Modal verbs
Modal verbs
Learn the wide spectrum of uses for verbs like "must", "should" or "might". Learn to express requests, commands, advice and the degree of probability of various future events.
What are modal verbs?
Modal verbs are special verbs thatthey add meaningto other verbs. They show e.g.:
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possibility (can, could)
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necessity (must, have to)
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advice
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permission (may, can)
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guess
IMPORTANT RULES:
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We do NOT put "to" after a modal verb
❌ He can to swim.
✅ He can swim. -
The main verb does NOT change in the 3rd person!
❌ She can swims.
✅ She can swim. -
Some verbs (e.g. have to, ought to)– they look like modals, but they are "almost-modal" and have slightly different rules (e.g. they are inflected by people).
✅ THE MOST IMPORTANT MODAL VERBS + EXAMPLES
| Modal verb | Meaning | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| can | to be able to, to be able to | I can swim. (I can swim.) |
| could | could / could (past / polite) | Could you help me? |
| may | be able to (permission) | May I come in? (Can I come in?) |
| might | maybe (guess) | It might rain. (Maybe it will rain.) |
| must | have to | You must wear a seatbelt. |
| have to | have to (normal verb) | I have to work tomorrow. |
| should | you should | You should eat more vegetables. |
| shall | (proposals, formally) | Shall we go? (Maybe we'll go?) |
| would | by (conditional, polite) | I would like some coffee. |
| ought to | you should (like should) | You ought to see a doctor. |
Sentence examples:
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I can drive a car. – I can drive a car.
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She should go to bed.– She should go to sleep.
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You must not smoke here.– You can't smoke here.
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He could speak Spanish when he was 10.– He could speak Spanish at the age of 10.
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They might be late. – Maybe they'll be late.
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I have to work today.– I have to work today.
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