Modal Verbs

Unveiling the World of
Modal Verbs
Definition, Functions, Examples, and Practical Usage
By Asim Raza
Introduction
• Definition of Modal Verbs: Modal verbs, also

known as modal auxiliaries, are a group of
auxiliary verbs that express the attitude of the
speaker towards the likelihood or necessity of an
action or event.
• Importance: Understanding modal verbs is crucial
for effective communication and conveying
nuances in meaning.
What are Modal Verbs?
• Explanation: Modal verbs are unique

auxiliary verbs that work alongside the
main verb to express various attitudes
or modals such as possibility,
probability, necessity, ability,
permission, and requests.
List of Common Modal Verbs
• Explanation: Here is a comprehensive list of common modal
verbs:Can (ability, permission)
• Could (possibility, past ability)
• Shall (formal suggestion, future)
• Should (advice, obligation)
• Will (future, willingness)
• Would (polite requests, hypothetical situations)
• May (possibility, permission)
• Might (possibility, uncertainty)
• Must (certainty, obligation)
Functions of Modal Verbs
• Expressing Ability: Can, could

• Making Requests: Can, could, will, would
• Offering: Shall, will
• Advising: Should, would
• Expressing Possibility: May, might, could
• Showing Necessity: Must, have to
Examples of Modal Verbs in Sentences
• Examples / Sample Sentences:
• I can swim.
• Could you pass me the salt?
• Shall we go to the park?
• You should study for the exam.
• I will help you with your project.
• If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
• May I borrow your pen?
• It might rain later.
• You must finish your homework before watching TV.
Can vs. Could
• Can: Used for general ability or permission.
• Examples:
• I can speak French.
• I can speak three languages.
• Can I borrow your pen?
• She can play the piano very wel
• Could: Used for past ability or polite requests.

• Examples: Could you please close the door?
• Could you please help me with this task?
• I could swim when I was a child.
• She could visit us next week.
Will vs. Would
• Will: Used for future actions or predictions.
• Examples: It will rain tomorrow.
• I will attend the meeting tomorrow.
• She will help you with your homework.
• Will you come to the party?
• Would: Used for hypothetical situations or polite requests.
• Example: Would you mind helping me?
• f I won the lottery, I would buy a new car.
• Would you mind passing me the salt?
• He would often visit his grandparents in the summer.
Shall vs. Should May vs. Might
• Shall: Used for suggestions or formal May: Used for permission or
invitations. expressing possibility.
• Examples: Shall we go for a walk? • Examples: May I use your phone?
• Shall we go to the movies tonight?
• I shall finish the report by tomorrow. • May I use your phone for a moment?
• Shall I call you in the morning? • It may rain later, so bring an
umbrella.
• Should: Used for advice or expressing • She may come to the event if she's
obligation.
• Example: You should finish your homework.
available.
Might: Used for a lesser degree of
• You should exercise regularly for better possibility or uncertainty.
health.
• Example: It might snow later.
• I should start working on the project • I might join you for lunch later.
now. • It might be a good idea to call
• Shouldn't you apologize for your mistake? ahead and check.
Must vs. Have To
Must: Used for strong necessity or obligation.
• Examples: You must submit your report by Friday.
• You must submit your application by the deadline.
• We must follow the rules to maintain order.
• I must finish this assignment tonight.
Have To: Used for general necessity or obligation.
• Examples: I have to attend a meeting tomorrow.
• I have to attend a meeting at 2 PM.
• She has to finish her chores before going out.
• Do you have to leave so soon?
Usage in Questions/Negatives
• Can you come to the party?

• Would you like to join us?
• You could have completed the assignment before the
deadline.
• She cannot attend the meeting.
• He must not miss this important even of his life.
• You shouldn’t have opted for mathematics as you
know you are a bit weak in mathematics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Common mistakes when using modal verbs can arise due to
misunderstandings of their meanings or how they function in
sentences. Here are some common errors people make with
modal verbs:
• Examples
• I can swim when I was a child.
• If it will rain, the event would be cancelled.
• You shall start your homework now.
• I must be at the airport at 3 PM, or I'll miss my flight.
• If I would win the lottery, I would travel the world.
Exercise
1. You __________ to apologize for your behavior. (need/should)
2. I __________ go to the party if I finish my homework early. (might/may)
3. She __________ play the piano when she was younger. (can/could)
4. Students __________ follow the school rules at all times. (must/ought to)
5. __________ you please pass me the salt? (can, should)
6. We __________ leave for the airport at 6 AM tomorrow. (must/will)
7. He __________ attend the meeting as it is mandatory. (must/should)
8. If you study hard, you __________ pass the exam. (will, should)
9. We __________ visit the museum next weekend. (may, might)
10. It __________ rain later, so take an umbrella. (may, might)
Answer Key
1. need
2. might
3. could
4. must
5. Can
6. will
7. must
8. will
9. may
10. might
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Unveiling the World of

• Definition of Modal Verbs: Modal verbs, also

• Explanation: Modal verbs are unique

• Expressing Ability: Can, could

• Could: Used for past ability or polite requests.

• Can you come to the party?

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