Learning English isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary, it’s about understanding how words work together to express meaning.
One of the most powerful tools in English grammar is modal verbs.
These small but mighty verbs like can, must, may, and should can help us express possibility, obligation, permission, and so much more.
Mastering modal verbs will help you ask politely, give advice, and instantly making your communication clearer and more natural.
What is a Modal Verb?
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that expresses ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation in a sentence.
Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs do not change form according to subject or tense (for example, can is the same for I can or he can).
To form a sentence with a modal verb, the structure is usually: Subject + Modal Verb + Base Verb + Object
Example:
- She can play the piano beautifully.
- You must finish your homework before dinner.
Modal verbs are powerful because they add extra meaning to the main verb, showing not just what happens, but how it happens (with certainty, obligation, or possibility).
When Should You Use a Modal Verb?
Modal verbs are used in different situations where we want to express something beyond a simple action. Here are the most common scenarios:
- Ability: To talk about skills or what someone can do.
Example: He can swim across the river. - Possibility: To show that something might happen in the future.
Example: It might rain later today. - Permission: To give or ask for permission.
Example: You may leave early if you finish your work. - Obligation/Necessity: To show rules, laws, or things that are required.
Example: You must wear a seatbelt in the car. - Advice or Suggestions: To recommend or advise something.
Example: You should see a doctor if the pain continues. - Certainty/Deduction: To express how sure we are about something.
Example: She must be very tired after the long flight.
Modal verbs make sentences more precise and meaningful, which is why they are so common in both spoken and written English.
List of Modal Verbs in English
Here’s a list of 20 modal verbs in alphabetical order, with their meanings and an example sentence:
Modal Verbs | Meaning | Examples |
| Can | Expresses ability or possibility. | She can speak three languages. |
| Can’t | Expresses inability or prohibition. | You can’t park here. |
| Could | Expresses past ability or polite requests. | When I was young, I could run very fast. |
| Couldn’t | Expresses past inability. | He couldn’t finish the exam on time |
| Dare | Shows courage or challenge. | How dare you talk to me like that? |
| Had better | Gives strong advice or warning. | You had better study for the test tomorrow. |
| Have to | Shows necessity or obligation. | I have to leave early today. |
| May | Expresses permission or possibility. | You may enter the room now. |
| May not | Expresses denial of permission. | You may not use your phone during the exam. |
| Might | Expresses possibility, less certain than “may.” | We might go to the beach tomorrow. |
| Must | Shows strong obligation or certainty. | You must wear a helmet when biking. |
| Mustn’t | Shows prohibition. | You mustn’t smoke in this area. |
| Need | Expresses necessity. | You need not worry about the results. |
| Needn’t | Expresses that something is not necessary. | You needn’t call me; I’ll come myself. |
| Ought to | Expresses duty, moral obligation, or advice. | You ought to respect your parents. |
| Shall | Expresses future intentions (more formal, British English). | We shall meet at 6 p.m. |
| Should | Expresses advice, recommendation, or expectation. | You should eat more vegetables. |
| Used to | Expresses a past habit or state that is no longer true. | I used to live in London before moving to New York. |
| Will | Expresses future actions or certainty. | She will call you later. |
| Won’t | Expresses refusal or future negative. | He won’t come to the party tonight. |
Conclusion
Modal verbs may be small, but they carry big meaning in every conversation.
By practicing them in real-life sentences, you’ll soon speak English with more confidence, clarity, and precision.
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