Modal verbs are helping verbs that add meaning to the main verb. They show ideas such as ability, permission, possibility, obligation, advice, or certainty. Instead of describing an action directly, modal verbs explain how likely, necessary, or appropriate that action is.
In this article, you will find a clear list of modal verbs in English, along with their meanings and practical examples. Each modal verb is explained briefly so you can understand how it works in sentences without confusion.
List of Modal Verbs in English
Can
Meaning: Ability, permission, possibility
Can is one of the most commonly used modal verbs. It expresses what someone is able to do, what is allowed, or what is generally possible.
Examples:
- She can manage the project on her own.
- You can use this room for meetings.
- This route can become crowded during peak hours.
Could
Meaning: Past ability, polite requests, possibility
Could is the past form of can, but it is also used to sound more polite or to talk about uncertain situations.
Examples:
- He could read fluently by the age of six.
- Could you check the final version before sending it?
- The delay could affect the launch date.
May
Meaning: Permission, possibility (more formal)
May is often used in formal contexts. It gives or asks for permission and also expresses possibility.
Examples:
- You may enter the examination hall now.
- The manager may approve the request today.
- There may be changes to the schedule.
Might
Meaning: Weak possibility
Might is used when something is possible but not certain. It often suggests less confidence than may.
Examples:
- I might work late today.
- She might join the call if she finishes early.
- The weather might improve by evening.
Must
Meaning: Strong obligation, logical certainty
Must expresses necessity or something that is required. It is also used to show strong certainty based on evidence.
Examples:
- You must submit the application before Friday.
- Employees must follow safety guidelines.
- She must be tired after such a long journey.
Shall
Meaning: Suggestions, offers, formal future (mainly British English)
Shall is commonly used in British English to make suggestions or offers. It appears more often in formal or polite contexts.
Examples:
- Shall we begin the meeting now?
- Shall I forward the documents to the team?
- The company shall provide further instructions.
Should
Meaning: Advice, recommendation, expectation
Should is used to give advice or suggest what is the right or expected thing to do. It can also show what is likely to happen.
Examples:
- You should review the terms carefully.
- She should arrive by noon.
- We should inform the client in advance.
Will
Meaning: Future intention, certainty, promises
Will is used to talk about future actions, decisions made at the moment of speaking, and things that are certain.
Examples:
- I will update you after the meeting.
- The system will restart automatically.
- This change will improve performance.
Would
Meaning: Polite requests, past habits, hypothetical situations
Would is commonly used to sound polite, to talk about repeated actions in the past, or to describe imagined situations.
Examples:
- Would you like to join the discussion?
- He would walk to the office every morning.
- I would accept the offer if the terms were clear.
Ought To
Meaning: Moral duty, advice, expectation
Ought to is similar to should, but it often sounds slightly stronger or more formal. It is commonly used when talking about responsibility or correct behavior.
Examples:
- You ought to inform your supervisor about the issue.
- She ought to take a short break after working so long.
- We ought to respect the deadline given by the client.
Important Notes About Modal Verbs
Before using modal verbs confidently, keep these rules in mind:
- Modal verbs do not change form. They do not take -s, -ed, or -ing.
✔ She can help you.
❌ She cans help you. - A modal verb is always followed by the base form of the verb.
✔ You should check the details.
❌ You should to check the details. - Modal verbs do not use do/does in questions or negatives.
✔ Can you finish the task today?
❌ Do you can finish the task today? - Only one modal verb is used at a time in a sentence.
✔ You must leave now.
❌ You must can leave now.
FAQs
What are modal verbs in English?
Modal verbs are helping verbs that express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, advice, or certainty. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, should, will, and would. They are used before the base form of a verb.
How many modal verbs are there in English?
There are nine main modal verbs commonly taught in English grammar: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. Some grammars also include semi-modals like ought to, have to, and need to.
What is the difference between modal verbs and auxiliary verbs?
Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb, but not all auxiliary verbs are modals. Modal verbs add meaning, such as necessity or possibility, while auxiliary verbs like be, have, and do help form tenses, questions, or negatives.
Do modal verbs change with tense or subject?
No. Modal verbs do not change form based on tense or subject.
Can modal verbs be used in the past tense?
Can modal verbs be used in the past tense?
Modal verbs themselves do not have past forms, but past meaning is often shown using modal + have + past participle. Example: She must have forgotten the meeting.
Can two modal verbs be used together in a sentence?
No. English does not allow two modal verbs together in the same verb phrase.
What is the most common modal verb in English?
Can is one of the most frequently used modal verbs. It is commonly used to express ability, permission, and possibility in both spoken and written English.
Are modal verbs used in questions and negatives without “do”?
Yes. Modal verbs do not use do/does to form questions or negatives. Example: She should not delay the response.
