Modal Verbs in English Grammar

Study Notes

Possibility

Modal verbs used to express possibility: can, could, may, might
Expressing ability or capacity: can (e.g., "I can speak French")
Expressing uncertainty or doubt: could, may, might (e.g., "It could be raining", "She may be late", "It might be true")
Degrees of possibility:
- can (high probability)
- could (possible but not certain)
- may (possible but not very likely)
- might (low probability)

Necessity

Modal verbs used to express necessity: must, have to, need to
Expressing obligation or requirement: must, have to (e.g., "You must try this", "I have to finish this project")
Expressing lack or requirement: need to (e.g., "I need to study for the exam")

Obligation

Modal verbs used to express obligation: must, have to, should
Expressing strong obligation: must (e.g., "You must attend the meeting")
Expressing mild obligation: should (e.g., "You should try to arrive on time")
Expressing obligation or duty: have to (e.g., "I have to help my friend")

Permission

Modal verbs used to express permission: can, may, could
Expressing permission or allowance: can, may (e.g., "You can go to the party", "You may enter the room")
Expressing permission or possibility: could (e.g., "You could go to the movies if you want")

Probability

Modal verbs used to express probability: will, would, may, might, could
Expressing high probability: will (e.g., "It will probably rain tomorrow")
Expressing uncertainty or doubt: would, may, might, could (e.g., "It would be nice if it didn't rain", "It may rain tomorrow", "It might rain tomorrow", "It could rain tomorrow")

Advice

Modal verbs used to express advice: should, ought to, had better
Expressing strong advice: should (e.g., "You should take a break")
Expressing mild advice: ought to (e.g., "You ought to try this new restaurant")
Expressing strong warning or recommendation: had better (e.g., "You had better hurry up or you'll be late")

Description

Learn about the different uses of modal verbs such as can, could, may, might, must, have to, need to, should, ought to, and had better. Understand how to express possibility, necessity, obligation, permission, probability, and advice.