Introduction: All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called modals. Unlike other auxiliary verbs, modals only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the main verb in a sentence.
The modal verbs are: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should, Ought to, Will, Would
Uses of Modal Verbs
Model | Example | Use |
Can | They can control own budgets. | Ability/possibility /inability /impossibility asking for permission request |
Could | Could I borrow your dictionary? | Asking for permission |
May | May I have another cup of coffee? | Asking for permission |
Might | We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now | Present possibility |
Must | We must say good bye now. | Necessity / Obligation |
Ought to | We ought to employ a professional writer. | Saying what's right or correct |
Shall | Shall I help you with your luggage? | Offer |
Should | We should short out this problem at once. | Saying what's right or correct recommending action uncertain prediction |
Will | I can't see any taxis so I'// walk. | Instant decisions |
Would | Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me? | Asking for permission |
Modals express the mood a verb, such as ability, possibility, necessity, or another condition. They are used with a main verb to form a sentence or a question. Models are not conjugated, have no tense, and cannot be used without a main verb.
When used with modal verbs (except ought), main verbs always remain in the Infinitive with out to.
You can access the solutions to this worksheet here.
1. What are modals in English grammar? | ![]() |
2. Can you provide some examples of modals in sentences? | ![]() |
3. How are modals different from regular verbs? | ![]() |
4. Can modals be used in all tenses? | ![]() |
5. What is the importance of using modals in English? | ![]() |