Modal verbs

We use modal verbs to add a specific meaning to a sentence, like (ability, capability, or possibility). We will explain these verbs with examples in this lesson.

Modal verbs

The most commonly used are:

Properties of modal verbs

1- The verb that comes after modal verbs is always in the infinitive.

2- They cannot come alone in a sentence without the main verb after the modal. Because the meaning does not complete with only a modal verb.

3- They do not have conjugations (such as simple present or past participle) with different tenses. That means only the main verb in a sentence changes with tenses.

4- We do not add (s) to modal verbs in the simple present tense with the third-person singular pronouns (he, she, it).

Must 

We use it to:

1- To express obligation and imperative.

Example: You must park the car in the parking lot.

2- It is used in a sentence with a logical conclusion.

Example: He must be excited. His sister came to visit him.

3- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (must not), or we can write it like (mustn't). It is used to express the forbidding and prohibition of something.

Example: The students must not write on their desks.

Can 

We use it to:

1- To describe the ability and capability of doing something.

Example: I can play the piano.

2- To request or ask for permission.

Example: Can you pass me the salt, please?

3- To express the possibility of something happening.

Example: Full marks can give me better opportunities in college. 

4- To make an offer.

Example: Can I help you?

5- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (cannot), or we can write it like (can't). It is used to express the impossibility of something happening or the inability to do something.

Example: I cannot go to work.

Could

We use it to:

1- To describe ability in the past.

Example: I could swim when I was younger.

2- To express the possibility of something happening in the present or future.

Example: It could snow this evening.

3- To ask for something politely or to make a suggestion.

Example: Could you help me, please?

4- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (could not), or we can write it like (couldn't). It is used to express the impossibility of something.

Example: He could not get over the ordeal.

May

We use it to:

1- To express the possibility of something in the present or the future.

Example: He may travel this weekend.

2- To ask permission in formal situations.

Example: May I ask you something?

3- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (may not).

Example: I may not be able to come early today.

Might

We use it to:

1- To express the possibility of something happening in the past, present, and future.

Example: She might go on a vacation.

2- To request something in a polite way in formal situations.

Example: Might we suggest a review?

3- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (might not), or we can write it like (mightn't).

Example: I am afraid I might not arrive on time.

Will

Its abbreviation is ('ll), and we use it to:

1- To indicate the willingness to do something in the future.

Example: He will go to the wedding.

2- To make predictions, promises, or threats.

Example: You’ll pass the exam, don’t worry!

3- To request something from close friends or family members.

Example: Will you open the door?

4- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (will not), or we can write it like (won't).

Example: He will not get the license.

Would

Its abbreviation is (‘d), and we use it to:

1- To make a request or to take permission for something.

Example: Would you like to come with us?

2- To talk about usual behavior in the past.

Example: I would meet my friend every Sunday.

3- To make a hypothesis or to imagine a situation.

Example: The phone rang. That’d be my father because I was expecting a call from him.

4-In conditional cases.

Example: If he trained, he’d be accepted to participate. 

5- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (would not), or we can write it like (wouldn't).

Example: He wouldn't eat spicy food no matter how we convinced him.

Shall

Its abbreviation is ('ll), and we use it to:

1- To make a suggestion or offer help.

Example: Shall I help you?

2- In official cases and legal forms.

Example: The company shall maintain quality standards.

3- To form a polite question that contains a request or permission to do something.

Example: Shall we go home?

4- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (shall not), or we can write it like (shan't).

Example: I shall not be responsible for the damage.

Note: We use it with (I - we) and sometimes with (you).

Should

Its abbreviation is (‘d), and we use it to:

1- To provide suggestions or advice.

Example: He should study hard before the final test.

2- To show obligation or give recommendations.

Example: You sould work hard.

3- To negative a sentence, we add (not) after the verb (should not), or we can write it like (shouldn't).

Example: You should not stay outside for a late hour.

That was all about modal verbs and their uses. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can share them in the comments section below.

Exercise

Choose the most appropriate modal between the brackets to complete the sentence.

1- In hospitals, you …. smoke. (should, can, must not, may not)

2- He …. prefer to get some sleep after the hard work he did. (must, could, mightn’t, may)

3- He …. swim very well. (cans, can, should, could)

4- He ….. swim very well from a young age. (might, will, should, could)

5- If I became rich, I …. travel the world. (will, can, would, may)

Answers

1- must not

2- may

3- can

4- could

5- would