What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are helping verbs (also called auxiliary verbs) that show the mood, ability, possibility, necessity, or permission in a sentence. They are used along with the base form of the main verb (without “to”) to add meaning to the main verb.

 Common modal verbs include:
Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should, Will, Would, Ought to, Need, Dare

Why Are Modal Verbs Important?

Modal verbs:

• Express possibility and probability

• Show permission, advice, and obligation

• Indicate ability or willingness

• Help form polite requests and suggestions

They are essential in both spoken and written English, especially for polite or indirect language.

Basic Structure of Modal Verbs

Subject + Modal Verb + Base Verb + Object

 Example:

• She can speak English.

• You should eat healthy food.

• He might come tomorrow.

Note: Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., “go,” not “goes” or “went”).

Types of Modal Verbs & Their Uses

1. Can / Could

Can – shows ability, permission, or possibility
Could – is the past form of “can” or used for polite requests and less certainty

 Examples:

• I can swim. (ability)

• Can I borrow your book? (permission)

• It could rain today. (possibility)

2. May / Might

Used to express permission and possibility

 Examples:

• May I come in? (formal permission)

• She might be at home. (less certain possibility)

 May is more formal than can or might

3. Must

Used to express strong obligation, necessity, or logical deduction

 Examples:

• You must wear a helmet. (strong rule/necessity)

• He must be tired. (strong assumption)

4. Shall / Should

Shall – used for suggestions, formal offers/promises, or future action (mostly with “I” or “We”)
Should – used to give advice, recommendation, or mild obligation

 Examples:

• Shall we go for a walk?

• You should drink more water.

• I shall return soon. (promise)

5. Will / Would

Will – shows future action, certainty, or willingness
Would – is the polite form or conditional tense of “will”

 Examples:

• I will call you later. (future)

• Would you like some tea? (polite offer)

• If I had time, I would help you. (conditional)

6. Ought to

Used to express moral duty, strong advice, or expected action

 Examples:

• You ought to respect your elders.

• He ought to be here by now.

7. Need / Dare (Semi-modal Verbs)

These can be used as modal verbs or main verbs depending on the structure.

 Examples:

• Need I say more? (modal)

• I need to study. (main verb)

• He dare not speak a word. (modal)

• He dares to speak truth. (main verb)

Rules and Tips for Using Modal Verbs

 Use the base form of the verb after modals.
 Modal verbs do not change with the subject (no “-s” or “-ed”)
 They do not need “do/does/did” for negative or questions.

Examples of Positive, Negative, and Questions: