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.
billy
Monday 14th of November 2022
te crees muy listo por subir estas cosas?
joseph munguia
Monday 8th of February 2021
Really good information.
Alexandra
Thursday 19th of November 2020
Very kind of you to share this great information. Thank you!
Elizabeth
Friday 24th of April 2020
Nice, but what about WOULD, SHALL and OUGHT TO?
Victor
Sunday 26th of May 2019
Great review. Thanks a lot. From Peru.