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