Modals/ modal verbs/ modal auxiliary verbs are a special type of verbs present in English grammar. These verbs are used irregularly in English grammar. Uses of modal verbs in English grammar includes providing extra information about the action of the main verb.
There are a wide variety of modal auxiliary and their function. In this article, you will learn about the different uses of modal verbs in English grammar and as an added bonus, there are also modal verbs examples to help you understand the concept better. So, let’s waste no more time and begin the learning journey.
What are Modal Verbs?
In definitions, it is referred to as a helping verb. There are certain modal verbs rules that encircle their use. It can be very beneficial if one can learn the rules and use of modal verbs as this will help you make grammatically correct English sentences.
Let’s begin with the types of modal auxiliaries in English grammar.
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Modal Auxiliaries in English Grammar
These auxiliaries express obligation, possibilities, permission or ability in a sentence by adding meaning to the main verb. As per modal verbs rules, the spelling or form do not change, unlike other verbs.
There are approximately ten types of these auxiliaries in English grammar that are used for conveying different expressions. Following are the modal verbs lists:
#Can
#Could
#May
#Might
#Must
#Shall
#Should
#Will
#Would
#Ought to
Now, let’s see what are the uses of these in sentences with examples.
Can
The modal verb can is used in the second example. Take note of how the meaning shifts slightly. The speaker does not swim every Tuesday; they are implying that they are capable of doing so if necessary. It’s a hypothetical situation.
| Use of modals in English grammar | Modal verbs sentences |
| For expressing or asking about the willingness | Can you help me with the luggage? |
| The negative modal verb form is used for expressing impossibility or inability. | This can’t be prepared in such a short time. |
| For expressing ability in the context of knowing how to perform a certain task. | They can dance but are not sure about performing on stage. |
| For expressing a possibility if a function is possible theoretically. | They can reach there on time if they leave in the next 20 minutes. |
| To seek permission for doing anything or for being allowed to perform certain tasks. | Father, can I please go to the picnic? |
Could
Could (or couldn’t) demonstrate previous ability and inquires or expresses about willingness or permission in a more polite manner. It also identifies a present possibility or a future possibility that is contingent on the current action. Finally, it can be used to make requests or make recommendations.
| Uses of modal verbs in English grammar | Examples in a sentence |
| For suggesting something | We could go there once and then decide the next step. |
| For making requests | Could you please repeat the chapter? |
| For identifying present possibilities | They could go to a movie or could spend some time in the cottage. |
| For showing ability that existed in the past. | In my school days, I could beat anyone in running. |
| For identifying future possibilities which depend upon a present task. | If he practised more, he could win the swimming competition. |
| These modal verbs can be used for obligation and permission in a polite form. | Could I borrow your camera for my next shoot? |
May
In formal situations, the word may is used to express permission, as in being allowed to do something. It also expresses present and future possibilities.
| Use of modal verbs may | Example |
| These can be referred to as modal verbs of possibility as these express possibilities of present and future. | Prof. Ray may become the head of the department soon. |
| For expressing/ seeking permission in formal situations. | May I come in? |
Might
Might is a formal word that can also be used to express permission, as in being allowed to do something. It also expresses the present, future, and past as possibilities.
| Use of modal verbs might | Example |
| For expressing present and future possibilities. | Prof. Ray might be in-charge from next year. |
| These can also be used in English grammar for seeking formal permissions. | Might I be excused from the meeting today? |
| Can be referred to as modal verbs of possibility as these express past possibilities | It’s possible that they might have read the book but missed the movie. |
Must
| Use of modals in English grammar | In sentences |
| For companding with an external obligation sense | All employees must log-in at the scheduled time. |
| For making conjecture with some certainty | It’s already so late, you must be sleepy! |
| To prohibit. | They mustn’t go here and there when the meeting will take place. |
| For commanding in a respectful way | They must finish their meal before going to the park. |
Shall
Shall is a word that is used in England to express a future promise and to form a simple present for I and we. It’s commonly used in formal and legal situations in the United States to form polite questions that include a polite request for permission. It can also be used to offer assistance, make suggestions, or ask for advice.
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| Use of modals in English grammar | Example in sentences |
| For forming polite question/ request/ permission in American English | Shall I drop you home? |
| Offering help to someone | Shall I help you in preparing lunch? |
| This modal verbs for advice can be used for suggesting | Shall we confirm 2.30 then? |
| For asking | Shall I go now or you have anything else to offer? |
| To promise. This is used in British English grammar. | The product shall be delivered by Thursday. |
| Simple presentation of I and we in British English | Shall we go then? |
| Used in legal or formal situations. | The employees should be allowed to put their opinion. |
Should
Should (or shouldn’t) expresses the idea of a requirement or a suggestion.
| Use of positive and negative modal verbs | Example |
| For conveying idea | They should be there on time. |
| For suggesting | You should try this ice cream! It’s absolutely delicious. |
| Negative modal verb | The dress shouldn’t be wet. |
Will
| Use in English grammar | Modal verbs sentences |
| Can be used as modal verbs of certainty for the future or the past | Don’t bother calling” she’ll have left for her flight. |
| Promising or treating | If you don’t study now, I will send you to boarding school. |
| For reassuring or making a decision | Don’t worry! He will come quickly. |
| For semi-formal request making | Will you please hold the umbrella? It’s raining already. |
| Expressing interest or willingness | We are organizing a picnic this Sunday, will you come? |
| For intention expressing | I’ll play the guitar if you sing the song. |
| To express habitual behaviour | This doesn’t surprise me at all that you don’t know the meaning! You will keep on gossiping in class. |
| For prediction making | The weather will be rainy in the coming months. |
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Use of Would Auxiliaries in English Grammar
| Function of Would | Example in sentences |
| Expressing other actions dependant situations | If he had a car, he would have left for a trip to the mountain by now. |
| For commenting on some behavioural characteristics | It’s better if we don’t call her. She will ruin our picnic with her arrogant behaviour. |
| Talking about the future in the past. | I knew she would come, that’s why I prepared food for three. |
| Expressing habitual behaviour in the past. | Every Sunday, we would go to the nearby ice cream parlour. |
| Commenting on the hypothetical possibility | If she trained, she would be able to win the competition. |
Some More
| For talking about the past refusal | He wouldn’t come to the party, no matter how much we requested of her. |
| For commenting on likely truth | I hear footsteps. That would be your brother! |
| For showing habitual activity | The dog would bark every time someone unknown would come close to the main door. |
| For requesting permission | Would you mind if I go to the room and stay alone for sometime? |
| To know preferences | Would you prefer a soft drink or something hot? |
| To request | Would you please go to the kitchen once and check if the rice is cooked or not? |
Ought to
| Use in English grammar | In sentences |
| With a stronger sense of obligation or intensity for expressing situations like ‘should’ | They ought to come to the part before anybody else! They are the hosts! |
Obligation and Permission
Can, could, may, these be used for seeking permission. Now let’s have a closer look at our obligations.
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Obligation
All modal verbs of obligations are listed below:
Must- this is for personal obligations.
Have to- this is for general obligations.
Should
Example of Modal Verbs of Obligation – Must
They must stop there for some refreshment.
She must answer at least one of those questions.
I must do some work for the project.
Example of Obligation – Have to
No matter wherever you are going, you have to wear a seatbelt while driving.
I have to go back home as soon as possible, I think I left my purse there.
We had to go to bed maximum by 11 pm when we were kids.
She has to drive back to the place.
Example of Obligation – Should
You should call her sometimes, she feels lonely.
You should not smoke so much.
I should go now.
She should be able to do that well.
Probability
All of probabilities are listed below:
May/ may have
Might/ might have
Could/ could have
Example of May/ May Have Probability
My brother is in Bangalore. He may come next month.
The book is selling well. It may become the bestseller of the month.
She may have understood the chapter well.
John did not reply, he may have not checked his phone.
Example of Might/ Might Have Probability
Sam is not here. He might be outside.
John might go on a vacation this month.
Rocky has an exam tomorrow. He might be on the varsity now.
He is not at the library. He might have a meeting at the office.
They are not in the city. They might have gone to her hometown.
Reema did not do the assignment. She might not have liked the topic well.
Example of Could/ Could Have Probability
He avoided the old food, kept it outside the refrigerator as it could be poisonous.
With such a sweet voice Leena could have won the contest if she had participated.
He is a very good singer. He could have won the 1st prize if he took part in the competition.
Suzane couldn’t have joined them. She was hospitalized then.
As the exam was out of the city, he couldn’t have sat for it.
Possibility
Below are all modal verbs of possibility:
May
Might
Could
Must
Have to
Example of May/ Might Possibility
Where did my keys go? Maybe they are in the car.
We may go to the shopping mall tomorrow.
This may upset your stomach a little.
I might have kept the door open.
We might not go there.
Example of Could Possibility
My keys could be in my bedroom.
They could go to school.
Example of Must Possibility
It must be very cold outside, so you better carry a jacket.
It’s so late already, you must have your lunch.
He ran for 3 hours, he must be tired and hungry.
Example of Have to Possibility
It has to be very nice otherwise someone else will earn the project.
I have to go there as a company representative.
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English Grammar Rules
Passive Rule
Modal + be + past participle.
Example:
Can be
Should be
Would be
Might be
Must be
Passive Rule
Modal + have been + past participle
Example:
Could have been
Should have been
Might have been
How to Use Modal Auxiliary Verbs? (With Examples)
Fortunately, using them in a sentence is fairly straightforward. Remember the following rules for basic sentences in the simple present tense:
They are always placed before the main verb (except for questions).
Use the infinitive form of the main verb instead of “to” when using modal verbs.
So, if you want to brag about your ability to eat an entire pizza, you add the modal verb “can” to the infinitive form of “eat” without “to.” The remainder of the sentence is normal.
I’m capable of devouring an entire pizza.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article will give you a better understanding of English grammar. These are very important parts of English grammar and in order to master the foreign language. So, do let us know what you think about this article by commenting on the box.
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