Modal Verbs

Here's a list of the modal verbs in English:

can could may might will

would must shall should ought to

Modals are different from normal verbs: 

1: They don't use an 's' for the third person singular.
2: They make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?').
3: They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to').

Probability:
First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that something happened / is
happening / will happen. We often call these 'modals of deduction' or 'speculation' or
'certainty' or 'probability'.

For example:

 It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.

 I don't know where John is. He could have missed the train.
 This bill can't be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!

Ability
We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability.

For example:

 She can speak six languages.

 My grandfather could play golf very well.
 I can't drive.

Click here to find out more about ability.

Obligation and Advice

We can use verbs such as 'must' or 'should' to say when something is necessary or
unnecessary, or to give advice.

For example:

 Children must do their homework.

 We have to wear a uniform at work.
 You should stop smoking.

Click here to find out more about obligation

Permission
We can use verbs such as 'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask for and give permission. We also
use modal verbs to say something is not allowed.

For example:

 Could I leave early today, please?

 You may not use the car tonight.
 Can we swim in the lake?

Habits
We can use 'will' and 'would' to talk about habits or things we usually do, or did in the
past. 

For example:

 When I lived in Italy, we would often eat in the restaurant next to my flat.

 John will always be late!

modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used
with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a
list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings:
Modal Meaning Example
can to express ability I can speak a little Russian.
can to request permission Can I open the window?
may to express possibility I may be home late.
may to request permission May I sit down, please?
must to express obligation I must go now.
must to express strong belief She must be over 90 years old.
should to give advice You should stop smoking.
would to request or offer Would you like a cup of tea?
would in if-sentences If I were you, I would say sorry.

Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form (spelling)
and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present). The
modals must and can need substitute verbs to express obligation or ability in
the different tenses. Here are some examples:

Past simple Sorry I'm late. I had to finish my math test.

Present perfect She's had to return to Korea at short notice.
Future You'll have to work hard if you want to pass the exams.
Infinitive I don't want to have to go.
Past simple I couldn't/wasn't able to walk until I was 3 years old.
Present perfect I haven't been able to solve this problem. Can you
help?
Future I'm not sure if I will be able to come to your party.
Infinitive I would love to be able to play the piano.

Modals are auxiliary verbs. They do not need an additional auxiliary in

negatives or questions. For example: Must I come? (Do I must come?), or: He
shouldn't smoke (He doesn't should smoke).

Modal Example Uses

Can They can control their own budgets. Ability / Possibility
We can’t fix it. Inability / Impossibility
Can I smoke here?
Asking for permission
Can you help me?
Request

Could Could I borrow your dictionary? Asking for permission.

 Could you say it again more slowly? Request

We could try to fix it ourselves. Suggestion

I think we could have another Gulf War. Future possibility

He gave up his old job so he could work for us. Ability in the past

May May I have another cup of coffee? Asking for permission

China may become a major economic power. Future possibility

Might We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their Present possibility
dinner now.
Future possibility
They might give us a 10% discount.

Must We must say good-bye now. Necessity / Obligation

They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary. Prohibition

Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Saying what’s right or correct

Shall Shall I help you with your luggage? Offer
(More Shall we say 2.30 then? Suggestion
common in
the UK than
the US) Shall I do that or will you? Asking what to do

Should We should sort out this problem at once. Saying what’s right or correct
I think we should check everything again. Recommending action

Profits should increase next year. Uncertain prediction

Will I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk. Instant decisions

I'll do that for you if you like. Offer

I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday. Promise

Profits will increase next year. Certain prediction

Would Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me? Asking for permission
Would you pass the salt please? Request

Would you mind waiting a moment? Request

 "Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be fine." Making arrangements

Would you like to play golf this Friday? Invitation

"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea Preferences

please."

Modal Verbs
Modal and Modal Phrases (Semi-Modals)
A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission or
obligation. Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express the same things as modals, but are a
combination of auxiliary verbs and the preposition to. The modals and semi-modals in English are:

1. Can/could/be able to
2. May/might
3. Shall/should
4. Must/have to
5. Will/would

Can, Could, Be Able To

Can, could and be able to are used to express a variety of ideas in English:

Ability/Lack of Ability

Present and Future:

can/can’t + base form of the verb

1. Tom can write poetry very well.

2. I can help you with that next week.
3. Lisa can’t speak French.
am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb
am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb

1. Mike is able to solve complicated math equations

2. The support team will be able to help you in about ten minutes.
3. I won’t be able to visit you next summer.
 Past:

could / couldn’t + base form of the verb

1. When I was a child I could climb trees.

was / were + able to + base form of the verb
wasn’t / weren’t + able to + base form of the verb
hasn’t / haven’t + been able to + base form of the verb

1. I wasn’t able to visit her in the hospital.

2. He hasn’t been able to get in touch with the client yet.
Note: Can and could do not take an infinitive (to verb) and do not take the future auxiliary will.

 Incorrect: I can to help you this afternoon.

 Correct: I can help you this afternoon.
 Correct: I will (I’ll) be able to help you this afternoon.

Possibility / Impossibility

can / can’t + base form of the verb

1. You can catch that train at 10:43.

2. He can’t see you right now. He’s in surgery.
could + base form of the verb

1. I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave the day before.

Ask Permission / Give Permission

Can + Subject + base form of the verb (informal)

1. Can you lend me ten dollars?

Can + base form of the verb (informal)

1. You can borrow my car.

Could + subject + base form of the verb (polite)

1. Could I have your number?
2. Could I talk to your supervisor please?

Make a suggestion – To make a suggestion use:

Could + base form of the verb (informal)

1. You could take the tour of the castle tomorrow.

Exercises: Can, Could, Be able to
Fill in the correct form of can, could or be able to as in the examples.

1. Ben could not help his little brother with his homework yesterday.

2. Can I call you later tonight?

1. _______ Tony run long distances when he was a boy?

2. ______ you please call a tow truck for me? My car broke down. (polite)
3. The students _______ to buy their textbooks today. The bookstore is all out of them.
4. ______ you teach me how to fix my computer? You’re so good at it.
5. ______ you ______ reach the customer if you call him at 4:00 his time?
Answers:

1. Could
2. Could
3. aren’t able
4. Can
5. Will/be able to

May, Might
Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition

may / may not + base form of the verb

1. You may start your exam now.

2. You may not wear sandals to work.

Polite Request

May + subject + base form of the verb

1. May I help you?

Possibility / Negative Possibility

may/ might + base form of the verb

1. We may go out dinner tonight. Do you want to join us?

2. Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.
may not / might not + base form of the verb

1. Adam and Sue may not buy that house. It’s very expensive.

2. They might not buy a house at all.
To Make a Suggestion (when there is no better alternative)

may as well / might as well + base form of the verb

1. You may as well come inside. John will be home soon.

2. We might as well take Friday off. There’s no work to be done anyway.

Polite Suggestion

might + base form of the verb

1. You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s our special today.

Exercises: May / Might

Fill in the correct form of may or might as in the example.

1. May I sit here?

1. They ______ finish the project on time. The main engineer is ill.
2. You _____ want to stop by the museum gift shop on your way out.
3. _____ I have your autograph?
4. He _______ visit the Louvre. He’s in Paris anyway.
5. You ______ park your car here. It’s reserved for guests of the hotel only.
Answers:

1. might not
2. might
3. May
4. may as well
5. may not

Shall, Should, Ought to

To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are quite sure of a positive answer)

Shall + subject + base form of the verb

1. Shall we go for a walk?
Note: Shall is only used with I or we. It is used instead of will only in formal English.

To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are not sure of a positive answer)

Should + subject + base form of the verb

1. Should I call a doctor?
A Prediction or Expectation that Something Will Happen

should/shouldn’t + base form of the verb

1. The proposal should be finished on time.

2. I shouldn’t be late. The train usually arrives on time.

To Give Advice

should / ought to + base form of the verb

1. You should check that document before you send it out.

2. You ought to have your car serviced before the winter.

To Give Advice (about something you think wrong or unacceptable)

shouldn’t + base form of the verb

1. James shouldn’t teach him words like those.

Exercises: Should, Shouldn’t, Ought To

Fill in should, shouldn’t or ought in the following sentences as in the example.

1. He shouldn’t encourage such bad behavior.

1. You _____ get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

2. The house ______ be ready to move into by next month. It’s almost finished.
3. Ron ________ to improve his attitude. If he doesn’t, he might get fired.
4. ________ I get your jacket? It’s cold in here.
5. You ________ put your feet on the table. It’s not polite.
Answers:

1. should
2. should
3. ought
4. shall
5. shouldn’t

Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t have to, Needn’t

Necessity or Requirement

Present and Future:

must / have to / need to + base form of the verb

1. You must have a passport to cross the border.
2. Elisabeth has to apply for her visa by March 10th.
3. I need to drop by his room to pick up a book.

Past:

had to / needed to + base form of the verb

1. I had to work late last night.

2. I needed to drink a few cups of coffee in order to stay awake.
Note: have to and need to are often used in the same context, but many times, need to is used to
express something that is less urgent, something in which you have a choice.

Almost 100% Certain

must + base form of the verb

1. Thomas has lived in Paris for years. His French must be very good.

To Persuade

must / have to + base form of the verb

1. You must try this wine. It’s excellent.

2. You have to visit us while you’re in town.

Prohibited or Forbidden

must not / mustn’t + base form of the verb

1. You must not drive over the speed limit.

2. You mustn’t leave medicines where children can get to them.

Lack of Necessity

don’t /doesn’t /didn’t + have to + base form of the verb

1. You don’t have to park the car. The hotel valet will do it for you.

2. Tim doesn’t have to go to school today. It’s a holiday.
3. You didn’t have to shout. Everyone could hear you.
needn’t + base form of the verb

1. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.

Exercises: Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t Have to, Needn’t
Fill in the blanks with one of these modals:
must, must not, have to, has to, don’t have to, doesn’t have to, needn’t as in the examples.
There may be more than one correct answer.

1. Shira doesn’t have to drive to the airport. She’s going by taxi.

2. You must speak politely to the customers.

1. You ______ tell Anna about the party tomorrow night. It’s a surprise! (must not, need to, doesn’t
have to)
2. Tina _______ register for her classes on Monday, otherwise she won’t get a place in them. (doesn’t
have to, mustn’t, has to)
3. You ________ send that fax. I’ve already sent it. (must, will have to, don’t have to)
4. A dog ______ get special training in order to be a guide dog. (must, need to, don’t have to)
5. Jeremy _______ get up early tomorrow. His class was cancelled. (mustn’t, doesn’t have to, don’t
need to)
Answers:

1. must not
2. has to
3. don’t have to
4. must
5. doesn’t have to

Modals: Will / Would

will / won’t + base form of the verb

1. John will pick you up at 7:00am.

2. Beth won’t be happy with the results of the exam.

Polite Request or Statement

Will / Would + base form of the verb

1. Will you please take the trash out?

2. Would you mind if I sat here?
3. I’d (I would) like to sign up for your workshop.

Habitual Past Action

Would/Wouldn’t + base form of the verb

1. When I was a child, I would spend hours playing with my train set.

2. Peter wouldn’t eat broccoli when he was a kid. He loves it now.

Exercises: will, would

Fill in the blanks with one of the following words: will, won’t, would, wouldn’t.

1. Will you please help me lift this box?

1. I ______ like to order the onion soup please.

2. The manager _______ be pleased to hear that a customer slipped on the wet floor.
3. _______ it be okay if I slept here tonight?
4. When Igor lived in Russia, he ________ call his mother as often as he does now.
5. I can assure you sir, the order ______ be shipped out tonight.
Answers:

1. would
2. won’t
3. would
4. wouldn’t
5. will

Exercises – All Modals

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the following modals:
can, could, be able to, may, might, shall, should, must, have to, don’t have to, need to
- You may have to make the modals negative according to the context of the sentence.
- There may be more than one possibility.

1. He has to take his car to be serviced. The brakes are squeaking.

2. Would you please save me a seat at the dinner event.

1. If you are sick, you ________ go to work. You’ll infect everyone there.
2. Drivers _______ stop at red lights.
3. You _______ finish the proposal today. You can finish it tomorrow.
4. She ______ hear much better with her new hearing aids.
5. ______ I order us a bottle of wine?
6. Sam ______ pick his daughter up from school. She’s taking the bus home.
7. You _____________ smoke here. It’s a smoke-free building.
8. You ________ eat so many sweets. They are bad for you.
9. _________ you mind walking a little faster? We’re going to be late.
10. I’m sorry. I _______ help you. I don’t know how to do it.
Answers:

1. shouldn’t
2. must
3. don’t have to
4. can
5. shall
6. needn’t
7. mustn’t
8. shouldn’t
9. would
10. can’t 

1. I got a C on my math test. I   (should / do) better 

than that. 

2. Don't be so hard on yourself. It   (may / be) your 

fault. It just   (could / be) a more difficult test 

than usual. 

3. No, it   (could / be) that difficult. The rest of the 

class did pretty well. I   (should / study) harder. 

4. What   you   (could / do) differently? 

5. Well, for one thing, I   (should / miss) that day of 

class. 

6. You missed a day? Did you get the notes? 

7. No, I   (ought to / copy) them. Some of the problems 

which I got wrong   (must / come) from that day. 

should have done, may not have been, could have been, couldn't have been, should have studied,
could have done, shouldn't have missed, ought to have copied, must have come
Exercises: Can, Could, Be able to
Fill in the correct form of can, could or be able to as in the examples.

Ben could not help his little brother with his homework yesterday.

Can I call you later tonight?

1. _______ Tony run long distances when he was a boy?

2. ______ you please call a tow truck for me? My car broke down. (polite)
3. The students _______ to buy their textbooks today. The bookstore is all out of them.
4. ______ you teach me how to fix my computer? You’re so good at it.
5. ______ you ______ reach the customer if you call him at 4:00 his time?

Exercises: May / Might

Fill in the correct form of may or might as in the example.

May I sit here?

1. They ______ finish the project on time. The main engineer is ill.
2. You _____ want to stop by the museum gift shop on your way out.
3. _____ I have your autograph?
4. He _______ visit the Louvre. He’s in Paris anyway.
5. You ______ park your car here. It’s reserved for guests of the hotel only.

Exercises: Should, Shouldn’t, Ought To

Fill in should, shouldn’t or ought in the following sentences as in the example.

He shouldn’t encourage such bad behavior.

1. You _____ get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

2. The house ______ be ready to move into by next month. It’s almost finished.
3. Ron ________ to improve his attitude. If he doesn’t, he might get fired.
4. ________ I get your jacket? It’s cold in here.
5. You ________ put your feet on the table. It’s not polite.

Exercises: Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t Have to, Needn’t
Fill in the blanks with one of these modals:
must, must not, have to, has to, don’t have to, doesn’t have to, needn’t as in the examples.
There may be more than one correct answer.

Shira doesn’t have to drive to the airport. She’s going by taxi.

 You must speak politely to the customers.

1. You ______ tell Anna about the party tomorrow night. It’s a surprise! (must not, need to, doesn’t
have to)
2. Tina _______ register for her classes on Monday, otherwise she won’t get a place in them.
(doesn’t have to, mustn’t, has to)
3. You ________ send that fax. I’ve already sent it. (must, will have to, don’t have to)
4. A dog ______ get special training in order to be a guide dog. (must, need to, don’t have to)
5. Jeremy _______ get up early tomorrow. His class was cancelled. (mustn’t, doesn’t have to,
don’t need to)

Exercises: will, would

Fill in the blanks with one of the following words: will, won’t, would, wouldn’t.

Will you please help me lift this box?

1. I ______ like to order the onion soup please.

2. The manager _______ be pleased to hear that a customer slipped on the wet floor.
3. _______ it be okay if I slept here tonight?
4. When Igor lived in Russia, he ________ call his mother as often as he does now.
5. I can assure you sir, the order ______ be shipped out tonight.
 Exercises – All Modals
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the following modals:
can, could, be able to, may, might, shall, should, must, have to, don’t have to, need to
- You may have to make the modals negative according to the context of the sentence.
- There may be more than one possibility.

He has to take his car to be serviced. The brakes are squeaking.

Would you please save me a seat at the dinner event.

1. If you are sick, you ________ go to work. You’ll infect everyone there.
2. Drivers _______ stop at red lights.
3. You _______ finish the proposal today. You can finish it tomorrow.
4. She ______ hear much better with her new hearing aids.
5. ______ I order us a bottle of wine?
6. Sam ______ pick his daughter up from school. She’s taking the bus home.
7. You _____________ smoke here. It’s a smoke-free building.
8. You ________ eat so many sweets. They are bad for you.
9. _________ you mind walking a little faster? We’re going to be late.
10. I’m sorry. I _______ help you. I don’t know how to do it.

1. I got a C on my math test. I   (should / do) better 

than that. 

2. Don't be so hard on yourself. It   (may / be) your 

fault. It just   (could / be) a more difficult test 

than usual. 

3. No, it   (could / be) that difficult. The rest of the 

class did pretty well. I   (should / study) harder. 

4. What   you   (could / do) differently? 

5. Well, for one thing, I   (should / miss) that day of 

class. 
6. You missed a day? Did you get the notes? 

7. No, I   (ought to / copy) them. Some of the problems 

which I got wrong   (must / come) from that day. 

 Modal Example Uses
Can They can control their own budgets. Ability / Possibility
We can’t fix it. Inability / Impossibility
Can I smoke here? Asking for permission
Can you help me? Request
Could Could I borrow your dictionary? Asking for permission.
Could you say it again more slowly? Request
We could try to fix it ourselves. Suggestion
I think we could have another Gulf War. Future possibility
He gave up his old job so he could work for us. Ability in the past
May May I have another cup of coffee? Asking for permission
China may become a major economic power. Future possibility
Might We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating Present possibility
their dinner now. Future possibility
They might give us a 10% discount.
Must We must say good-bye now. Necessity / Obligation
They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary. Prohibition
Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Saying what’s right or correct
Shall Shall I help you with your luggage? Offer
(More Shall we say 2.30 then? Suggestion
common in
the UK than Shall I do that or will you? Asking what to do
the US)
Should We should sort out this problem at once. Saying what’s right or correct
I think we should check everything again. Recommending action
Profits should increase next year. Uncertain prediction
Will I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk. Instant decisions
I'll do that for you if you like. Offer
I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday. Promise
Profits will increase next year. Certain prediction

Would Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me? Asking for permission
Would you pass the salt please? Request
Would you mind waiting a moment? Request
"Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be fine." Making arrangements
Would you like to play golf this Friday? Invitation
"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea Preferences
please."
 Activity: regrets
To practise should have you could ask students to think about regrets they’ve had in the past. To get them
started, give a few examples of your own, e.g.

 I should have visited my grandparents more.

 I shouldn’t have started smoking.
 I really should have learnt another language when I was young.
You are the presidential candidate for your country. You have just lost the election. You are speaking to one
of your aides. Ask students to think of ways of completing the sentence stems above.
Activity: modal verb drill
To focus on form and meaning, you can set up a drill like the following. Write on the board the words:

 POSSIBLE
 IMPOSSIBLE
 CERTAIN
Say different phrases and show how the sentence changes depending on if it’s possible, impossible or
certain, e.g.

We go out. (point to CERTAIN) We’ll go out.

We stay at home. (point to IMPOSSIBLE) We can’t stay at home.

We go to the cinema. (point to POSSIBLE) We might go to the cinema.

Continue, giving other cues. These cues could be spoken, or written on cards, which you can show the
students, e.g.

I have a drink. (CERTAIN)

I have coffee. (IMPOSSIBLE)

I have tea. (POSSIBLE)

We work tonight. (POSSIBLE)

You work tonight. (IMPOSSIBLE)

I work tonight. (CERTAIN)

Prepare six to twelve more examples.

Activity: jump to conclusions
Tell the students you are going to describe a situation that is open to interpretation (see box for examples).
When you finish, ask them to work in pairs and make as many sentences as possible as to what may have
happened. For this they should use modal verb + have + past participle, e.g.

When I arrived at school today, there were papers all over the floor in the hall and the director’s office.

Possible conclusions:

 There may have been a break-in.

 The director might have gone crazy and thrown the papers around.
 Some students may have played a joke.
 The director must have been furious.
Possible situations:

 You were stuck in traffic for two hours.

 You heard loud dance music coming from the staff room.
 No students came to class.
 When you walked in, all the students started laughing.
 X (a student’s name) was fifteen minutes late.
Activity: those are the rules

One activity to get students to practise modal verbs of obligation is to ask them to make rules. Here are
some ways of doing it:

1. Ask students to work in groups. Give each group the name of a place (e.g. library, swimming pool, jail,
school, bus, amusement park) and ask them to write rules for this place (using must, mustn’t, have to and
don’t have to). When they finish, groups read out their rules and the others guess the place.

2. Ask students to work in small groups or pairs. Ask them to imagine that they are in charge of designing the
rules for a perfect language school. They should include what the students and teacher should do, mustn’t
do and can do. At the end of the activity, ask different groups to read out their rules (or post them on the
wall). Who has the best school?

3. Prepare a series of sentences about typical rules in society (see below for examples) and ask students to
complete them with a modal verb so that they are true for their country, e.g.
You ____________ vote in elections.
You ____________ drink alcohol at the age of 18.
You ____________ get married at the age of 15.
You ____________ drive a car at the age of 14.
You ____________ do military service when you are 18.

What could the opposite sex do to make your life

easier?

What are some things you should have done last What must you do in your country to obtain a
week, but didn't do? driver's license?
What could you do to make your life more exciting? Name two things that you couldn't do last year that
Why don't you do it? you can do this year.
How would your parents punish you when you What could you be doing right now (instead of
misbehaved as a child? studying English)?
What more could you be doing to practice your
English? How would you recommend treating a cold?
Can you do anything creative? For example, can
you sing, dance, play a musical instrument, paint,
draw, or write poetry?