🔑 Key Concept: What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are a special group of auxiliary (helping) verbs that express abilities, possibilities, permissions, obligations, and other similar concepts. They are different from regular verbs because they don’t change form—they don’t take endings like -ed or -ing, and they are always followed by the base form of the main verb (without “to”).

🧠 Common Modal Verbs

Here are the most common modal verbs in English:

• can
• could
• may
• might
• must
• shall
• should
• will
• would

📝 How Are Modal Verbs Used?

Let’s break down the main uses of modal verbs with examples:

1. Ability: ‘Can’ and ‘Could’

• ‘Can’ is used to express present ability.
  • Example: I can swim (I have the ability to swim).
• ‘Could’ is the past form of ‘can’ or used to talk about potential ability.
  • Example: She could read when she was four (past ability).
  • Example: I could help you if you want (offer).

2. Permission: ‘Can’, ‘May’, and ‘Might’

• ‘Can’ is used informally to ask for permission.
  • Example: Can I go to the bathroom?
• ‘May’ is more formal.
  • Example: May I leave the table?
• ‘Might’ expresses a polite or cautious possibility.
  • Example: Might I suggest a different approach?

3. Possibility: ‘May’, ‘Might’, and ‘Could’

• ‘May’ shows something is likely.
  • Example: It may rain later (there’s a good chance).
• ‘Might’ indicates a smaller chance.
  • Example: We might go to the beach (it’s less certain).
• ‘Could’ can also express possibility.
  • Example: She could be at the office now (it’s possible).

4. Obligation: ‘Must’, ‘Should’, and ‘Ought to’

• ‘Must’ is for strong obligation or necessity.
  • Example: You must wear a seatbelt (it’s necessary).
• ‘Should’ and ‘Ought to’ are for advice or weak obligation.
  • Example: You should see a doctor (it’s recommended).
  • Example: You ought to study harder (it’s a good idea).

5. Prediction or Certainty: ‘Will’ and ‘Shall’

• ‘Will’ is used for future predictions.
  • Example: I will call you tomorrow (future action).
• ‘Shall’ can be used in more formal contexts, especially for suggestions or offers.
  • Example: Shall we dance? (suggestion).

6. Request: ‘Will’, ‘Can’, ‘Could’, ‘Would’

• ‘Will’ and ‘Can’ are used for casual requests.
  • Example: Will you help me? (casual request).
  • Example: Can you pass the salt? (informal).
• ‘Could’ and ‘Would’ are more polite.
  • Example: Could you close the door? (polite).
  • Example: Would you mind helping me? (polite and formal).

🎭 Analogy

Think of modal verbs as different types of keys that unlock doors in English communication. Each key (modal verb) opens a specific door—whether it’s the door of possibility (“might”), obligation (“must”), or ability (“can”).

💡 Common Mistakes and Tips

• ❌ Incorrect: I can to go now.
• ✅ Correct: I can go now. (Modals are followed by the base form of the verb without “to”).
• ❌ Incorrect: She must goes to work.
• ✅ Correct: She must go to work. (No extra -s or -es after a modal verb).

📝 Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb (can, could, must, might, will, should):

1. You _______ see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
2. _______ you help me with this heavy box?
3. She _______ be at work now, but I’m not sure.
4. I _______ swim when I was younger, but I forgot how.
5. You _______ wear a helmet when riding a bike.

✅ Answers:

1. You should see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
2. Could you help me with this heavy box?
3. She might be at work now, but I’m not sure.
4. I could swim when I was younger, but I forgot how.
5. You must wear a helmet when riding a bike.

🌟 Pro Tip:

To help you remember modal verbs:

• Can = ability
• Must = strong obligation
• May/Might = possibility