The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings:
Modal |
Meaning |
Example |
Can |
to express ability |
I can speak a little Russian |
Can |
to request permission |
Can I open the window? |
May |
to express possibility |
I may be home late |
May |
to request permission |
May I sit down, please? |
Must |
to express obligation |
I must go now. |
Must |
to express strong belief |
She must be over 90 years old. |
Should |
to give advice |
You should stop smoking |
Would |
to request or offer |
Would you like a cup of tea? |
Would |
in if-sentences |
If I were you, I would say sorry |
Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form (spelling) and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present). The modals must and canneed substitute verbs to express obligation or ability in the different tenses. Here are some examples:
Past simple |
Sorry I'm late. I had to finish my math test |
Present perfect |
She's had to return to Korea at short notice |
Future |
You'll have to work hard if you want to pass the exams |
Infinitive |
I don't want to have to go |
Past simple |
I couldn't/wasn't able to walk until I was 3 years old |
Present perfect |
I haven't been able to solve this problem. Can you help? |
Future |
I'm not sure if I will be able to come to your party |
Infinitive |
I would love to be able to play the piano |
Modals are
auxiliary verbs. They do not need an additional auxiliary in negatives or questions. For example: Must I come? (Do I must come?), or: He shouldn't smoke (He doesn't should smoke).
Important: The explanations and examples on this page are just an introduction to this extensive and complex area of English grammar. Students of English who want to learn more should consult a good reference work, such as Swan's Practical English Usage.