We use modal verbs for:

1. Permission
2. Ability
3. Obligation
4. Prohibition
5. Advice
6. Possibility/probability
7. Conditionals

 

Modal verbs follow rules:

1. We use the bare infinitive after a modal verb.
2. You cannot use 2 modal verbs in a row.
3. The modal verb is used as the auxiliary verb in questions and in short answers.

 

The meaning of modal verbs:

Modal	Meaning	Example
can	to express ability	I can speak a little English.
can	to request permission	Can I have a drink of water, please?
may	to express possibility	I may miss the train.
may	to request permission	May I wash my hands, please?
may	To express probability	He may win the race at this rate.
must	to express obligation	I must study more.
must	to express strong belief	She must be very wealthy.
should	to give advice	You should do more exercise.
would	to request or offer	Would you like a cup of tea?
would	in if-sentences	If I were you, I would take a break.
could	To express past ability	I could swim when I was 6 years old.
could	To express possibility	It could be a good idea.
Might	To express possibility	It might help you find a job.

 

There are two types of modal verb:

1. Modal verbs: We normally use the bare infinitive (verb without to) after the modal. For instance: I should study more. I can play the flute.
2. Semi-modals: We sometimes use the full infinitive. For example: I ought to go. I have to learn more vocabulary to become fluent.

 

As we cannot use two modal verbs together, we usually use a modal verb + a semi-modal verb:

Study the example; we must can listen and take notes at the same time in the exam. It should be we must be able to listen and take notes at the same time in the exam.

 

Study the semi-modal expressions here

It is important to understand that there are similar expressions that are synonyms or have a very similar meaning to some modal verbs.

Can (ability) = be able to, be capable of, know how to

May (permission) = be permitted, be allowed, let, be ok, might, could, be able to

Must (obligation) = be required, be essential, have to, be obliged, be obligatory

Can’t (prohibition) = mustn’t, be forbidden, be prohibited, be against the rules / not be able to etc.

Should (advice) = be advisable, be recommended, be a good idea, ought to. had better

Needn’t (lack of necessity) = not have to, not need to, not be necessary

 

Modal perfect: talking about an unreal past

MODAL VERB + HAVE + PARTICIPLE

I should have learnt English as a child = I didn’t learn English as a child

You might have told me that you were going to be late = You didn’t tell me

He could have listened to the instructions = He didn’t listen to the instructions

 

Study the modal perfect here

Modal verbs are very easy to use and they are used as the auxiliary in a question, like:

Can you show me the way to the beach? 

Must we do all the exercises for homework?

Should we do more listening practice before the exam?

 

For extra practice with modal verbs, click HERE

 

Download exercises in PDF

MODAL VERBS AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS

MODAL VERB REPHRASING 1

MODAL VERB REPHRASING 2

MODAL VERB REPHRASING 3

MODAL PERFECT

(NEW) GRAMMAR: MODAL VERBS (B1-C1)