English Modal Verbs - Live-English.net

Modal verbs in English are a unique class that any English learner should know and use. They can be used in any circumstances, for general English, business English, English exams, etc.

A Video Summary About Modal Verbs

What are modal verbs?

These verbs are used to indicate likelihood, permission, ability, and obligation.
They include the following,
CAN, COULD, WOULD, MIGHT, MAY, WILL, MUST, SHALL, SHOULD and OUGHT TO.

These modal verbs are known as ‘PURE MODALS’. They follow THREE rules,
1. They don’t use an ‘s’ for the third person
e.g. She must be really hungry, she has not eaten all day.
2. When they are used in questions there is no other auxiliary verb use (do, did)
e.g. Can she go to the party?
3. The are always followed by the ‘bare’ infinitive (the infinitive without to)
e.g. I might go to a party.

When do we use modal verbs?

Below you will find how to use modal verbs in English. Understanding their precise meaning will help you choose the right one.

USE MODAL VERB EXAMPLE
      

ABILITY
  • CAN – present 
  • COULD –  past
 I can cook a great lasagna. 

I could run really fast when I was younger.
PROBABILITY

(present)
  • MUST – 90% certain
  • CAN’T – 90% certain (impossible) 
  • MIGHT – 50% certain 
  • MAY – 50% certain
 Sheila is not here today; she must be sick. 

He is so young; he can’t be the new CEO.

He is very handsome; he might be a model.

She looks sad, she may be upset about something.

PROBABILITY

(PAST)
  • MUST – 90% certain
  • CAN’T – 90% certain (impossible) 
  • MIGHT – 50% certain 
  • MAY – 50% certain
  • COULD – 50% certain
 Mike is late, he must have missed his train.

Jane didn’t get the job; she can’t have done very well in the interview.

Mike is late, he might have slept in.

Mike is late, he may have got stuck in traffic. 

Mike is late, he could have forgotten about the meeting.
OBLIGATION
  • MUST  – rule
  • SHOULD – advice 
  • OUGHT TO – advice 
 You must wear a mask to enter the store. 

You should try to consume less sugar.

You ought to quit smoking.
PERMISSION 
  • COULD – ask for permission
  • CAN – ask/give permission
  • MAY – ask/give permission 
 Could I use your phone?

Can I use this chair? / Yes you can. 

May I speak? / Yes you may.

Do you want to go further, check out how to use Modal Substitutes.

Exercises about Modal Verbs in English

Exercise 1: Match the modal verb
Exercise 2: Complete the following sentences
Exercise 3: Select the correct modal verb

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