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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.
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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.
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.
Examples
I can speak English. (ability)
You can make new friends in college. (possibility)
You must finish the exam at 3 p.m. (requirement or necessity)
It’s 3 in the afternoon. You must be hungry. (probability)
May I come in? (asking for permission)
It may rain tomorrow. (probability)
You may leave now. (giving permission)
Most Modal Verbs Have Only Two forms (Present and Past) or Only One
Examples
can could
may might
must —
shall should
will would
Most modal verbs have only a present from and a past form. For example, you can use the modal “can” in the present (“I can swim”) or in the past (“I could swim.”), but you cannot use any other verb forms.
The modal verb “must” has only this form, which is its present form. For example, you can use it to express a fact (”I must start work at 9 every morning") or to express a necessity in the future (“I must leave at 7 tomorrow.”) To express other verb tenses, you must use other grammatical constructions or expressions.
Modal verbs are usually followed by the bare infinitive.
A bare infinitive is an infinitive without “to.”
Examples
My brother can speak five languages.
We must finish in 10 minutes.
May I ask you a question?
Exception: 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 modal verbs, but they work like ordinary verbs.
Semi-modals have different verb forms (for example, need, needed, needing) and use auxiliary verbs for interrogative and negative sentences.
Also notice that these semi-modal verbs are followed by a to-infinitive.
Examples
I have to go.
Do you have to go?
I don’t have to go.
We needed to study.
Did you need to study French?
No, we didn’t need to study French.
IMPORTANT! Modal verbs can express different meanings.
Examples
I can speak English. (ability)
You can make new friends in college. (possibility)
You must finish the exam at 3 p.m. (requirement or necessity)
It’s 3 in the afternoon. You must be hungry. (probability)
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 (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. Pay close attention to the context so you can understand what a modal verb expresses in that context.
You can make it easier to learn modal verbs by learning them one by one. You must also get a lot of practice.