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Modal Verbs in English: Usage & Examples

Modal Verbs in English: Usage & Examples

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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.

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

Modal Verbs

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.