USE AND RULES OF MODAL VERBS
What Are Modal Verbs, And How Do They Work?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs. They work alongside the main verb for some of the following reasons.
1. To indicate the possibility of action. For example, she could; they might.
2. To show the ability of action. For example, he can, we could.
Modal Verb Rules
Modal verbs are always directly before the main verb in simple sentences except when asking questions.
Types Of Modal Verbs
There are 5 main modal verbs. Some modal verbs can be used in many ways, while others only have one function.
Ability Modal Verbs With Examples
Ability modal verbs express the potential of being able to do something.
Can, Could (past participle), Couldn’t (past negative participle)
Examples In The Present
I can come to your birthday party.
Kelly can speak seven languages.
Examples In The Past
She could swim when she was five.
They couldn’t come because they were busy. (Negative past)
Advice Or Suggestion Modal Verb Examples. Advice modal verbs offer direction or instruction.
Should, Shouldn’t (negative)
Examples
She should go to the ER.
You should try out trampolining! (Present continuous)
They shouldn’t change schools just yet. (Negative)
Should I buy a new car? (Interrogative)
Obligation Modal Verbs
These auxiliary verbs are used when talking about something that needs to be done; think of it as a duty or commitment.
Must, Musn’t (negative), Should, ought to
Examples
You must tell your teacher the truth.
You should tell your teacher the truth.
You mustn’t tell her the truth. (negative)
You shouldn’t tell her the truth. (negative)
You ought to follow the traffic rules .
Note: ‘must’ is a stronger obligation modal verb than "should," as should is more a suggestion.
Modal Verb Examples: Permission
These auxiliary verbs are used to ask permission to complete an action; they are naturally questioning.
Could,Can, Shall, Would, May
Note: "may" is typically used in response. To say no, you can use "may not."
Examples
Could I borrow your shirt? - Yes, you may.
Can you lend me your new shirt? (Casual) - no, you may not.
Shall I bring extra cookies? - Yes, you may.
Would you like to come with us? - Yes, you may.
Modal Verb Examples: Possibility
The last modal verb category is modal verbs of possibility. They refer to things that could or might happen.
Can, Could (interrogative), Might, May
Examples
If you jump over that rock, you could get hurt.
You might be able to go on the field trip if your parents say yes.
Logan may change his mind; let’s see.
I think I can come; I’ve just got to look at my budget.
Modal verbs of possibility, "shall, or will." These are stronger modal verbs and indicate a higher likelihood of something
happening.
I shall go on the field trip.
Logan will change his mind.
You will get hurt if you jump over that rock.
Modal Verbs: Tenses
Use modal verbs to hypothesize about a future event or discuss the possibility of a past action.
Modal Verb Examples: Future
Future tenses always use "will."
1) We use the following structure to form the simple future tense with a modal verb.
Subject + will + modal verb + main verb
Lizzy will call you on Wednesday.
2) We use the following structure to form the future continuous tense.
Subject + will + be + modal verb + main verb + -ing.
We will be waiting for you in the parking lot.
3) We use the following structure to form the future perfect tense with modal verbs.
Subject + will + have + modal verb + past participle verb.
The cafe will have closed by the time you get there.
4) And ultimately, the future perfect continuous tense.
Subject + will + have been + modal verb + main verb + -ing.
We will have been waiting for hours by the time you arrive.
Modal Verb Examples: Past
1) Modal verbs can be used to talk about past actions using "could, might, would, or should."
Past modal verb + have + past participle.
She should have explained it better.
2) For negative sentences, we add -not.
Past modal verb + have + -not + past participle.
She might not have become a doctor if she didn’t study.
3) For positive sentences, we use the following structure.
Past modal verb + have + past participle.
They may have seen it.
Not all modal verbs can be used in the past, such as "can or shall."May or might" in the past predict actions that could have
happened.
Different Types Of Verbs And Phrases
There are phrases or expressions commonly used in casual language.
Ought to( when talking about things which are desired) , Have to, Had better, Need to, Be able to
Examples
They ought to have more parks in the city.
I need to go to the mall.
She’ll be able to go home soon.