The principal modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Following is a list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings.
Table of Contents
Modal Verbs in English
CAN
To express:
- Ability
- Permission
- Probability
Examples:
- I can speak Spanish.
- Can I go to the bathroom?
- It can’t be Mark. He is in London.
COULD
To express:
- Past ability
- Past permission
- Probability (40%)
- Request
Examples:
- He could speak French when he was 6 years old.
- He could go to the theater.
- It could get much hotter in July.
- I could lend you my notebook.
MAY
To express:
- Probability(50%)
- Permission
Examples:
- It may snow tomorrow.
- May I come in?
MIGHT
To express:
- Probability (35% or less)
Example:
- It might rain today.
MUST
To express:
- Prohibition
- Deduction/probability(100%)
Examples:
- You mustn’t speak loudly. This is the hospital.
- The teacher must be Mark. I’ve seen his bicycle outside.
SHOULD
To express:
- Advice
Example:
- You shouldn’t smoke. It is unhealthy.
WILL
To express:
- Prediction
- Spontaneous decision
Examples:
- I think he will study harder this time. Oh, it’s very hot today.
- I’II open the window.
Modal Verb List | Image
It’s nice to learn more of modal verbs.thank you.
It helps me lot thank to you Natalie
Thanks Natalie this is the best way to learn verbs and it was very helpful for me.
This is the best way to learn verbs and it was very helpful for me. Thanks Natalie
Yeah it’s so nice and easy to learn for everyone,
Great review. Thanks a lot. From Peru.
Nice, but what about WOULD, SHALL and OUGHT TO?
Very kind of you to share this great information. Thank you!