List of Modals with Examples

English could be a very tricky language because of the complexities of the structures involved. But once you get hold of the basics, you can actually become a pro in it. It’s these basics which will help you in forming a strong foundation. And we all know what these basics are and what is the foundation of any language. Yes, it’s grammar. Once you get a good hold over the grammar, the rest of the journey becomes a lot easier. So, today, we are going to discuss one such basic which form an important part of English grammar i.e., Modals.

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What Are Modals and What are its Functions?

Modals are auxiliary verbs i.e., helping verbs which express the modality of a statement or a main verb. Modality could be anything starting from the request, likelihood, permission, ability, capacity, suggestions, orders, obligations to advice. So, basically, the Modal verbs are used along with the main verb in order to give additional information regarding its nature. For instance, consider the statement given below.

1. Don’t you dare to challenge my authority!
2. I can do it.
3. It may rain today.

In these three statements, “dare”, “can” and “may” are the modals. If you look closer at them you will understand what we mean by the statement that modals express modality. In the first statement, the Modal “dare” shows that it’s an order. In the second statement, “can” signifies the ability of the subject “I” and in the third one, the word “may” highlights some possibility. So, the Modals used in these sentences give us some additional information about the main verb, noun or subject of the statement.

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List of Common Modals with Examples

In the English language, there are many modals but we will only talk about the ones which are used the most frequently.

Shall

The Modal “shall” is used to denote a suggestion or a promise. It can also be used to give an order. So, this particular modal can be used in many senses but what we need to remember is that it’s always used in the present or future sense.

Suggestion	Shall I do it for you?
Order	You shall not enter the library.
Promise	You shall get your books back by tomorrow.

Should

The modal “should” can be used to express a suggestion or advice and duty or moral obligation.

Advice or suggestion	You should do your homework on time.
Duty or Moral obligation	We should respect our teachers, elders and parents.

Will

The modal “will” expresses potential. It can be used to denote determination, intention, willingness, to make a demand or even a promise.

Determination	I will win this match.
Intention, Willingness	We will go to Ladakh next summer.I will donate as much as I can.
Prediction/assumption	I think he will come tomorrow.
Promise	I will buy you a watch for your birthday
Demand	Will you turn off the light?

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Would

The modal “would” is used to make a polite request in the present moment and can be used to talk about a habit or happening of the past.

Polite Request	Would you hold this for me?
Habit	Earlier, I would go to movies on weekends.

Can

The modal “can” is used to take permission, make an offer, request or a suggestion, express a possibility, reflect on your ability and also can be used to reflect on one’s capacity or potential.

Permission/request	Can I come with you?
Ability/capacity	I can paint without using a paintbrush.
Offer	I can lend you my car if it’s urgent.
Possibility	He can be very rude at times.

Could

Could is usually used in the past tense to express ability. Also, it’s a politer version of the modal “can” and therefore can be used to make polite requests, offers or suggestions.

Ability	I could have done better.
Request	Could I come with you?
Suggestion	You could have bought a black dress.
Probability (Regarding a past event)	You could have gotten lost in the market.

May

The modal “may” can be used to take permission, express some possibility and can also be used to make a wish.

Permission	May I come in?
Possibility	His employer may not grant him a leave.
Wish	May she get better soon.

Might

Like the modal “may”, “might” can also be used to express possibility but only when the possibility is even lesser. It can also be used to denote a permission which was given in the past or express possibility in the past tense.

Possibility	He might be ill.
Permission	The teacher said that we might go home if we want.
Possibility	I thought that he might back out from the match.

Must

The modal “must” is used to express necessity or obligation, an assumption or conclusion. It can also be used to express prohibition.

Necessity/obligation	I must be home by 8.
Assumption/conclusion	He must be in some grave danger.
Prohibition	You must not tell lies.

Ought to

The modal “ought to” is used to denote a moral obligation which is objective in nature or express an objective belief.

Moral Obligation	You ought to have completed the work honestly.
Belief	By the looks of it, he ought to be an amazing teacher.

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So, these are the 10 Modals which are frequently used by everyone. We hope that this blog helped you learn about these special verbs and their meanings. Planning for English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you through your exam preparation with the best guidance, study materials and online classes! Sign up for a free demo with us now!