Modal Verbs List & Examples

Modals verbs are different from normal English verbs. We use modal verbs to express different meanings and reach different purposes.

Modal verbs do not take an ‘s‘ for the third person singular.

She musts walk her home everyday. ❌ (wrong)
She must walk her home everyday.✔️ (correct)

After ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘shall’, ‘should’, ‘ought to’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘must’,‘have to’, we use a bare infinitive (i.e. an infinitive without ‘to’).

We do NOT use a past form of a verb nor an -ing form.

I could to swim when I was nine.❌ (wrong)
I could swim when I was nine.✔️ (correct)

The infinitive can be active. When necessary, it can be passive.

For example:
The robbers may be caught soon.
Your money may be found soon.
I think this radio can be repaired.

Can/Could

Ability: Birds can fly. I can swim

Permission: Yes, you can go to the cinema.
He could ride my car, if he let me know earlier.

May/Might

Permission: You may see your friends now.
Possibility: It may snow tomorrow.
She might be really sick.

Shall/Should/Ought to

Future actions: We shall visit again next time.
Responsibility: They should bring their books to school.
You ought to ask for your father’s permission.

Will/Would

Future Actions: She will join our team next month.
Imagination: I would call Mary if I remember her number.

Must/Have to

Necessity: Human must eat.
Obligation: You must hand in your homework on time.
I have to help my mother tomorrow.

👉Modal verbs are always used in making requests, offers, permission and invitations.

Can/Could

Requests: Can you give me some water?
Asking people to do things: Could you wait her for a while?

Can/Would

Offering: Can I help you?
Offering/Inviting: Would you like a cup of tea?

Can/Could/May

Permission:
Can I speak to Mohammad, please?
Could I ride your bike?
May I come in? (more formal /polite)