Modal Verbs Examples
Modals are small words which come before the verb. They carry different meanings in different situations, The modals covered in this lesson are can, could, must, may, might, should, will, would, and ought to.
Can and Could
The modals can and could have different meanings when used in different situations.
Example |
Meaning |
I can speak Japanese. |
present tense, is able to |
When she was young she could swim for hours. |
past tense, was able to |
Can/Could you carry the bag, please? |
polite request |
Can/Could I get you a drink? |
offer |
It could be broken. |
possibility |
We could walk instead of drive. |
suggestion |
Must
The modal must has the following meanings.
Example |
Meaning |
We must tell the truth. |
obligation or need to do something |
He fell asleep in the chair. |
probability/certainty |
Must I finish my vegetables? |
When a question begins with must, it means “Is it necessary?” The question is usually a form of protest |
May and Might
The modal may and might has the following meanings.
Example |
Meaning |
May we use the room? |
To ask for permission. (May is more commonly used here than might) |
You may leave now. |
To give or refuse permission in formal English. (May is used here but not might) |
She may be late. |
To indicate possibility. (Might is used when there is a smaller probability of something happening.). |
You may want to try that question again. |
To indicate suggestion. |
Will
The modal will has the following meanings.
Example |
Meaning |
We will not tolerate injustice. |
show determination |
She will be leaving for London next week. |
show future action |
Would
The modal would has the following meanings.
Example |
Meaning |
John said that he would buy the car. |
the past form of will in reported speech |
If I had won a million dollars, I would travel around the world. |
in imaginary conditions |
She would always play the piano after everyone else was in bed. |
to talk about past habits |
Would you like to help me? |
polite request |
Should and Ought to
Ought to has similar functions and meanings as should.
The modal should and ought to have the following meanings.
Example |
Meaning |
We should sell this house. We ought to sell this car. |
to make a suggestion |
We should be able to move next week. It ought to sell fast. |
to indicate expectation. |
They should have come earlier. We ought to have spent less. |
to indicate regret |
Videos
This English grammar lesson looks at how to use "can", "could", and "be able to", when talking about ability. This video explains which term is appropriate, depending on if you're talking about the past, present, or future.
This video lists some modal verbs and briefly explains their use. Can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would.
English modal verbs (Part 1): Can/can't, may/may not/mustn't, must/needn't.
Grammar - Giving Advice - Should, Ought to, Had better
This video teaches you how to give advice, using 'should', 'ought to', and 'had better'. These are used differently and can mean different things.
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