Modals¶
Modal verbs express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and more.
Overview¶
| Word | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability, possibility, or permission | I can swim. I cannot (can't) swim. Can I swim? |
| Could | Past ability, polite requests, or possibilities | I could swim when I was younger. I couldn't swim. Could I swim? |
| May | Permission or a possibility that is more likely | You may leave the room. You may not leave. May I leave the room? |
| Might | A possibility that is less certain | It might rain today. It might not rain. Might it rain today? |
| Must | Necessity, strong obligation, or a logical conclusion | You must wear a seatbelt. You mustn't smoke here. Must I wear a seatbelt? |
| Ought to | Moral obligation or advice (similar to "should") | You ought to help your friends. You ought not to ignore responsibilities. Ought I to help? |
| Shall | Offering/suggesting something, or future actions (formal) | I shall return by evening. I shall not go. Shall I open the window? |
| Should | Advice, recommendations, or expectations | You should study for the exam. You shouldn't waste time. Should I study? |
| Would | Polite requests, hypothetical situations, or preferences | I would like a cup of tea. I wouldn't ask him. Would you like some coffee? |
Usage Details¶
Can — expresses present ability, possibility, or permission.
- Ability: I can swim.
- Possibility: It can get very cold here.
- Permission: Can I leave early?
Could — expresses past ability, polite requests, or conditional possibility.
- Past ability: I could swim when I was younger.
- Polite request: Could you help me?
- Possibility: It could rain tomorrow.
May — expresses permission or a possibility that is more likely.
- Permission: You may leave the room.
- Possibility: It may rain today.
Might — expresses a possibility that is less certain.
- Uncertainty: It might rain today.
- Suggestion: You might want to check that.
Must — strong obligation or logical conclusion.
- Obligation: You must wear a seatbelt.
- Logical conclusion: She must be tired after that long trip.
Should — advice, recommendations, or expectations.
- Advice: You should study for the exam.
- Expectation: The package should arrive tomorrow.
Ought to — moral obligation or advice, similar to "should".
- Moral obligation: You ought to help your friends.
Shall — offers, suggestions, or formal future actions.
- Offer: Shall I open the window?
- Formal future: I shall return by evening.
Would — polite requests, hypothetical situations, or preferences.
- Polite request: Would you like some coffee?
- Hypothetical: I would buy a house if I had the money.
- Preference: I would rather stay home.