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? | ![]() |