Modal Verbs in English | Basic Level
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Modal verbs are words or expressions that 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.
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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 on the corner. There is a stop sign there.
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Example 4
- I see my doctor when I’m 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 something.
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.
Learning Modal Verbs
There are many modal verbs in English (for example, could, may, might, must, must not, need, shall, should, will, would, etcetera). You can also use the same modal verb to express different ideas. This can make learning modal verbs difficult.
You can make it easier to learn modal verbs by learning them one by one. You must also get a lot of practice.