What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, or
obligation. They are used alongside the main verb in a sentence to add meaning, often relating to
how certain or possible something is, or how necessary or advisable it is.
The below table illustrates the Modal Verb along with examples and its function:
Modal Verb Example Sentence Function
Can I can swim very fast. Ability
Could Could you help me with this problem? Polite request
May May I use your phone? Permission
Must You must wear a seatbelt. Necessity
Should You should see a doctor. Advice
Might It might rain tomorrow. Possibility
Common Confusions:
Can vs. Could: "Can" is used for present ability, while "could" refers to past ability or
polite requests.
May vs. Might: "May" implies a higher probability than "might," which suggests a lower
chance.
Tips for Learning
Use modals in different sentences to become comfortable with their meanings and uses.
Pay attention to the context in which modals are used to understand their precise
meaning.
Worksheet to Solve
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb from the list: can, could, may, must, should,
might.
1. You ___ wear a helmet while riding a bike.
2. ___ you help me with my project?
3. She ___ be at the library; I'm not sure.
4. You ___ finish your homework before going out.
5. ___ you swim when you were younger?
6. We ___ go to the museum tomorrow if the weather is nice.
Exercise 2: Match the Modal Verbs with Their Functions
Match each modal verb with its primary function by writing the letter of the function next to the
modal verb.
1. Can - A) Permission
2. Must - B) Ability
3. Should - C) Obligation
4. May - D) Advice
5. Might - E) Possibility
6. Could - F) Polite Request
Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Modal Verb
Select the most appropriate modal verb for each sentence from the options provided.
1. You ___ finish your dinner before you leave. (must, can)
2. ___ I borrow your book for a week? (Could, Should)
3. It ___ rain later, so take an umbrella. (might, must)
4. She ___ swim very fast when she was younger. (can, could)
5. We ___ go to the party if we finish our work. (may, should)
Answer Key
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. must
2. Could
3. Might
4. should
5. Could
6. Might
Exercise 2: Match the Modal Verbs with Their Functions
1. Can - B) Ability
2. Must - C) Obligation
3. Should - D) Advice
4. May - A) Permission
5. Might - E) Possibility
6. Could - F) Polite Request
Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Modal Verb
1. must
2. Could
3. might
4. could
5. May
The List of the Modals with their Positive and Negative forms is given below:
Positive Negative
1) Will Will Not/ Won’t
2) Would Would Not/ Wouldn’t
3) Shall Shall Not/ Shan’t
4) Should Should Not/ Shouldn’t
5) May May Not/ Mayn’t
6) Might Might Not/ Mightn’t
7) Can Can Not/ Can’t
8) Could Could Not/ Couldn’t
9) Must Must Not/ Mustn’t
10) Have To Don’t Have To
11) Need Need Not/ Needn’t
12) Ought Ought Not To/ Oughtn’t To
13) Dare Dare Not/ Daren’t
14) Used To Used Not To/ Didn’t Use to
Modal Exercises
Fill in the blanks with correct modals.
1) He knew that he _______ (Would/ must) be able to reach office in time.
2) You ______ (dare/ could) not enter my house again.
3) I thought he ______ (should/ would) be at school.
4) Raman _____ (can/ should) speak in two voices.
5) I _____ (can’t/ couldn’t) write what you spoke.
6) You _____ (should/ can) have told me earlier.
7) _____ (Can/ Should) i get something to drink, please? I am very thirsty.
8) _______ (Can/ Should) I use your car, please?
9) You ______ (can/ would) go in now and meet the doctor.
10) I _______ (would/ should) love to teach these children.
11) I ______ (could/ can) eat 5 bananas at a time when i was young.
12) You _____ (must/ will) see the lawyer at once.
13) ______ (May/ Might) god protect you from the pain and agony.
14) My mother ______ (can/ could) watch T.V for hours even now.
15) It _______ (would/ may) be cold in the evening, who knows?
Answers:
1) Would
2) Dare
3) Would
4) Can
5) Couldn’t
6) Should
7) Can
8) Can
9) Can
10) Would
11) Could
12) Must
13) May
14) Can
15) May