Modal Verbs
Modal verbs, also known as modal auxiliary verbs or simply modals: are a specific group of verbs
that express various degrees of possibility, necessity, ability, permission, and other related
concepts. These verbs are used to modify the meaning of the main verb in a sentence. In English,
the modal verbs include:
1. Can: Used to express ability, permission, or possibility. Example: I can swim. (ability) / Can
I borrow your pen? (permission) / It can rain later. (possibility)
2. Could: The past tense form of "can," used to express past ability, possibility, or polite
requests. Example: I could run fast when I was younger. (past ability) / Could you please
pass me the salt? (polite request) Can be used for the past, present ou future.
3. May: Used to express possibility, permission, or uncertainty. Example: It may rain
tomorrow. (possibility) / May I use your computer? (permission) / He may be at work.
May in permition is more polite.
(uncertainty)
4. Might: Similar to "may," used to express a lesser degree of possibility or uncertainty.
Example: I might go to the party tonight. (lesser possibility) / He might have forgotten his
keys. (uncertainty)
5. Must: Used to express obligation, necessity, or strong probability. Example: You must
study for the exam. (obligation) / It must be cold outside. (strong probability)
6. Shall: Mainly used in formal or legal contexts to express future action or make
offers/suggestions. Example: We shall discuss the matter tomorrow. (future action) / Shall
I help you with your bags? (offer)
7. Should: Used to express advice, recommendation, or expectation. Example: You should
eat healthy food. (advice) / He should be here by now. (expectation)
8. Will: Used to express future actions or intentions. Example: I will meet you at the café
tomorrow. (future action) / She will help you with your project. (intention)
9. Would: Used to express past habits, politeness, or hypothetical situations. Example: He
would always go for a run in the morning. (past habit) / Would you like some tea?
(politeness) / If I had time, I would travel the world. (hypothetical situation)
10. Ought to: Used to express moral obligation or duty. Example: You ought to apologize for
your mistake. (moral obligation) Quite the same as must, but Qought to is more formal.
It's important to note that modal verbs do not have an -s or - ing form, and they are followed by
the base form of the main verb (without "to" except for "ought to"). They can also have different
meanings and usage in different contexts.
Certainly! Here are some exercises to practice using modal verbs:
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb.
1. I __________ speak three languages.
2. __________ you please turn off the lights?
3. It's cloudy. It __________ rain later.
4. She __________ be at work right now.
5. You __________
must study for the exam. It's important.
6. __________
Can/could/may I borrow your pen, please? Request
7. He said he __________
may/migh
go to the party tonight.
8. You __________
should/must eat more vegetables for better health.
would (hypothetical situations.)
9. If I had more money, I __________ travel the world.
10. We __________
can/shall/will discuss the matter tomorrow.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence
1. I _____ swim when I was five years old.
a) can
b) could
c) may
d) must
2. You _____ bring an umbrella. It looks like it might rain.
a) can
b) should
c) will
d) must
3. She _____ speak Spanish fluently.
a) can
b) should
c) will
d) might
4. I _____ help you with your homework if you want.
a) may
b) must
c) could
d) will
5. You _____ park your car here.
a) should
b) can
c) must
d) would
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences using a modal verb.
1. It is necessary to finish your homework by tomorrow.
2. It's possible that he will be late for the meeting.
3. You have permission to use my computer.
4. It is obligatory to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
5. It's not allowed to smoke in this building.
Exercise 4: Write your own sentences using 10 modal verbs
