MODAL VERBS

• Tertiary Education
• Vocational Education

MODAL VERBS

Explanation

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, and other conditions. They do not change form based on the subject and are followed by the base form of the main verb.

Common Modal Verbs:

Can
Could
May
Might
Must
Shall
Should
Will

Would

Key Points:

No Infinitive or "-ing" Form:

Modal verbs do not have infinitive or "-ing" forms.

Incorrect: to can, canning

No Third-Person Singular "-s":

Modal verbs do not take an "-s" in the third person singular.

Incorrect: he cans

Followed by the Base Form of the Verb:

Example: "She can swim."

Can:

Ability: "She can play the piano."

Permission: "Can I leave early?"

Possibility: "It can be dangerous."

Could:

Past Ability: "He could swim when he was five."

Polite Request/Permission: "Could you help me?"

Possibility: "It could rain tomorrow."

May:

Permission: "May I come in?"

Possibility: "It may snow tonight."

Might:

Possibility: "We might go to the beach."

Must:

Obligation/Necessity: "You must wear a seatbelt."

Strong Probability: "He must be at home."

Shall:

Formal Suggestion/Offer: "Shall we dance?"

Should:

Advice: "You should see a doctor."

Expectation: "The train should arrive at 6 PM."

Will:

Future: "She will travel to Paris next week."

Willingness: "I will help you."

Would:

Polite Request: "Would you like some tea?"

Habitual Past Action: "When we were kids, we would play outside."

Affirmative Sentences:

"She can speak three languages."

"They might visit us this weekend."

Negative Sentences:

"He cannot (can't) swim."

"You should not (shouldn't) smoke."

Questions:

"Can you help me with this?"

"Should we invite them to the party?"

Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Modal Verb:

You __________ (can/should) go to the doctor if you feel sick.

__________ (Will/May) you pass the salt, please?

They __________ (must/could) be home by now.

She __________ (would/can) play the piano when she was young.

Rewrite the Sentences Using the Correct Modal Verb:

It is necessary for you to finish your homework. (must)

It is possible that he will come to the party. (might)

I am able to solve this problem. (can)

We have permission to leave early. (may)

Choose the Correct Modal Verb:

You __________ (could/should) apologise if you were wrong.

We __________ (shall/would) go for a walk after dinner?

He __________ (must/can) be very tired after the trip.

__________ (May/Would) you like to join us?

Answers

Follow-Up Questions:

Q1. How can modal verbs change the meaning of a sentence based on their usage (e.g., advice vs. obligation)?

Q2. What are some common mistakes learners make when using modal verbs, and how can they be avoided?

Q3. How can practising modal verbs improve your communication skills in everyday situations?