13 Modal Auxiliary Verbs : Use & Examples
Modal Auxiliary Verbs
In English grammar "Modal Auxiliary Verbs" are used to express mood of a speaker. We use Modal verbs to show possibility, ability, obligation, permission, request, suggestion or advice. We use base form of main verb with modal auxiliary verb.For example:
- I can speak English.
- He will come tomorrow.
Some common modal auxiliary verbs include words like "can," "could," "will," "would," "may," "might," "shall," "should," "must," and "ought to."Now, let's break it down a bit:
- Possibility: When we're talking about something that might happen or could happen, we use modal auxiliary verbs like "may," "might," or "could." For example, "It may rain tomorrow."
- Necessity: When something is necessary or required, we use modal auxiliary verbs like "must" or "have to." For instance, "You must finish your homework before you can play."
- Ability: When we talk about what someone is able to do, we use modal auxiliary verbs like "can" or "could." For example, "She can speak three languages."
- Permission: When we're asking for permission or giving permission, we use modal auxiliary verbs like "may," "can," or "could." For instance, "Can I borrow your pen?"
Modal auxiliary verbs: (Use & Examples)
1. Can
- We use "Can" for ability, possibility, informal request, etc
- I can swim. (Ability)
- It can rain tomorrow. (Possibility)
- Can you give me a pen? (Request)
2. Could
- We use "Could" for past ability, possibility, polite informal request, etc.
- When I was a child I could run fast. (Past ability)
- Someone is knocking on the door it could be John. (Possibility)
- Could you please attend the call? (Polite informal request)
3. May
- We use "May" for possibility, formal request/ permission, to express wish, etc.
- John may go to movie in the evening. (Possibility)
- May I come in sir? (Formal request/ Permission)
- May God bless you. (Wish)
4. Might
- We use "Might" for less possibility, etc.
- I might buy Ferrari. (Less possibility)
5. Should
- We use "Should" for suggestion, advice, etc.
- You should wash hands before meal.(Suggestion)
- He is ill he should meet doctor. (Advice)
6. Must
- We use "Must" for necessity, obligation, etc.
- If you want to win the match you must practice. (Necessity)
- We must pay taxes on time. (Obligation)
- We must follow traffic rules. (Obligation)
7. Ought to
- We use "Ought to" for moral obligation, etc
- We ought to respect elders.
8. Will
- We use "Will" for certainty, request, in simple future tense, willingness, etc.
- Train will come on time. (Certainty)
- Will you please pass the salt? (Request)
- I will play football tomorrow. (Simple future tense)
- Someone is knocking the door I will open it. (Willingness)
9. Would
- We use "Would" for possibility, request, offer, etc.
- It would happen. (Possibility)
- Would you please help me? (Request)
- Would you like to have tea or coffee? (Offer)
10. Shall
- We use "Shall" to take confirmation, etc.
- Shall I go now?
- Shall we move ahead?
11. Used to
- We use "Used to" for past repeated action, etc.
- I used to live in Paris.
- When I was a child my father used to bring chocolates for me.
12. Need to
- We use "Need to" for necessity, etc.
- If you want to pass the exam you need to study hard.
13. Have to
- We use " Have to" for obligation & necessity.
- I have to finish my homework before dinner. (Necessity: It's required for me to finish my homework.)
- You have to wear a seat-belt when driving. (Obligation: It's a rule that you must follow.)
- I have to exercise. (Obligation: Doctor told me that you must exercise)
- They have to be at work by 9 AM. (Necessity: It's necessary for them to arrive by a specific time.)
- We have to study for the exam tomorrow. (Obligation: There's an exam, and studying is required.)
Positive | Negative | Contraction |
---|---|---|
Can | Cannot | Can’t |
Could | Could not | Couldn’t |
May | May not | - |
Might | Might not | - |
Should | Should not | Shouldn’t |
Must | Must not | Mustn’t |
Ought to | Ought not to | Oughtn’t to |
Will | Will not | Won’t |
Would | Would not | Wouldn’t |
Shall | Shall not | Shan’t |
Used to | Did not use to | Didn’t use to |
Need to | Need not to | Needn’t to |
See also : Helping or Auxiliary Verbs