Modal Verbs – Meaning,
Usage & Examples
Learn all about modal verbs and their usage in sentences.
Check out the examples and the practice exercise to have
a better idea.
Table of Contents
What Are Modal Verbs?
Examples of Modal Verbs
How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences?
Test Your Knowledge of Modal Verbs
Frequently Asked Questions on Modal Verbs in
English Grammar
What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are helping verbs that are used along with
main verbs to represent the ability, possibility and
probability of a subject to do an action and emphasise the
necessity of an action.
Examples of Modal Verbs
Let us look at some examples of modal verbs used as
auxiliary verbs and their functions.
Modal
Verb Function
Used to denote the ability of the subject to perform
an action or to request permission to perform an
Can
action
Used to denote the ability of the subject to perform
an action or an offer made by the subject to perform
Could
an action
Used to denote the probability of an action taking
May place or to request permission to perform an action
Used to denote the probability of an action taking
Might place or to make suggestions
Used to denote the surety of an action taking place
or the assurance of the subject to perform a
Will
particular action
Used to show politeness when requesting or asking
Would if an action can be done by the subject.
Used to denote the surety of an action taking place
or the assurance of the subject to perform a
Shall
particular action
Used to denote the necessity of an action to be
Should done by the subject
Used to denote the strong obligation or necessity
Must for the subject to do or not do an action
Ought Used to denote the obligation of the subject to
to perform a particular action
How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences
Given below are a few examples of how modal verbs can
be used to indicate the possibility or probability of an
action taking place.
It might rain in the evening.
I think they will reach Coimbatore by 8 pm.
Can you pick up my brother from school on your way
home tomorrow?
I could make some time to help you with your
assignments.
Your friends may come to visit you next week.
It would not be possible for you to complete all of it
by tomorrow evening.
Here are some examples of modal verbs being used to
show the necessity and obligation of the subject to
perform a particular set of actions.
All students of this institution ought to abide by the
rules and instructions provided.
All employees should follow the dress code strictly.
You must get yourself checked before the situation
becomes worse.
Your sister will have to apply for a leave request if
she wants to take a month’s leave.
Modal verbs can be used to make offers, suggestions and
requests. Check out the examples given below for know-
how.
It would be better if you did it the other way.
I could help you if you want.
Shall I bring you some water to drink?
Could you please pass me the science record?
Will you please take care of my son for an hour? I
have some grocery shopping to be done.
Test Your Knowledge of Modal Verbs
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal verb in the
following sentences:
1. ________ you be able to bring your camera when you
come?
2. Priya __________ apologise for the confusion that was
caused yesterday because of her carelessness.
3. You _______ finish this first and then start with the
other one.
4. ________ I make some tea for you?
5. I ______ make sure to keep everything ready by the
time they reach the railway station.
6. You _______ see to it that the students are standing
according to their roll numbers.
7. ______ I come in?
8. She _______ find it interesting as she likes reading
adventure stories.
9. Do you have any idea how much all of this _______
cost?
10. ______ you please help me find my keys?
Ready to find out if you used the right modal verbs? Let us
check.
1. Would you be able to bring your camera when you
come?
2. Priya should/ought to apologise for the confusion that
was caused yesterday because of her carelessness.
3. You could finish this first and then start with the other
one.
4. Shall I make some tea for you?
5. I will make sure to keep everything ready by the time
they reach the railway station.
6. You must see to it that the students are standing
according to their roll numbers.
7. Can/Shall/May I come in?
8. She might find it interesting as she likes reading
adventure stories.
9. Do you have any idea how much all of this would cost?
10. Can/Would/Could/Will you please help me find my
keys?
Frequently Asked Questions on Modal
Verbs in English Grammar
Q1
What are modal verbs?
Modal verbs are helping verbs that are used along with
main verbs to represent the ability, possibility and
probability of a subject to do an action and emphasise the
necessity of an action.
Q2
What are the examples of modal verbs?
Will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, should, must,
ought to are the modal verbs in the English language.
Q3
How do you use modal verbs in sentences?
Here are some examples of how you can use modal verbs
in sentences.
I could help you if you want.
Shall I bring you some water to drink?
Your sister will have to apply for a leave request if
she wants to take a month’s leave.
All students of this institution ought to abide by the
rules and instructions provided.
Can you pick up my brother from school on your way
home tomorrow?
