Modal Verbs in English | Basic Level
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Modal verbs are words or expressions that give more information to the verb.
They do not change the meaning of the verb. They just add information to it—for example, ability, possibility, obligation, probability, etcetera.
Examples of Modal Verbs
Using CAN to express ability or possibility
In the examples below, Sentence 1 expresses the idea in the main verb. In Sentence 2, the modal verb “can” adds the idea of ability or possibility to the verb.
Example 1
- Carlos plays tennis every Saturday.
- Carlos can play tennis very well.
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Example 2
- John doesn’t eat peanuts. He doesn’t like them.
- John can’t eat peanuts. He’s allergic to them.
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Using MUST to express obligation or necessity
In the examples below, Sentence 1 expresses the idea in the main verb. In Sentence 2, the modal verb “must” adds the idea of obligation or necessity to the verb.
Example 3
- Stop when you get to the corner.
- You must stop at the corner.
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Example 4
- It’s important to see a doctor when you’re sick.
- I’m sick. I must see my doctor.
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Using MAY to ask for or give permission.
In the examples below, Sentence 1 expresses the idea in the main verb. In Sentence 2, the modal verb “may” adds the idea of asking or giving someone permission to do it.
Example 5
- I go home when I finish the job.
- I just finished the job. May I go home?
Example 6
- I leave work at 5.
- It’s 4:45. You may leave now.
Characteristics of Modal Verbs
Modal verbs have only one form when they are conjugated.
In the following examples, notice that the modal verbs do not have an -S in the third person.
Examples
I can
You can
She can
We can
They can
I must
You must
She must
We must
They must
Modal verbs do not use auxiliary verbs.
Most modal verbs do not use auxiliary verbs such as “do” or “did.” You simply use the modal verb for questions and negative sentences.
Examples
I can speak English.
I can’t speak English.
Can you speak English?
You may leave now.
You may not leave now.
May we leave now?
You should study hard.
You shouldn’t forget to study for the test.
Should we start studying now?
Most modal verbs Have only one or two forms.
Most modal verbs have only a present from and a past form. “Must” has only a present form.
can could
may might
must —
shall should
will would
For example, “must” has only a present form. However, it can express different verb tenses and ideas such as a fact or a future necessity:
I must start work at 9 every morning. (fact)
I must leave at 7 tomorrow. (future)
To express other verb tenses, you must use other constructions. For example, you can use have to in many verb tenses to express must.
I had to start work at 8 yesterday. (past)
Next week, we will have to study for the exam. (future with will)
Modal verbs are usually followed by the bare infinitive.
A bare infinitive is an infinitive without “to.” Many modal verbs use the bare infinitive, but not all of them do.
Examples
My brother can speak five languages.
We must finish in 10 minutes.
May I ask you a question?
Exception: Semi-modal verbs
Semi-modal verbs have different forms and use auxiliary verbs.
Semi-modal verbs (for example, have to, need to, be able to) express similar meanings to other modal verbs (for example, have to = must), but they work like ordinary verbs.
Semi-modals have various forms (for example, need, needs, needed, needing) and use auxiliary verbs for interrogative and negative sentences (doesn’t need to, will be needing to, didn’t need to, is going to need to).
Also notice that these semi-modal verbs are followed by a to-infinitive.
Example: MUST = HAVE TO
I must go.
I’m going to have to go tomorrow.
Do you have to go now?
I don’t have to go.
Example: CAN = BE ABLE TO
We can understand the teacher.
We will be able to understand the teacher next class.
Are you going to be able to understand the teacher next week?
No, we probably won’t able to understand the teacher.
IMPORTANT! Modal verbs can express different meanings.
In the examples below, notice how the same modal verb (can, must, and may) can have different meanings. You understand the meaning from the context.
Examples: CAN
I can speak English. (ability)
You can make new friends in college. (possibility)
Examples: MUST
You must finish the exam at 3 p.m. (requirement or necessity)
It’s 3 in the afternoon. You must be hungry. (probability)
Examples: MAY
May I come in? (asking for permission)
It may rain tomorrow. (probability)
You may leave now. (giving permission)
Learning Modal Verbs
There are many modal verbs in English, and you can express different ideas with each of them. This can make learning modal verbs difficult. Pay very close attention to how the modal verb is used to understand what it expresses.
You can make it easier to learn modal verbs by learning them one by one. You must also get a lot of practice.