Modal verbs are small words, but they are very powerful in English. Words like can, could, should, and must help you express ability, possibility, permission, advice, and obligation. These verbs are used in daily conversations, exams, emails, and professional communication. If you understand how to use them correctly, your English will sound more natural and confident.
Many learners feel confused because modal verbs do not follow normal verb rules. For example, we do not add “-s” or “-ed” to them, and they are always followed by the base form of the verb. However, once you understand their purpose and structure, they become much easier to use.
In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn the meaning and usage of can, could, should, and must with simple explanations and clear examples. You will also discover common mistakes to avoid and practical sentence patterns you can use immediately. By the end of this article, you will feel more confident using modal verbs correctly in speaking and writing.
This topic is part of our English Grammar for English learners.
What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are:
– Can
– Could
– May
– Might
– Must
– Shall
– Should
– Will
– Would
These little words pack a big punch!
They modify the meaning of other verbs to express things like:
– Ability (can, could)
– Permission (may, might)
– Obligation (must, should)
– Future possibility (will, would)
For example:
“I can speak Spanish” (ability)
“You may leave early today” (permission)
“We must follow the rules” (obligation)
“It will rain later” (future possibility)
Note that modal verbs don’t change form for different subjects like regular verbs.
For example, we say “I can,” “you can,” “he can,” not “I cans,” “you cans,” etc.
Now let’s look at how to use each modal verb in more detail:
Can and Could
Use “can” to express ability or opportunity in the present:
“I can see the mountains from here.”
“She can meet us after work.”
Use “could” for abilities or opportunities in the past:
“When I was young, I could run for hours.”
“They could have gotten the earlier train, but they missed it.”
“Could” also expresses possibility or a polite request:
“It could rain later, so bring an umbrella.”
“Could you please pass the salt?”
May and Might
Use “may” to ask for or grant permission:
“May I use the restroom?”
“You may begin the test now.”
“May” also expresses possibility:
“The job may require some travel.”
Use “might” to say that something is a possibility, but less likely than “may”:
“I might stay late at work tonight.”
“It might rain this afternoon.”
Must
Use “must” to express obligation, requirement or necessity:
“I must get my car inspected this month.”
“You must follow all the safety rules.”
“Must” can also express a logical conclusion:
“He must be very tired after that long flight.”
Should and Ought To
“Should” and “ought to” suggest what is advisable or the right/best thing to do:
“You should get more sleep.”
“We ought to leave soon if we want to beat traffic.”
Will and Would
“Will” expresses future events, intentions, or habitual actions:
“I will call you when I get home.”
“The sun will rise at 6am tomorrow.”
Use “would” for hypothetical situations or past habits:
“If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.”
“When we were kids, we would play outside all day.”
“Would” is also used to make polite requests:
“Would you mind opening the window?”
Shall
These days “shall” is not used as much, but it can express futurity or suggestions:
“I shall arrive by 6 pm.”
“What shall we do this evening?”
Modal Verb Phrases
Some modal verbs can be combined with other verbs to create “modal verb phrases” that express more nuanced meanings:
May have, might have, must have, could have, should have, would have, ought to have
Examples:
“I must have left my wallet at home.” (logical conclusion about the past)
“You could have asked for help.” (missed past opportunity)
Negating Modals
To make modal verbs negative, we insert the word “not” between the modal and the main verb:
“I cannot go to the party.”
“You should not eat so much junk food.”
However, we commonly use contractions instead:
“I can’t go to the party.”
“You shouldn’t eat so much junk food.”
Modal Verbs in Questions
For questions, we switch the subject and modal:
“Can you pass me the remote?”
“Should we order takeout tonight?”
Conclusion:
That covers the basics of modal verbs!
As you can see, using the right one is key for clear, natural communication.
I hope this guide has helped clarify how and when to use these important little verbs.
The best way to master modal verbs is through listening and practice.
Pay attention when you hear or read them being used and try using different modals yourself in example sentences.
With time and exposure, they’ll become second nature!
Do you have any other questions about modal verbs I didn’t cover here?
Let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to explain further.
Thanks for reading!
FAQs: Modal Verbs in English
1. What are modal verbs in simple words?
Modal verbs are helping verbs that show ability, permission, possibility, advice, or obligation. Examples include can, could, should, and must.
2. How many modal verbs are there in English?
There are nine main modal verbs:
can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.
3. Do modal verbs change with the subject?
No. Modal verbs do not change form.
✔ I can
✔ He can
✘ He cans
4. Can we use “to” after modal verbs?
No. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb.
✔ She can swim.
✘ She can to swim.
(Exception: “ought to” uses “to”)
5. What is the difference between can and could?
-
Can → present ability or permission
-
Could → past ability, polite requests, or possibility
Example:
✔ I can drive.
✔ I could drive when I was 18.
6. What is the difference between may and might?
Both show possibility.
-
May → more likely
-
Might → less certain
Example:
✔ It may rain.
✔ It might rain.
7. When do we use must and should?
-
Must → strong obligation or rule
-
Should → advice or suggestion
Example:
✔ You must wear a helmet.
✔ You should exercise daily.
8. Can modal verbs be used in the past?
Yes, using modal verb phrases:
-
must have
-
could have
-
should have
Example:
✔ She must have missed the bus.
✔ You should have called me.
9. How do we make modal verbs negative?
Add not after the modal:
-
cannot / can’t
-
should not / shouldn’t
Example:
✔ I can’t come today.
✔ You shouldn’t smoke.
10. How do we make questions with modal verbs?
Put the modal verb before the subject.
Example:
✔ Can you help me?
✔ Should we leave now?
11. Is shall still used in modern English?
Shall is less common today. It is mostly used:
-
in formal writing
-
for suggestions or offers
Example:
✔ What shall we do?
12. What is the best way to learn modal verbs?
The best way is through:
-
reading
-
listening
-
making your own sentences
Practice helps modal verbs feel natural over time.
Explore more English grammar topics here:
- “May” vs. “Might”: What’s the Difference?
- Can vs. Could: Learn the Difference
- Understanding the Difference Between “Neither” and “Either”
- Has Been, Have Been, Had Been – Grammar Rules with Examples
- Understanding the Difference Between ALL EACH and EVERY
