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Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that go directly before the main verb. You probably know that verbs indicate actions– they tell us what someone or something did and how. Modal verbs work alongside the main verb to indicate the action’s possibility, ability, or obligation.
In this article, we’ll break down modal verbs for you, explain how they work, and give you plenty of examples so you can start using them immediately!
What Are Modal Verbs, And How Do They Work?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs. They work alongside the main verb for some of the following reasons.
- To indicate the possibility of action. For example, she could; they might.
- To show the ability of action. For example, he can, we could.
Modal Verb Rules
- Modal verbs are always directly before the main verb in simple sentences except when asking questions.
- Always use the infinitive of the main verb without the "to," for example, if you want to boast to someone about how many pushups you can do, you could say, "I can do the entire pushup routine in 5 minutes."
- When asking questions, the modal verb is placed at the beginning. For example, "can you do the entire pushup routine in 5 minutes?"
- Modal verb examples are generally in the present tense because they refer to "supposed" situations. However, they can also be in the present perfect continuous, past, or future.
There are a few rules to keep in mind, so now we’ll look into each type of modal verb.
Types Of Modal Verbs
There are 5 main modal verbs. Some modal verbs can be used in many ways, while others only have one function.
Ability Modal Verbs With Examples
Ability modal verbs express the potential of being able to do something.
- Can
- Could (past participle)
- Couldn’t (past negative participle)
Examples In The Present
- I can come to your birthday party.
- Kelly can speak seven languages.
Examples In The Past
- She could swim when she was five.
- They couldn’t come because they were busy. (Negative past)
Advice Or Suggestion Modal Verb Examples
Advice modal verbs offer direction or instruction.
- Should
- Shouldn’t (negative)
Examples
- She should go to the ER.
- You should try out trampolining! (Present continuous)
- They shouldn’t change schools just yet. (Negative)
- Should I buy a new car? (Interrogative)
Obligation Modal Verbs
Next up, we have modal verbs of obligation. These auxiliary verbs are used when talking about something that needs to be done; think of it as a duty or commitment.
- Must
- Musn’t (negative)
- Should
Examples
- You must tell your teacher the truth.
- You should tell your teacher the truth.
- You mustn’t tell her the truth. (negative)
- You shouldn’t tell her the truth. (negative)
Note: ‘must’ is a stronger obligation modal verb than "should," as should is more a suggestion.
Modal Verb Examples: Permission
Can I tell you about the modal verbs of permission? These auxiliary verbs are used to ask permission to complete an action; they are naturally questioning.
- Could
- Can
- Shall
- Would
- May
Note: "may" is typically used in response. To say no, you can use "may not."
Examples
- Could I borrow your shirt? - Yes, you may.
- Can you lend me your new shirt? (Casual) - no, you may not.
- Shall I bring extra cookies? - Yes, you may.
- Would you like to come with us? - Yes, you may.
Modal Verb Examples: Possibility
The last modal verb category is modal verbs of possibility. They refer to things that could or might happen.
- Can
- Could (interrogative)
- Might
- May
Examples
- If you jump over that rock, you could get hurt.
- You might be able to go on the field trip if your parents say yes.
- Logan may change his mind; let’s see.
- I think I can come; I’ve just got to look at my budget.
You can also use the modal verbs of possibility, "shall, or will." These are stronger modal verbs and indicate a higher likelihood of something happening.
- I shall go on the field trip.
- Logan will change his mind.
- You will get hurt if you jump over that rock.
Modal Verbs: Tenses
You can use modal verbs with different tenses. Use modal verbs to hypothesize about a future event or discuss the possibility of a past action.
Modal Verb Examples: Future
Future tenses always use "will."
1) We use the following structure to form the simple future tense with a modal verb.
Subject + will + modal verb + main verb
- Lizzy will call you on Wednesday.
2) We use the following structure to form the future continuous tense.
Subject + will + be + modal verb + main verb + -ing.
- We will be waiting for you in the parking lot.
3) We use the following structure to form the future perfect tense with modal verbs.
Subject + will + have + modal verb + past participle verb.
- The cafe will have closed by the time you get there.
4) And ultimately, the future perfect continuous tense.
Subject + will + have been + modal verb + main verb + -ing.
- We will have been waiting for hours by the time you arrive.
Modal Verb Examples: Past
1) In English, modal verbs can be used to talk about past actions using "could, might, would, or should."
Past modal verb + have + past participle.
- She should have explained it better.
2) For positive sentences, we use the following structure.
Past modal verb + have + past participle.
- They may have seen it.
3) For negative sentences, we add -not.
Past modal verb + have + -not + past participle.
- She might not have become a doctor if she didn’t study.
Note
- Not all modal verbs can be used in the past, such as "can or shall."
- "May or might" in the past predict actions that could have happened.
Different Types Of Verbs And Phrases
There are a few modal verbs we haven’t covered. These are semi-modal verbs and function similarly, but they’re phrases or expressions commonly used in casual language.
- Ought to
- Have to
- Had better
- Need to
- Be able to
Examples
- She ought to go to the doctor.
- I need to go to the mall.
- She’ll be able to go home soon.
Conclusion
Modal verbs are used to show intention rather than action. They modify the principal verb to give us more information. If you’ve enjoyed modal verbs, why not check out our Active Voice vs. Passive Voice article?