A modal auxiliary verb, often simply called a modal verb or even just a modal, is

used to change the meaning of other verbs (commonly known as main verbs) by
expressing modality—that is, asserting (or denying) possibility, likelihood, ability,
permission, obligation, or future intention.

Modal verbs are defined by their inability to conjugate for tense and the third
person singular (i.e., they do not take an “-s” at the end when he, she, or it is the
subject), and they cannot form infinitives, past participles, or present participles. All
modal auxiliary verbs are followed by a main verb in its base form (the
infinitive without to); they can never be followed by other modal verbs, lone
auxiliary verbs, or nouns.

There are nine “true” modal auxiliary verbs: will, shall, would, should, can, could,
may, might, and must. The verbs dare, need, used to, and ought to can also be
used in the same way as modal verbs, but they do not share all the same
characteristics; for this reason, they are referred to as semi-modal auxiliary verbs,
which are discussed in a separate section.

As a modal auxiliary verb, will is particularly versatile, having several different

functions and meanings. It is used to form future tenses, to express willingness or
ability, to make requests or offers, to complete conditional sentences, to express
likelihood in the immediate present, or to issue commands.
Example:
I will go to the college tomorrow.
The modal auxiliary verb shall is used in many of the same ways as will.
Generally, shall is only used when I or we is the subject, though this is not a
strict rule (and does not apply at all when issuing commands, as we’ll see).
Example: Diana shall be happy to see you.

The modal auxiliary verb would has a variety of functions and uses. It is used in
place of will for things that happened or began in the past, and, like shall, it is
sometimes used in place of will to create more formal or polite sentences. It is also
used to express requests and preferences, to describe hypothetical situations, and
to politely offer or ask for advice or an opinion. Example: Would you like some
coffe?

The modal verb should is used to politely express obligations or duties; to ask for
or issue advice, suggestions, and recommendations; to describe an expectation; to
create conditional sentences; and to express surprise. There are also a number of
uses that occur in British English, but that are not common in American English.
Example: You shouldn´t work so hard.
As a modal auxiliary verb, can is most often used to express a person or thing’s
ability to do something. It is also used to express or ask for permission to do
something, to describe the possibility that something can happen, and to issue
requests and offers. Example: I can speak five languages. I can play the guitar.

The modal verb could is most often used as a past-tense version of can, indicating
what someone or something was able to do in the past; it can also be used instead
of can as a more polite way of making a request or asking for permission. Could is
also used to express a slight or uncertain possibility, as well as for making a
suggestion or offer. Example: I couldn´t sleep last night.

The modal verb may is used to request, grant, or describe permission; to politely
offer to do something for someone; to express the possibility of something
happening or occurring; or to express a wish or desire that something will be the
case in the future. We can also use may as a rhetorical device to express or
introduce an opinion or sentiment about something.
Example:
You may use your cell phone in this moment.

The modal verb might is most often used to express an unlikely or uncertain
possibility. Might also acts as a very formal and polite way to ask for permission,
and it is used as the past-tense form of may when asking permission in reported
speech. It can also be used to suggest an action, or to introduce two differing.
Example:
Might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.