Modal Verbs: Types, Expressions, and Usage

Modal Verbs Overview

• Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that express modality, which includes notions such as ability, permission, obligation, and possibility.
• They are used to express degrees of necessity, obligation, and possibility.

Types of Modal Verbs

• Can: ability, capacity, or skill
  • Present: I can speak English.
  • Past: I could speak English when I was a student.
• Could: possibility, permission, or ability
  • Present: I could go to the party if I wanted to.
  • Past: I could have gone to the party, but I was tired.
• May: permission, possibility, or ability
  • Present: You may go to the party if you finish your homework.
  • Past: She may have gone to the party, but I'm not sure.
• Might: possibility or uncertainty
  • Present: It might rain tomorrow.
  • Past: He might have forgotten his umbrella.
• Shall: suggestion, offer, or proposal
  • Present: Shall we go to the movies tonight?
  • Past: I shall never forget that day.
• Should: obligation, advice, or recommendation
  • Present: You should study harder for the exam.
  • Past: I should have studied harder for the exam.
• Will: future action or prediction
  • Present: I will go to the store tomorrow.
  • Past: I will have graduated by next year.
• Would: past habitual action or hypothetical situation
  • Past: I would walk to school when I was a kid.
  • Hypothetical: I would buy a car if I had the money.
• Must: necessity, obligation, or strong suggestion
  • Present: You must try this cake, it's delicious.
  • Past: I must have left my keys at home.

Common Modal Verb Expressions

• Can't: cannot
• Couldn't: could not
• May not: may not
• Might not: might not
• Must not: must not
• Shouldn't: should not
• Won't: will not
• Wouldn't: would not