Modal Verbs for ESL Learners: Rules, Examples, and Practice

Modal verbs are a big part of everyday English, and they’re especially handy for ESL learners looking to express themselves more naturally. These verbs – like can, could, might, and should – help you talk about possibilities, give advice, and even make polite requests. On this page, we’ll dive into the rules for using modal verbs correctly, explore plenty of examples, and give you a chance to practice so you can feel confident using them in conversations. Ready to master modals? Let’s get started!

Understanding the Meaning of Modal Verbs in English

A modal verb is a type of auxiliary (or “helping”) verb, also known as a “modal auxiliary.” Modals are used to express specific ideas like:

• ability
• intention
• obligation
• necessity
• permission
• possibility

 

Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs don’t follow standard conjugation rules; instead, they directly modify the meaning of main verbs in a sentence, adding an extra layer of expression. Examples of modal verbs include can, could, may, might, should, and must. These verbs help create more precise and flexible sentences, making them essential for clear communication in English.

Modal Verbs List

Modal verbs are essential in English, as they help express various meanings such as ability, necessity, and possibility. Here are some of the most common modal verbs you’ll encounter and their uses.

• can
  used to express – ability, permission, possibility, request
• could
  used to express – ability, permission, possibility, request, suggestion
• have to
  used to express – obligation, necessity, advice, persuasion
• may
  used to express – permission, possibility, probability, request
• might
  used to express – possibility, small probability, request
• must
  used to express – obligation, necessity, certainty, advice, prohibition
• need
  used to express – necessity, obligation, lack of necessity
• ought to
  used to express – advice, obligation, opinion, recommendation
• shall
  used to express – offers, suggestions, future intentions, questions
• should
  used to express – advice, obligation, opinion, recommendations
• will
  used to express – future intentions, offers, promises, predictions
• would
  used to express – requests, hypothetical situations, past habits, offers, questions

Let’s delve a little deeper and see some examples.

Modal Verb Examples

Modal verbs are essential in English, helping us express things like ability, permission, and possibility. Below, you’ll find some common modal verbs with examples to show how they’re used in everyday speech.

Using ‘Can’ to Express Ability, Permission, Possibility, and Requests

Can’ is a versatile modal verb in English. It’s used to talk about ability, like “She can speak three languages,” permission, as in “Can I borrow your pen?”, possibility, such as “It can get really cold here in winter,” and making requests, like “Can you help me with this?” Its flexibility makes it an essential part of everyday conversation.

Using ‘Could’ to Express Ability, Permission, Possibility, Requests, and Suggestions

Could’ is a flexible modal verb used in various ways. It expresses past ability, like “When I was younger, I could run faster,” polite permission, such as “Could I leave early today?”, possibility, like “It could rain later,” requests, as in “Could you please pass me the salt?”, and suggestions, like “You could try restarting your computer.” Its many uses make it an essential part of everyday conversation.

Using ‘Have To’ to Express Obligation, Necessity, Advice, and Persuasion

Have to’ is often used to talk about obligations, such as “Employees have to wear their ID badges at all times.” It’s also used for things that are necessary, like “I have to buy some milk; we’re completely out.” Additionally, it’s great for giving advice, like “You have to try this restaurant; it’s amazing,” or persuading someone, as in “You really have to see this film!” Whether discussing requirements or making strong recommendations, ‘have to’ is incredibly versatile.

Using ‘May’ to Express Permission, Possibility, Probability, and Requests

‘May’ is a formal modal verb used for asking or giving permission, like “May I use your phone?” It’s also used to express possibility or probability, such as “It may rain later” or “You may feel tired after the hike, so plan to rest.” Additionally, ‘may’ adds a polite tone to requests, like “May I have a moment of your time?” making it ideal for respectful and courteous communication.

Using ‘Might’ to Express Possibility, Probability, and Requests

‘Might’ is a modal verb used to express possibility or probability, like “It might snow tomorrow” or “She might already be on her way.” It can also add a polite tone to requests, such as “Might I ask you a question?” While ‘might’ and ‘may’ are similar, ‘might’ often suggests a lower level of certainty, making it great for showing doubt or politeness.

Using ‘Must’ to Express Obligation, Necessity, Certainty, Advice, and Prohibition

‘Must’ is a powerful modal verb used to express obligation or necessity, like “Hikers must stick to the paths”, or “You must wear a seatbelt while driving.” It also conveys certainty, as in “That must be your sister; you look so alike!” and strong advice, such as “You must try this cake; it’s incredible!” Additionally, ‘must not’ is used to express prohibition, for example, “You must not smoke in this area.” Its versatility makes it essential for emphasising rules, confidence, and urgency.

Using ‘Need’ to Express Necessity, Obligation, and Lack of Necessity

‘Need’ is a modal verb used to express necessity, as in “You need to study harder to pass the exam,” or obligation, like “You need to complete this form before submitting your application.” It’s also commonly used in the negative to show a lack of necessity, such as “You don’t need to bring any food; it’s all provided.” ‘Need’ is straightforward and practical for highlighting what’s required – or not – in various situations.

Using ‘Ought To’ to Express Advice, Obligation, Opinion, and Recommendation

‘Ought to’ is a modal verb used to give advice, like “You ought to see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell,” or to express obligation, such as “You ought to help your friends when they ask.” It can also be used to share an opinion, like “I think you ought to take the job,” and to make a recommendation, such as “You ought to try the new restaurant in town.” While similar to ‘should,’ ‘ought to’ is a bit more formal and often used for stronger suggestions or opinions.

Using ‘Shall’ to Express Offers, Suggestions, Future Intentions, and Questions

Shall’ is a formal modal verb used to make offers, like “Shall I open the window?” or to suggest something, such as “Shall we go for a walk?” It’s also used to express future intentions, as in “I shall return before noon.” Additionally, ‘shall’ is commonly used in questions, especially in formal or polite contexts, like “Shall we begin the meeting?” While less frequent in casual conversation, ‘shall’ is still widely used in formal settings or when making polite suggestions or offers.

Using ‘Should’ to Express Advice, Obligation, Opinion, and Recommendations

‘Should’ is a versatile modal verb used to give advice, like “You should see a dentist if you’re feeling unwell.” It can also express obligation, such as “You should complete the report by tomorrow.” Additionally, ‘should’ is commonly used to share an opinion, like “I think you should move to the south,” or to make recommendations, such as “You should try the vegan lasagne.” While it’s a bit less forceful than ‘must,’ ‘should’ is a practical and widely-used modal verb for offering guidance or making recommendations.

Using ‘Will’ to Express Future Intentions, Offers, Promises, and Predictions

‘Will’ is a versatile modal verb used to express future intentions, like “I will finish the report by tomorrow.” It’s also commonly used for making offers, such as “I will help you with that,” and to make promises, like “I will always stand by your side.” Additionally, ‘will’ is often used to make predictions, as in “It will rain later today.” Whether it’s about future plans, offering assistance, or predicting outcomes, ‘will’ is a key verb for talking about what’s to come.

Using ‘Would’ to Express Polite Requests, Hypothetical Situations, Past Habits, Offers, and Questions

‘Would’ is a modal verb used to make polite requests, like “Would you mind helping me with this?” It’s also used for hypothetical situations, such as “I would travel more if I had the time.” Additionally, ‘would’ can describe past habits, like “When we were kids, we would play outside for hours,” and is used for making offers, such as “I would be happy to assist you.” ‘Would’ is also commonly used in questions, like “Would you like some coffee?” or “Would it be okay if I left early?” Whether for politeness, possibilities, or past actions, ‘would’ is a versatile verb in English.

Different Uses of Modal Verbs with Examples

Ability: She can speak three languages fluently.
Advice: You should see a doctor if the pain continues.
Assumption: He must be tired after working all night.
Certainty: That must be John at the door; I recognise his voice.
Deduced conclusions: That must be her car outside; she always parks there.
Deduction: You can’t be serious; that sounds ridiculous!
Emphasis (for certainty): I will definitely attend the meeting.
Expectation: The guests should arrive by 8 PM.
Expressing doubt: That might not be the right answer.
Expressing preference: I would rather stay in tonight than go out.
Future predictions: The train will likely arrive at 10.
Habitual actions in the past: When we were kids, we would play outside for hours.
Habitual behaviour (present): He will always leave his shoes at the door.
Hypothetical situations: If I were rich, I would travel the world.
Intentions: I will finish the report by tomorrow.
Lack of obligation: You don’t have to attend the meeting if you’re busy.
Necessity: You must complete this form before entering.
Obligation: Employees must wear their ID badges at all times.
Offers: Shall I help you with that?
Permission: You may borrow my book if you want.
Polite language: Could you lend me a hand when you have time?
Polite refusal: I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it.
Possibility: It might rain later, so take an umbrella.
Probability: She should be home by now; she left hours ago.
Promises: I will always stand by your side.
Prohibition: You must not park here; it’s a restricted area.
Reluctance: I won’t do it unless I get proper instructions.
Requests: Could you please pass the salt?
Suggestions: You could try restarting your computer.
Uncertainty: He might have left early; I’m not sure.
Willingness: She will help you if you ask nicely.

common modal verbs and their function

Now you know what a modal verb is, click on the headings below to learn each one in more detail with meaning and picture examples.

shades of modality

Some modals are stronger than others. Take a look at the picture below and see how strong each one is.

top 10 tips for modal verbs

Now you know what a modal verb is and how to use them, I’ll give you my top 10 tips about modals.

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb. You can find out about auxiliary verbs here.