MODAL VERBS
LIST OF MODAL VERBS WITH USES AND EXAMPLES
Modal verbs are helping verbs used with main verbs to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, advice, necessity, certainty, etc.
Modal | Use / Meaning | Example |
Can | Ability / Permission / Possibility | She can swim. Can I use your phone? |
Could | Past ability / Polite request / Possibility | I could run fast when I was 10. Could you
help me? |
May | Permission / Possibility | You may go now. It may rain today. |
Might | Weak possibility | We might be late. |
Shall | Suggestion / Future (formal) | Shall we go for a walk? I shall return. |
Should | Advice / Moral duty / Probability | You should study harder. He should be home by now. |
Will | Future / Promise / Strong certainty | I will call you. She will succeed. |
Would | Polite request / Hypothetical situation / Habit (past) | Would you like some tea? I would walk every
evening. |
Must | Strong necessity / Obligation / Deduction | You must wear a helmet. She must be tired. |
🔸 Semi-Modals (Modal-like expressions)
Semi-Modal | Use / Meaning | Example |
Ought to | Moral duty / Advice | You ought to respect your elders. |
Need to | Necessity (more common as main verb) | You need to complete this task. |
Dare to | Challenge / Bravery (rare as modal) | Dare he speak to me like that? |
Used to | Past habit or state | I used to live in Delhi. |
Had better | Strong advice / Warning | You had better see a doctor. |
📘 Grouped by Function
✅ Ability
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Can: I can dance.
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Could: He could speak French as a child.
✅ Permission
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May: May I come in?
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Can: Can I borrow your book?
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Could: Could I leave early today?
✅ Possibility
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May: It may rain tomorrow.
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Might: They might come late.
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Could: This could be dangerous.
✅ Advice / Suggestion
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Should: You should exercise.
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Ought to: You ought to help her.
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Had better: You had better take your umbrella.
✅ Obligation / Necessity
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Must: You must wear your ID card.
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Need to: You need to submit this today.
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Have to (main verb, modal use): I have to leave now.
✅ Future / Promise / Intention
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Will: I will help you.
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Shall: Shall we begin?
✅ Hypothetical / Polite
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Would: I would go if I were free. <br> Would you like some tea?
⚠️ Quick Notes:
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Modals do not take “-s” or “-ed.”
❌ He cans swim. → ✅ He can swim. -
Modals are followed by base verb (V1):
✅ She can dance.
✅ You must study.
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