Modal Verbs

Modal verbs express modality, ability, possibility, necessity or another condition. We use them for the future and conditional.
1. CAN
  1. Indicates ability or possibility.
    1. I can speak five languages. Bill and Tom can’t help you
2. COULD
  1. indicates possibility or ability in the past.
    1. I couldn’t sleep. Could you play an instrument when you were a child?
3. MAY
  1. To indicate future possibilities.
    1. It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow. May I have a glass of water?
4. MIGHT
  1. To indicate possibilities in the present or future.
    1. I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later.
5. WILL
  1. Forming the future tense or means will or determination.
    1. We will learn English.. Will you help me move?
SHALL
1. To form the future tense, although it is much more common in the UK and is generally more polite.
  1. Chris shall be happy to see you.
SHOULD
1. Indicates an obligation or recommendation.
  1. Where should they meet you?. You shouldn’t work so hard.
OUGHT TO
1. It is a synonym for "should".
  1. They ought to work less.
MUST
1. Indicates an obligation, prohibition or necessity.
  1. We must leave now or we will be late. Must she talk so much?
WOULD
1. To state a preference and to ask for something politely.
  1. Would you help me please? She would like to go to New York someday.

Resource summary

	Created by Gabriella Parra Salas over 3 years ago