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English Modal Verbs Overview

English modal verbs are used to express meanings like ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and future time. Some common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would, and shall. Each modal verb has specific meanings and usages - for example, "can" expresses ability or permission, "may" expresses permission or possibility, and "must" expresses obligation. The tables provide examples of how different modal verbs are used in situations like requests, permissions, obligations, logical conclusions, and indicating possibility or the future.

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2K views3 pages

English Modal Verbs Overview

English modal verbs are used to express meanings like ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and future time. Some common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would, and shall. Each modal verb has specific meanings and usages - for example, "can" expresses ability or permission, "may" expresses permission or possibility, and "must" expresses obligation. The tables provide examples of how different modal verbs are used in situations like requests, permissions, obligations, logical conclusions, and indicating possibility or the future.

Uploaded by

Suziewati Mat Yaakup
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • English Modal Verbs Overview
  • Extended Situations for Modal Verbs
  • Logical Conclusions and Future Actions

English Modal Verbs Table

Modal
verb

Usage

Example

ability

I can do several things


at the same time.

when something is possible

Miracles can happen.

permission

You can go now.

informal requests

Can you come for a minute?

past form of "can"

She said she could pay


for us as well.

polite requests

Could you move


your bag, please?

possibility

It could be that he
missed the train.

possibility

It may rain tomorrow.

ask or give
permission (formal)

May I speak?

past form of "may"

He said he might
change his mind.

possibility

This might fail.

you have to do it

You must obey the law

must

it's very logical or


very likely to happen

They left so early, they


must be home by now.

must not/
mustn't

you are not


allowed to do it

You mustn't smoke in here.

future for "I" and "we"

I shall see him tomorrow.

questions and suggestions for


"I" and "we"

Let's continue, shall we?

the right thing to do

She should call the police.

can

could

may

might

shall

should

will

advice

- What should I do?


- You should stop
thinking about it.

what is likely or
expected to happen

We should be
back by midnight.

future action or states


(not plans)

Prices will go up
next summer.

promises and intentions

It's alright, I'll pick it up.

past form of "will"

He told me he would come.

imagined situations

What would you do


if you were him?

- Would you please sit down?


- Would you like some tea?
for polite requests, offers and
- We are meeting with Sarah
invitations
next Saturday, would you like
to come along?

would

ought to

to say what you


want to do or have

I would like a piece of cake.

the right thing to do

You ought to apologize.

English Modal Verbs Situations Table


Situation

Modal
Verb

Example

requests
(formal)

may

May I sit down?

requests
(informal)

can

Can I sit down?

requests
(polite)

could

Could I sit down?

requests
(polite)

would

Would you mind if I sit down?

permission
(formal)

may

You may sit down.

permission
(informal)

can

You can sit down.

obligation
(full)

must

You must tell the


police the truth.

obligation
(partial)

should

You should tell


your friends the truth.

obligation (partial)
(less common)

ought to

You ought to tell


your friends the truth.

logical conclusions
(stronger than "should")

must

He left an hour ago, so he must


be there already.

logical conclusions
(weaker than "must")

should

He left half an hour ago,


I believe he should
be there already.

possibility
(general)

can

It can rain sometimes.

possibility
(weaker than
"may" and "might")

could

It could rain, but it is


not very common in this
part of the country.

possibility
(weaker than "may")

might

It's not very cloudy yet,


but it might rain.

possibility
(stronger than "might")

may

It starts getting cloudy


it may rain soon.

future
actions/states/intentions

will

Look at the sky!


It will rain soon.

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