Modal Verbs: Definition, Uses and Examples

Modal verbs are the helping verb used to show possibility, intent, ability, or necessity in a sentences. It is used along with main verb to express capability, ability and possibility in a sentence. We have covered the Modal Verb examples and how to use it in a sentences below.

Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs Definition

Modal verbs are helping verbs that are used to express a variety of possible circumstances, such as suggestions, capacities, or requests. For example, You can do it, Neha should take medicine. Modal Verbs are used in conjunction with the main verb to alter its meaning slightly.

It cannot be used on their own because they are auxiliary verbs (helping verbs), and also infinitive forms of the main verb of a sentence. Some examples of modal verbs are should, can, and must.

Examples of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are used as auxiliary verbs. Below is the list of Modal Verbs with their function and meaning.

Modal Verb	Function/Meaning
Can	Used to denote the ability of the subject to perform an action or to request permission to perform an action
Could	Used to denote the ability of the subject to perform an action or an offer made by the subject to perform an action
May	Used to denote the probability of an action taking place or to request permission to perform an action
Might	Used to denote the probability of an action taking place or to make suggestions
Will	Used to denote the surety of an action taking place or the assurance of the subject to perform a particular action
Would	Used to show politeness when requesting or asking if an action can be done by the subject.
Shall	Used to denote the surety of an action taking place or the assurance of the subject to perform a particular action
Should	Used to denote the necessity of an action to be done by the subject
Must	Used to denote the strong obligation or necessity for the subject to do or not do an action
Ought to	Used to denote the obligation of the subject to perform a particular action

How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences?

Using modal verbs in a sentence is pretty simple. For basic sentences, the simple present tense just remember these rules:

• Modal verbs always come directly before the main verb (except for questions).
  With modal verbs, use the infinitive form of the main verb without “to”.

Example of Modal Verbs in sentences

Given below are the examples of how modal verbs can be used in a sentence to indicate the possibility or probability of an action taking place.

1. Can you pick up my phone?
2. It would not be possible for you to do this task by yesterday.
3. You should take medicine on time.
4. Priyam might come to office.
5. I couldn’t do it.
6. I shall go there tomorrow.
7. Neeta must do it.
8. Shweta may come in class.
9. We ought to help him.

Modal Verbs Purpose by Chart

Below is the example of Modal Verbs with their purpose of use.

Modal Verbs	Purpose
Can	TO EXPRESS POWER
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF “TO GIVE PERMISSION”
	TO EXPRESS “THEORETICAL POSSIBILITY”
	TO EXPRESS HABITS AND NATURE
Could	PAST TENSE FORM OF CAN
	TO EXPRESS PAST ABILITY AND CAPACITY
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF POLITE REQUEST
	TO EXPRESS PRESENT POSSIBILITY IN THE PRESENT UNREAL SITUATION BY THREATSEXPRESSING SENTENCES
May	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF “TO TAKE OR GIVE PERMISSION”
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF POSSIBILITY
	TO EXPRESS WISH, PRAY, BLESS AND CURSE
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY OR SURPRISE
Might	USED AS THE PAST TENSE FORM OF MAY
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF LESS POSSIBILITY
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF  POLITE REQUEST AND PERMISSION
Shall	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF AN ACTION, A BUSINESS AND AN EVENT
	USED IN THE QUESTION TAG OF LET US OR LET’S STARTING
Will	USED WITH THE SUBJECT OF FIRST PERSON TO EXPRESS DETERMINATION, PROMISE, THREATENING, AND WILLINGNESS.
	TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF REQUEST, INSTRUCTION, ORDERS AND INEVITABILITY.
Would	PAST TENSE FORM OF WILL
	TO EXPRESS PAST HABIT, PROBABILITY, WISH, DETERMINATION, PAST WILLINGNESS, CHOICE, AND A SENSE OF REFUSAL.
Should	USED AS A PAST TENSE FORM OF SHALL
	TO EXPRESS PAST DUTY, SENSE OF “TO GIVE”, SUPPOSITION, POSSIBILITY, PURPOSE AND RESULT
	USED AFTER LEST TO EXPRESS NEGATIVE PURPOSE.
	TO EXPRESS FORMAL NOTICES OR INSTRUCTION.
Ought To	TO EXPRESS MORAL OBLIGATION, STRONG POSSIBILITY, ADVICE, LOGICAL NECESSITY,
Must	TO EXPRESS COMPULSION AND STRONG MORAL OBLIGATION
	TO EXPRESS FIXED DETERMINATION, DUTY, CERTAINTY, STRONG LIKELIHOOD, AND A SENSE OF INEVITABILITY.
Used To	TO EXPRESS PAST HABITS AND SITUATION
Dare	TO BE USED IN THE SENSE OF “TO BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO SOMETHING”.

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

The verbs can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought to are called Modal auxiliary verbs. It is important to note that these modal auxiliary verbs follow the rules of subject-verb agreement and can take on different tenses depending on the context and intended meaning of the sentence.

Modal Auxiliary Verbs Examples

• She can lift the bag.
• He said, ” She could beat me in the race.”
• May I use your phone to call my father?

Modal Verbs Sentences by Examples

Below are the example of Modal Verbs based on different type of Modal Verbs.

• Can for Ability:
  • She can speak three languages fluently.
  • Can you help me lift this box?
• Could for Past Ability or Polite Requests:
  • When I was young, I could run very fast.
  • Could you please lower the music?
• May for Permission:
  • May I leave the table?
  • You may start your exam now.
• Might for Possibility:
  • There might be a strike next week.
  • I might go to the concert if I can get tickets.
• Must for Obligation or Strong Recommendation:
  • You must wear a helmet when riding a bike.
  • You must see that movie; it’s fantastic.
• Shall for Formal Offers or Suggestions (mostly British English):
  • Shall we dance?
  • Shall I open the window?
• Should for Advice:
  • You should try to get more sleep.
  • Should we call them to confirm our arrival time?
• Will for Future Intention:
  • I will call you when I arrive.
  • Will you be attending the meeting tomorrow?
• Would for Past Habits or Polite Requests:
  • When I was a child, I would play outside for hours.
  • Would you mind closing the door?

Questions on Modal Verbs

Section 1: Choose the Correct Modal Verb

Q. Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb from the options given.

• Example: “____ you please pass the salt?” (Could/May)

Section 2: Match the Sentences

Q. Match the sentences with the appropriate use of modal verbs (ability, permission, obligation, etc.).

• Example: “You should drink more water.” matches with “Advice.”

Section 3: Sentence Transformation

Q. Rewrite sentences using a different modal verb while keeping the original meaning.

• Example: Transform “You are allowed to park here.” to “You may park here.”

Section 4: Create Your Own Sentences

Q. Students create sentences using each modal verb. Encourage the use of a variety of contexts such as advice, obligation, possibility, etc.

• Example guideline: Use “must” to write a sentence about an obligation.

Section 5: True or False Questions

Q. Statements about the use of modal verbs are given, and students must decide whether they are true or false, justifying their answers.

• Example: “You can use ‘must’ to offer suggestions.” (False, because ‘must’ is used for obligations, not suggestions.)

Problems on Modal Verbs

Fill in the blanks with the suitable modal auxiliary verbs : 

1).  …………. I go to drink water, Sir? (may/ can)

2). You ………  speak French. (can/ may)

3). It ……….. rain tonight. (may/ can)

4). She ………….. be rewarded if she performs well in her assignment. (Will / Shall)

5). You ………. do you work cheerfully.

6). Success …………. time and patience. (need/needs)

7). You ……….. keep your promise. (should/ ought)

8). She prayed that God ……… give me prosperity. (might / could)

9). ……….. I do it for you? (May / Can)

10). The bag is so heavy that I ……….. lift it. (cannot / could not)

Correct/Incorrect sentences on Modal Verbs

Mention the correct and incorrect sentences based on the modal verb used.

1. Can I go to drink water, Sir?
2. You can speak French.
3. It may rain tonight.
4. She will be rewarded if she performs well in her assignment.
5. You should do your work cheerfully.
6. Success needs time and patience.
7. You should keep your promise.
8. She prayed that God might give me prosperity.
9. May I do it for you?
10. The bag is so heavy that I cannot lift it.

Modal Verbs – FAQs

What are the 4 types of modal verbs?

Modal verbs for ability – can, could.

Modal verbs for possibility – may, could, can, might.

Modal verbs for obligation – should, must, have to, cannot.

Modal verbs for necessity – need, must.

How many Modal Verbs are there?

There are nine modal auxiliary verbs: shall, should, can, could, will, would, may, must, and might. There are also quasi-modal auxiliary verbs: ought to, need to, and has to.

What are the Examples of Modal Verbs?

1. You can speak Hindi

2. Could I smoke here?

3. May she live with you.

What are modal verbs with examples?

Modal verbs show possibility, intent, ability, or necessity. Common examples of modal verbs include can, should, and must. Because they’re a type of auxiliary verb (helper verb), they’re used alongside the infinitive form of the main verb of a sentence.