Modal Verb: Definition, Examples and List of Modal Verbs in

English

Modal Verb: Definition, Examples and List of Modal Verbs in

English
Modal Verbs! What is a modal verb? A modal verb might also be referred to as a ‘helping’ verb and
these are very common within the English language. There are, however, certain rules which surround
their use, for example the word ‘to’ must never be used after a modal verb. Learning these rules and
how a modal verb can function within a sentence can greatly help you in forming grammatically correct
sentences.
In this section, we are going to take a look at the modal verb in a little more detail as well as some
examples of how it can be used, giving you a greater understanding of its function.
Learn the useful list of modal verbs and how to use modal verbs in English with useful grammar rules,
example sentences and ESL picture.
Table of Contents
 What Is A Modal Verb?
 Modal Verbs List
o Will
o Shall
o Should
o Ought to
o Must
o Mustn’t
o May
o Might
o Can
o Could
o Have to/ Has to
o Don’t/ Doesn’t have to
 Modal Verbs Chart
 Using Modal Verbs To Express Ability
 Using Modal Verbs for Asking Permissions
 Modal Verbs Video

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What is a modal verb? The modal verbs of English are a small class of auxiliary verbs used to express
possibility, obligation, advice, permission, ability, …
Modal verbs list: the modals and modal phrases (semi-modals) in English are:
 Will
 Shall
 Would
 Should
 Ought to
 Must
 Mustn’t
 May
 Might
 Can
 Could
 Have to/ Has to
 Don’t/ Doesn’t have to
Modal Verbs List
Learn the list of modal verbs in English with grammar rules and example sentences.
Will
The verb “will” is used to express:
Promise
Example:
Don’t worry, I will be here.
Instant decision
Example:
I will take these books with me.
Invitation/Offer
Example:
Will you give me a chance?
Certain prediction
Example:
John Smith will be the next President.
Future tense auxiliary
Example:
Tomorrow I will be in New York.
Shall
The verb “shall” is used to express:
Asking what to do
Example:
Shall I get the phone? Or will you?
Offer
Example:
Shall I call a cab?
Suggestion
Example:
Shall I call again on Thursday?
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Would
The verb “would” is used to express:
Asking for permission
Example:
Would you mind if I opened the window?

Request
Example:
Would you make dinner?
Making arrangements
Would you be available at 6 pm tonight?
Invitation
Example:
Would you like to go out sometimes?
Preferences
Example:
Would you prefer the window seat or the aisle?
Should
The verb “should” is used to express:
Advice
Example:
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Recommending action
Example:
You really should go to the new museum on Main Street.
Uncertain prediction
Example:
I posted the cheque yesterday so it should arrive this week.
Logical deduction
Example:
I’ve revised so I should be ready for the test.
Ought to
The verb “ought to” is used to express:
Advice
Example:
You ought to have come to the meeting. It was interesting.
Logical deduction
Example:
30$ ought to be enough for the taxi.
Must
The verb “must” is used to express:
Obligation/ Necessity
Example:
I must memorize all of these rules about tenses.
Deduction
Example:
She lied to the police. She must be the murderer.
Mustn’t
The verb “musn’t” (must not) is used to express:
Prohibition
Example:
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You mustn’t smoke in this restaurant. It’s forbidden.

May
The verb “may” is used to express:
Possibility
Example:
Richard may be coming to see us tomorrow.
Ask for permission
Example:
May I borrow your dictionary?
Might
The verb “might” is used to express:
Slight possibility
Example:
It looks nice, but it might be very expensive.
Past form of “may” in reported speech
Example:
The President said he might come.
Can
The verb “can” is used to express:
Ability
Example:
David can speak three languages.
Permission (informal)
Example:
Can I sit in that chair please?
Offers
Example:
Can I carry the luggage for you?
Could
The verb “could” is used to express:
Request
Example:
Could I borrow your dictionary?
Suggestion
Example:
Could you say it again more slowly?
Ability in the past
Example:
I think we could have another Gulf War.
Asking for permission
Example:
Could I open the window?
Have to/ Has to
The verb “have to/has to” is used to express:
External Obligation
Example:
You have to take off your shoes before you get into the mosque.
Don’t/ Doesn’t have to
“Don’t/Doesn’t have to” is used to express:
Is not necessary
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Example:
You don’t have to do all the exercises, only the first one

Using Modal Verbs To Express Ability

List of Modals of Ability:
 Be able to
 Can/Can’t
 Be able to
 Could/Couldn’t
 Managed to
 Be able to
 Can/can’t
Modals of Ability: Modal Verbs To Express Ability

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Modals of Ability: Modal Verbs To Express
Ability
Modals of Ability! Learn how to use Modal Verbs to express ability in English with useful grammar rules,
example sentences, video and ESL picture.
Table of Contents
 How to Use Modal Verbs To Express Ability
o Present Forms | Modals of Ability
o Past Forms | Modals of Ability
o Future Forms | Modals of Ability
 Modals of Ability | Image
Present Forms | Modals of Ability
Be able to
 Form:
Is/am/are(not) able to + main verb
 Usage:
This form may be used in positive or negative, for general or specific ability.
 Modal verb examples:
James is able to cook steak.
David is not able to cook steak.
Can/Can’t
 Form:
Can/Can’t + main verb
 Usage:
This form may be used in positive or negative, for general or specific ability.
 Examples:
Richard can speak French fluently.
Gabriella can’t speak French fluently.
Past Forms | Modals of Ability
Be able to
 Form:
Was/were(not) able to + main verb
 Usage:
This form may be used, in positive or negative, for general or specific ability.
 Examples:
Max was able to swim fast when he was a young boy.
Jennifer was not able to dance when she was eight.
Could/Couldn’t

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  Form:
Could/Couldn’t + verb
 Usage:
Could, in positive, is only used for general ability.
Couldn’t is used for general or specific.
 Examples:
I could swim when I was six.
My sister couldn’t play the piano when she was five.
Managed to
 Form:
Managed to + verb
 Usage:
This form is only used for specific ability: one time, one situation.
 Example:
Police finally managed to catch the culprit.
Future Forms | Modals of Ability
Be able to
 Form:
Will/won’t able to + main verb
 Usage:
This form is only used for general ability.
 Example:
Journalists will be able to preview the exhibition tomorrow.
Can/can’t
 Form:
Can/Can’t + verb
 Usage:
This form may be used, in positive or negative, for general or specific ability.
 Examples:
I can help you tomorrow.
I can’t come to her birthday party.

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Using Modal Verbs To Express Ability
List of Modals of Ability:
 Be able to
 Can/Can’t
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  Be able to
 Could/Couldn’t
 Managed to
 Be able to
 Can/can’t

Using Modal Verbs for Asking Permissions

Learn how to use these modals for asking permissions in English.
 Can
 Could
 May
 Would

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