibility There will possibly be a traffic jam during rush hour.
The package will maybe arrive by the end of the week.
She will possibly arrive late due to traffic.
We will have a great time if we go to the beach.
He will enjoy the book I recommended.
Suggestion They will benefit from attending the conference.
You will enjoy the movie if you like suspense.
It will be beneficial for you to start exercising regularly.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 2
Would
Functions Examples
Conditional statements If I had more time, I would travel around the world.
Polite requests or offers Would you please pass me the salt?
Habits or repeated actions in the past When I was younger, I would always play soccer with my friends.
Imaginary or hypothetical situations If I were a millionaire, I would buy a luxurious mansion.
Future in the past He said he would call me later tonight.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 3
Shall
Functions Examples
Shall we go to the park this afternoon?
Suggestions or offers
I shall help you with your luggage.
I shall attend the meeting tomorrow.
Future actions or plans
We shall leave for our vacation next week.
I shall always love and support you.
Promises or intentions
She shall do her best to make it to the event.
Students shall complete the assignment by the end of the
Requirements or rules week.
All visitors shall sign in at the reception.
Commands or instructions (in formal You shall not enter this restricted area.
contexts) Shall the defendant rise for the verdict?
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 4
Should
Functions Examples
Seeking advice Should we go for a walk?
Obligations or expectations Students should complete their assignments on time.
Probability The train should arrive in about ten minutes.
Criticism or expressing dissatisfaction You should have apologized for your mistake.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 5
Can
Functions Examples
Ability or capability I can swim.
She can speak three languages fluently.
Can I borrow your pen?
Permission or authorization
You can go out and play after you finish your homework.
Can you help me carry this box?
Requests or asking for assistance
Can someone please open the door?
It can get quite crowded during rush hour.
Possibility or potential
The weather can change suddenly in this region.
Cats can see in the dark.
Making general statements
Vegetables can be a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 6
Could
Functions Examples
Past ability or capability When I was younger, I could run faster.
Polite requests or asking for permission Could you please pass me the salt?
Conditional statements or hypothetical situations If I had more time, I could visit you.
Expressing possibility or uncertainty It could rain later today, so take an umbrella.
Polite suggestions or offering help You could try calling customer support for assistance.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 7
May
Functions Examples
It may rain later today, so you should bring an umbrella.
Possibility or uncertainty
He may arrive late to the meeting due to traffic.
May I borrow your pen, please?
Permission or granting consent
You may leave the room if you have finished your exam.
May all your dreams come true!
Expressing wishes or hopes
May you have a wonderful birthday!
Polite requests or asking for May I ask you a question?
permission May we have a moment of your time to discuss this matter?
She may be at the library studying.
Expressing probability or likelihood The package may arrive tomorrow, according to the tracking
information.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 8
Might
Functions Examples
Possibility or uncertainty It might rain later today, so you should bring an umbrella.
Polite requests or asking for permission Might I borrow your laptop for a moment?
Expressing a slight possibility She might be able to finish the project by tomorrow.
Expressing past regret I might have passed the exam if I had studied more.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 9
Must
Functions Examples
Obligation You must submit your assignment by tomorrow.
It’s getting late, and they must be home by now.
Certainty
She’s been practicing for hours; she must be a skilled pianist.
Strong Probability The dark clouds indicate that it must rain soon.
You must not enter this area without proper authorization.
Prohibition
Visitors must not touch the exhibits in the museum.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 10
Dare
Functions Examples
How dare you speak to me like that?
Questioning or challenging
Who dares to defy the court’s orders?
Dare I ask for a favor?
Permission or offering
Dare you join me on this adventure?
I dare not open that mysterious package.
Negative statements
They dare not reveal their true identities.
She dares to take risks and explore new opportunities.
Expressing bravery or willingness
He dares to speak up against injustice.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 11
Need
Functions Examples
Necessity I need to finish my assignment before tomorrow.
We need to buy groceries for the week.
You don’t need to worry; everything is under control.
Lack of necessity or obligation
You didn’t need to attend the meeting.
You need to see this movie; it’s amazing!
Emphasizing a strong recommendation
We need to try the new restaurant downtown.
He needs to pass the exam to graduate.
Expressing a requirement
The documents need to be signed by tomorrow.
You needn’t bother about the dishes; I’ll take care of them.
Denying necessity or obligation
They needn’t worry about the expenses; it’s all covered.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 12
Used to
Functions Examples
He used to walk every morning.
Past habits or actions
She used to visit her grandparents every weekend.
We used to enjoy camping in the mountains during summer vacations.
Past preferences or likes
They used to listen to rock music, but now they prefer jazz.
I’m used to working late hours.
Expressing familiarity They are used to the cold weather since they grew up in a northern
climate.
Life used to be simpler before the advent of technology.
Comparing past and present
Life used to revolve around physical mail, but now we rely on emails and
situations
instant messaging.
24 Modal Auxiliary Verbs Table 13
Ought to
Functions Examples
You ought to eat more fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet
Advising or giving recommendations
She ought to study for the exam if she wants to do well.
We ought to help those in need.
Expressing moral or social obligation
He ought to apologize for his behavior.
They ought to arrive on time for the meeting.
Expressing expectations or duty
The employees ought to follow the company policies.
It ought to rain later, judging by the dark clouds.
Expressing probability or likelihood
He ought to pass the test with all the preparation he did.
I ought to have called my parents on their anniversary.
Expressing regrets or missed opportunities
She ought to have taken the earlier train to avoid the traffic.
Modal Exercises with Answers
Complete the following exercises and check the answers to find out if you know them
well.
Exercise 1 – Fill in the blanks with the correct modals
1. I __ arrange the flowers for the bouquet. (may/can)
2. __ I borrow this pen from you? (may/might)
3. The teacher __ ask you to bring the homework. (might/can)
4. According to the weather forecast, it ___ snow heavily tomorrow. (may/shall)
5. Raj hasn’t studied well. He __ fail his exam. (might/shall)
6. You __ follow the traffic rules. (may/must)
7. It __ be difficult to live amidst war. (should/must)
8. My mother __ scold me if I don’t go back on time. (will/may)
9. We ___ take care of our parents. (ought to/ could)
10. I __ visit the local grocery store soon. (shall/can)
11. You ___ be punctual. (should/ought)
12. One __ repay all their debts. (must/ought to)
13. __ you show me the road to the market? (could/might)
14. The child __ be taken to hospital immediately. (must/might)
15. ___ you have hot chocolate? (shall/will)
Answers for Exercise 1
1. Can
2. May
3. Might
4. May
5. Might
6. Must
7. Must
8. Will
9. Ought to
10. Shall
11. Should
12. Ought to
13. Could
14. Must
15. Will
Exercise 2 – Identify the modal verb in the following sentences
1. My teacher (can/must) speak four languages.
2. (May/should) I use your mobile to call my mother?
3. You (must/could) not speak loudly in the hospital.
4. I (could/must) use a little help in packing all these clothes.
5. Madam (could/may) you repeat what you said?
6. I (can/might) not be able to make it tonight.
7. Sheldon (ought to/must) study more if he wants to pass the test.
8. (Can/May) you come to the prom with me?
9. My parents (shall/ought to) arrive soon.
10. I (could/must) be late as I have a lot on my plate.
11. Leonard (can/may) easily solve the problem.
12. It (might/should) rain tomorrow.
13. (May/might) all your wishes come true in life.
14. I (could/might) not be any happier.
Answers for Exercise 2
1. Can
2. May
3. Must
4. Could
5. Could
6. Might
7. Must
8. Can
9. Shall
10. Could
11. Can
12. Might
13. May
14. Could
