Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, ability, permission, and other conditions.
Common Modal Verbs
- Can
- Could
- May
- Might
- Must
- Shall
- Should
- Will
- Would
- Ought to
- Need
- Dare
Usage and Examples
| Modal | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability / Permission | I can swim. / Can I go out? |
| Could | Past ability / Polite permission | I could run fast when I was young. |
| May | Possibility / Permission | It may rain. / May I come in? |
| Might | Less certain possibility | He might be at home. |
| Must | Necessity / Strong advice | You must wear a seatbelt. |
| Shall | Suggestion / Future (formal) | Shall we go? |
| Should | Advice / Obligation | You should study more. |
| Will | Future / Promise | I will help you. |
| Would | Polite request / Hypothetical | Would you like some tea? |
| Ought to | Moral duty / Advice | You ought to respect elders. |
| Need (as modal) | Necessity (negative form) | You need not go there. |
| Dare (as modal) | Challenge / Courage | How dare you speak like that? |
Important Notes
- Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb (V1).
- They do not take "-s", "-ed", or "-ing".
- They do not change with the subject.
Practice Examples
- She can drive a car.
- We should be kind to animals.
- He might come tomorrow.
- You must complete your homework.