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
Modal Verbs
English Grammar

Modal verbs are a part of the larger category called auxiliary verbs which are verbs that cannot be used on
their own. They need to be accompanied by another (main) verb. Sometimes modal verbs are called modal
auxiliaries.
The following words are modal verbs: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should, Will, Would.
They are modal auxiliary verbs that provide additional information about the verb that follows it.
Modal verbs are used to express ability, obligation, permission, assumptions, probability and possibility,
requests and offers, and advice. Each modal verb can have more than meaning which depends on the context
of that sentence (or question).
 You can go now. (= permission)
 I can play the guitar. (= ability)

Structure with Modal Verbs

A Modal verb is followed by another verb in the base form (the infinitive without the 'To') and they are not
conjugated (we don't add an 'S' in third person). See the following structure:
Subject + Modal Verb + Verb (base form of the infinitive)
 I can speak English (NOT: I can to speak English)
 He can speak Spanish (NOT: He can speaks Spanish)
 She can speak Spanish (NOT: She cans speak Spanish)

Modal Verbs in Negative Sentences

Subject + Modal Verb + not + Verb (base form of the infinitive)
 You must not walk on the grass. (= You mustn't walk on the grass.)
 He cannot speak Arabic. (= He can't speak Arabic.)
 We should not be late. (= We shouldn't be late.)

As you can see in the examples above, contractions of the Modal verb + not are normally possible.
The negative of can is cannot ('not' is joined to 'can') and the contraction is can't
Modal Verbs in Questions
Modal Verb + Subject + Verb (base form of the infinitive)
  May I help you?
 Can I have another piece of cake please?
 Would you like to come with us?

Uses of Modal Verbs

Below we have a list of Modal verbs and the different uses of each with examples.
 Can - Could
 May - Might
 Must
 Should
 Shall
 Will
 Would

Can - Could
English Grammar - Modal Verbs

Both Can and Could are Modal Verbs. In general Could is considered more polite (or formal) that Can.
CAN
The three main uses of Can are: 1) ability 2) possibility and 3) permission. However there are some other
used of Can as we will see below.
1. To express ability
Can means to be (physically) able to do something OR to know how to do something.
 Birds can fly.
 Elephants can't fly.
 I can speak two languages.

2. To express a possibility (in general)

This refers to a theoretical possibility. 
Note: we don't use can to talk about future possibilities. For this you would use may or might.
 It can get cold there at night so take a jacket.
 I know you can win the competition.
 Well, I think your car can be repaired, but it's not going to be cheap.

3. To offer to do something for others

Can is used when you offer to help someone or to do something for them.
 You don't need to walk home. I can take you there if you like.
 Can I carry your bags for you?

4. To ask for or give permission / To request something

Can is used to ask for / request permission or to give permission. 
Note: Can't is used to refuse permission.
 You can use my umbrella, I don't need it right now.
 Can I sit in that chair please?
 Mary, you can play outside if you like.
 Can I ask you a question?
 You can't go to the park. It will still be wet from the rain last night.
 We can't leave the room until the assignment is completed.
5. Can't: Something that is forbidden or not allowed
 We cannot park the car next to this fire hydrant.
 You can drive as fast as you want on the German motorways.
 You can't smoke in the restaurant.
 You cannot drive a car without a license.

6. Can't: when you are sure that something isn't true or something is surprising
 It can't be dark outside! It's only 4.30pm!
 They can't have landed on the moon, I'm sure it's a hoax.

For more examples, including how to make questions, see our grammar notes about Can - Cannot. You might
also want to see our Can - Can't - Cannot Game
COULD
Could is similar to Can and often replaces Can in the past tense (though not always)
1. To express ability in the past
 I could ride a horse when I was younger but now I can't.
 She could juggle eight balls when she was only 10 years old.
 He could read when he was three years old.

2. Polite word used to ask for permission or to request something (in the present)
 Could I please use your bathroom?
 Could we move on to the next topic now please?
 Could you pass me the salt please?
 I'm busy right now. Could you call back later?

3. General permission in the past

 In high school, we couldn't leave the classroom without a pass.
 He couldn't go to the concert because his mother wouldn't let him.

4. A suggestion when asked what to do (choices and opportunities)

 He could try and fix it himself.
 We could go to the movies if you are interested.

5. Couldn't: Sure that something is untrue

Just like can't, you can use couldn't when you are sure that something isn't true or real.
 That couldn't be my cat meowing outside, it was hit by a car last week.
 He couldn't have painted that. He has no artistic ability at all.

6. Could + have + past participle: To express a possibility in the past

To express that something was possible but did not happen.
 We were lucky because it could have rained but it didn't.
 Why did you do that? You could have broken your leg.

7. Could + have + past participle: Unrealised past ability

This is used to say that someone was able to do something, but they did not try to do it. Sometimes this is a
form of criticism.
 She could have married anyone she wanted to.
  Why did you sit there doing nothing? You could have helped me.

8. Could: A conditional form of Can

Would + Can = Could. Note: Would be able to can replace could in the following examples.
 If we had some oranges I could make you some fresh juice.
 I could write the letter if you told me what to include.

Can vs Could Summary Chart

Next activity
See our more simple notes about Can and Cannot.
See our notes about other Modal Verbs.
May - Might
English Grammar - Modal Verbs

May and Might are modal verbs. They can normally be interchanged without a significant difference in
meaning however Might often implies a smaller chance of something happening (when expressing possibility).
May and Might
1. To express (future) possibility
There is a chance that something is true or that there is a possibility of something happening.
Note: Might is used more frequently than May in spoken English.
 It might rain later (= it is possible that it will rain)
 I might go to the movies tonight. (Though I'm not sure)
 I wouldn't talk to Tim right now. He may still be angry after his team lost.
 He's very good, in fact, I think he may win the competition.
 She might be late because of the public transport strike.

2. To give permission

 You may leave the table once you have finished your meal.
 You may take only one brochure.
 If you have finished the exam, you may leave the room.

May not can be used to NOT give permission or to prohibit someone from doing something.
 You may not park your car in front of the gate.
 You may not take more than one brochure.

3. To ask for permission

Note: Can is used more frequently than May in spoken English though May sounds more polite.
 May I sit next to you?
 May I borrow your pen?
 May I use your bathroom please?

Note: Might could also be used to request permission but it sounds very old and is not common.
4. May: to talk about typical occurrences
May is used in academic (or scientific) language to refer to things that typically happen in certain situations.
 Drivers may feel tired if they do not take a break every 2 hours.
 Adults may find it difficult to sleep if they use technology before going to bed.
 These tablets may produce serious side effects if not taken in the correct dosage.

5. Speculate about past actions (May + have + past participle)

 She is late. I think she may have missed her plane.
 It may have already been broken before you bought it.
 What was that noise? It may have been a dog outside our window.

6. To express wishes
 May you both live a long and happy life together.
 May the New Year bring you love and happiness.
 May all your wishes come true.
 May the odds be ever in your favor.
 May the Force be with you. :)

May as well - Might as well

These are expressions can be used to suggest that you will do something because there is nothing better or
more interesting to do.
 There is nothing on TV. I might as well go to bed.
 (At the stadium) Our team is losing by 50 points. We may as well go home because they're not going
to win.

Next activity
See our notes about other Modal Verbs.
See the difference between May be and Maybe in English.
Must
English Grammar - Modal Verbs

Must is a modal verb

MUST
1. To express obligation or duty
This also refers to laws and regulations.
 I must memorize all of these rules about modal verbs.
 People must remain seated until the show is over.
 You must wear a seatbelt at all times.

2. To emphasize the necessity of something

 Humans must have drinking water at least every two days.
 You must give up smoking, it's bad for you.
 We must have a special permit to camp in the national park.
 You must study the last two chapters before the test.
 Plants must have light and water to grow.
 You must drive carefully.
3. Deduction - Sure that something is true (Certainty)
We use this when we don't know but we are certain that it is true (based on evidence).
 Look at all of that snow. It must be really cold outside.
 The ground was wet this morning. It must have rained last night.
 Dinosaurs were very big, they must have eaten a lot.
 It's five in the morning and you still haven't gone to bed? You must be tired!
 Jack must be home. I heard a noise coming from his room.

4. Expresses positive logical assumptions (Must + have + past participle)

 That must have been my mother calling me last night, nobody else has my number.
 He must have won the lottery with the new house and car he has just bought.
 She must have been at home - her car was there.

5. A strong recommendation
Something that is highly recommended (stronger than using should)
 We really must get together for dinner sometime.
 You must see the new Peter Jackson movie, it's fantastic.
 The ice cream here is delicious. You must try some.

Must Summary Chart

Mustn't
The negative is Mustn't which refers to prohibition (negative obligation)
Mustn't = Must not
 You mustn't use your smartphone while you are driving.
 You mustn't get on the subway if you haven't paid for the ride.
 You must not open the gift until it is your birthday.
 We must not tell anyone.

Must vs. Have to

Must can be replaced by Have to with little difference in meaning:
 You have to study. (= you must study)
 He has to finish the report by Friday. (= He must finish the report by Friday)
 They have to resit the test. (= They must resit the test)

Have to is a more informal while Must is mostly used in written orders or instructions.
Also, Must expresses obligation imposed by the speaker while Have to expresses external obligation.
 Teacher: You must complete this essay by Friday
 Student: We have to complete this essay by Friday.

When we are mentioning someone else's obligations, we use Have to.

 John has to quit smoking.

For questions it is more common to use Have to instead of Must (which sounds very formal):
 When do you have to pay finish the report?
 Does he have to take a blood test?

The past tense of Must is Had to:

  I had to pay my speeding ticket yesterday.

Mustn't vs. Don't have to

Be careful with the negative of Must and Have to where they DO have a different meaning. Mustn't is a
negative obligation (= it is important that you do NOT do something) while Don't have to is an absence of
obligation.
Mustn't = it is prohibited; it is not allowed 
Don't have to = no obligation; you are not required to do something, especially if you don't want to.
 You must not drink that. (= it is forbidden to drink that; it is not allowed)
 You don't have to drink that. (= you don't need to drink that but you can if you want)
 You mustn't tell John (= Do not tell John)
 You don't have to tell John (= you can tell John if you want to but it is not necessary)

Next activity
See our notes about other Modal Verbs.
Should
English Grammar - Modal Verbs

Should is a modal verb.

After Should you use the base form of the infinitive (= verb without To e.g. Go instead of To Go)
Should + Verb (base form of infinitive)
e.g. You should go now (do not say: You should to go now.)
SHOULD
1. To give advice, a recommendation or a suggestion
This is to say that it is the right thing to do or the correct thing.
 Does your tooth still hurt? You should make an appointment with the dentist.
 I think you should study for the test so that you don't fail.
 Your hair is too long. You should get a haircut.
 You really should go to the new restaurant on Main Street.

2. Expresses that a situation is likely in the present

 Mary should be at home by now. Give her a call.
 He should have the letter by now. I sent it a couple of weeks ago.

3. Expresses that a situation is likely in the future (prediction)

 They should win the game because they are a much better team.
 I posted the cheque yesterday so it should arrive this week.
 It should be fine tomorrow.

4. Expresses an obligation that is not as strong as Must.

Sometimes Should is used instead of Must to make rules, orders or instructions sound more polite. This may
appear more frequently on formal notices or on information sheets.
 On hearing the fire alarm, hotel guests should leave their room immediately.
 Passengers should check in at least 2 hours before departure time.
  You should never lie to your doctor.
 You should pay more attention in class.
 You should be at work before 9.

All of the above example sentences can have must instead of should making the obligation stronger and less
polite.
5. Was expected in the past but didn't happen (should + have + past participle)
This expresses the idea that the subject did not fulfill their obligation in the past or did not act responsibly.
 You should have given your boss the report yesterday when he asked for it.
 I should have studied more but I was too tired.

6. Not fulfilling an obligation (should + be + verb-ing)

This expresses the idea that the subject is not fulfilling their obligation or is not acting sensibly.
 You should be wearing your seatbelt. (The person isn't wearing one right now)
 We should be studying for the test. (We are not studying right now and we should)

7. Sometimes should is replaced by ought to without a change in meaning. Note that ought

to sounds more formal and is used less frequently.
 You ought to study more. (= you should study more)
 He ought to go home. (= He should go home)
 They ought to stop doing that. (= They should stop doing that)

Shouldn't
We use shouldn't to advise not to do something, usually because it is bad or wrong to do.
 You shouldn't throw your litter onto the street.
 We shouldn't leave without saying goodbye.
 He shouldn't play with those wires if he doesn't know what he is doing.
 Are you tired? You shouldn't work so much.
 You shouldn't talk like that to your grandmother.

Should Summary Chart

Next activity
See our notes about other Modal Verbs.
Shall
English Grammar - Modal Verbs

SHALL
Shall is not used very much nowadays and mostly in formal speech and some legal documents.
Originally Shall was used instead of Will in first person (with I and We) when talking about the future. Now
almost everyone uses Will with all subjects.
Nowadays, the most common use of shall in everyday English (although not in American English) is in
questions that serve as offers or suggestions: "Shall I ...?" or "Shall we ...?"
Situations where Shall is still occasionally used:
1. Suggestion
Notice how each of these can easily be replaced by should.
 Shall I get a pizza for dinner tonight?
 Shall we take a taxi home?
 It's cold. Shall I close the window?
 Shall we go now?

2. Offers / Volunteering to do something

 That bag looks heavy. Shall I carry it for you?
 Shall I wait for you?
 I shall make the arrangements for you.

3. Instructions (asking for or giving)

 What shall I do with your mail when it arrives?
 I shall meet you there at 7.
 You shall not pass! (said Gandalf to the Balrog in Lord of the Rings)

4. Promises
 You shall be the first person to know. (= I promise that you will be the first person)
 I shall get you a new bike for your birthday.

5. Confirmation (Statement of Fact)

Notice how each of these can easily be replaced by will.
 I shall turn 30 next week.
 We shall know the results of the exam next week.
 I shall meet you there at 7.

6. Formal written regulations and rules

This is very formal and normally avoided in spoken English. The passive is most often used in this situation.
 A record shall be kept of all students arriving late to class (= school regulations)
 Members of the board of directors shall be elected annually (= company regulations)

The Negative of Shall

The negative of shall is shall not (= will not). The contraction of shall not is shan't (= won't). It is very
rare to hear this used nowadays though you may find it written in older texts.
 I shan't let the children bother you.

Shall in Question Tags

Shall is used in questions tags when the main verb is Let's.
 Let's go to the beach, shall we?

Shall Summary Chart

Next activity
See our notes about other Modal Verbs.
Future - Will
English Grammar Notes

We normally use WILL to speak about the future. It is always combined with another verb.
Since WILL is classified as a modal verb (like can, would, could, should) it has the same characteristics:
1. It does not change in the third person (i.e. he, she, it)
2. It is always combined with another verb in the base form (i.e. without 'to')
3. We don't use it with 'Do' in questions or negatives.

Examples of Will:
 I will go to the cinema tonight.
 He will play tennis tomorrow.
 She will be happy with her exam results.
 They will take the bus to the South next week.

When to use WILL

We use WILL in the following circumstances:
1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)
This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.
 I'll call a taxi for you.
 I think we'll go right now. (I just decided this right now)
 Which one? Um, I will have the chicken sandwich please.

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)

This can be based on personal judgement or opinion.
 The President will not be re-elected at the next election.
 I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.
 I think you will find the movie interesting.

Notice how you often use "I think..." before the subject + will.
3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.
 You look tired. I'll finish the dishes for you.
 I will do my best to help you.
 If you say anything I will kill you!
 I will have it ready by tomorrow.
 I'll drive you to work if you want.
 Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. (won't = will not)

4. For a habit that is a predictable behaviour

 My daughter will fall asleep as soon as she is put into bed.
 He will give up if he starts losing. He always does that.

5. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

 I told him to clean his room but he won't do it.
 She won't listen to anything I say.
Negative Sentences with WILL
In the negative, we add NOT to the end of WILL and not to the main verb. (= will not)
Examples:
 I will not be in the office tomorrow. (correct)
I  will be not  in the office tomorrow. (Incorrect)
 They will not stay here. (correct)
They will stay not here. (Incorrect)

Contractions
It is possible to use contractions in both positive and negative sentences.
With positive contractions WILL becomes 'LL and is joined to the subject:

Positive
Contraction

I will I'll
You will you'll
He will he'll
She will she'll
It will it'll
We will we'll
You will you'll
They will they'll

With negative contractions, will not becomes won't:

Negative
Contraction

I will not I won't

You will not you won't
He will not he won't
She will not she won't
It will not it won't
We will not we won't
You will not you won't
They will
they won't
not

Questions
To form a question using WILL, we reverse the order of the subject and WILL:

Affirmative
He will be here tomorrow.

  Subjec WILL Ver

 t b
 
Question Will he be here tomorrow?
Subjec Ver
  WILL
t b

Examples:
Will they win the cup?
- Yes, they will.
- No, they won't.
Will you tell him the truth?
- Yes, I will.
- No, I won't.
Will she get angry?
- Yes, she will.
- No, she won't.

Next activity
See the difference between Will and Going To.
See our notes about other Modal Verbs.
Would
English Grammar - Modal Verbs

Would is a modal verb. Would is often used in conditional sentences with a clause beginning with "If..." but
it can also be used in the following situations:
WOULD
1. Used as a polite invitation or to offer
 Would you like to go to the movies with me tonight?
 Would you like some more tea?
 I would be happy to help you with preparation for your exam.

When someone asks a question to invite you or offer you something using Would, the response can be: Yes,
I would OR No, I wouldn't.
 Would you like to have a coffee with me? Yes, I would.

2. Describe a prediction (hypothetical situations)

 It would be nice to have a barbecue.
 Nobody would believe me if I told them I had seen a UFO.

3. To not sound impolite when disagreeing with someone

 It would like to point out that you need to review those numbers.
 I wouldn't agree with that.

4. To describe past habits

  Before internet people would send letters to each other.
 When I was at school I would get up before everyone else in our house.

(This is similar to using Used to)

5. Future in the past
We use would when we are talking about the past but we want to talk about something which was in the
future at that time (in the past).
 When I was in Paris last year I would spend hours sitting at coffee shops writing ideas for my novel.
 She promised she would send a postcard from Peru.
 I told you he would help us.

6. Wouldn't: To describe a past unwillingness (refusal)

 He said he wouldn't help us.
 My son wouldn't eat his food.

Next activity
See our grammar notes about other Modal Verbs.
See our grammar notes about conditional sentences:
 Conditionals
 Zero Conditional
 First Conditional
 Second Conditional
 Third Conditional

Modal Verbs
The modal verbs are:

can could

may might

shall should

will would

must  

We use modal verbs to show if we believe something is certain, probable or possible (or not). We also use
modals to do things like talking about ability, asking permission making requests and offers, and so on.
Modal verbs
This lesson has two parts. Part 1 explains the grammar of modal verbs and where they are placed in a
sentence or question. Part 2 explains the meaning of each modal verb and provides example sentences.
 Read lesson
Modal verbs are also called modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries, or   * en
simply modals. These verbs are a subcategory of auxiliary verbs , which means they español 
cannot be used without a main verb. English has ten modal verbs.   * en
français
can could

may might

shall   should

will would

must ought

While the meaning and usage of modal verbs is complicated, the grammar is simple. Modal verbs are not
conjugated: they have no tense and no person, so they never change.

All modal verbs must be followed by a main verb in the base form except for ought which is followed by an
infinitive.

subjec modal main verb

 
t verb (base form)

They can come  

Mike should walk.  

You must go  

We will wait.  

She ought study. incorrect

Attention: many English learners make the mistake of placing an infinitive after every modal verb. This is
incorrect.

subjec modal main verb

 
t verb (infinitive)

They can to come. incorrect

Mike should to walk. incorrect

You must to go. incorrect

We will to wait. incorrect

She ought to study.  

In statements, the word order is subject + modal + main verb.

subject modal main  

 verb verb

Tom and
might arrive later.
Sue

Everyone can swim.  

In questions, the word order changes to modal + subject + main verb. Here are some examples
with Yes / Noquestions .

modal subject main

verb verb

Can they come?

Should Mike drive?

Here are some examples with Wh – questions .

Wh– word modal subject main

verb verb

When can they eat?

How could he walk?

When forming negative statements, the negative adverb not is placed between the modal verb and the main
verb.

subjec modal main

   
t verb verb

You must not disturb the baby.

They should not drive at night.

When asking questions in the negative, the modal verb and a negative adverb not are always contractions .

modal + subject mai

not n  
(contracted) verb

Couldn’t Tom come to the party?

Shouldn’t you rest?  

To learn more details about modal verbs and how they express moods such as ability, possibility, necessity or
other conditions, go to page 2 .

Modal verbs (part 2)

This lesson is in two parts. Part 1 explains the grammar of modal verbs and where they are placed in a
sentence or question. Part 2 explains the meaning of each modal verb and provides example sentences.
One reason modal verbs are difficult for students to master is that their meanings change Read lesson
depending on the context. Sometimes, two, three, or even four modal verbs can mean the   * en
same thing. This page defines each modal verb and provides example sentences to give an español 
idea of what they mean in context. Be aware that only a few examples for each modal verb   * en
can be given here. While usage and differences can often be subtle, this lesson will provide français
a general idea of how and when to use modal verbs.
Remember, English has ten modal verbs.

can could

may might

shall   should

will would

must ought

The modal verb can is indicates ability or possibility.

Birds can sing.

We can speak English.

I can take you to the train

station.

Ideas can change.

In questions, the modal can is used to request permission to do something or to ask about possibilities.

Yes / Can I help you?

No questions
  Can Tom eat dinner with us?

Wh – questions Who can answer the question?

 
When can we have the
results?

The modal could is used to indicate possibility now.

I could eat three pizzas. (I am very hungry)

This could be my big chance. (this is an excellent

opportunity)

The modal could + have is used to indicate an unrealized possibility in the past. These examples resemble
the conditional (explained below) because there is an implied “if” clause.
  implied if clause

I could have told you that. (if you had asked me)

It could have been a disaster. (if they had lost control)

The rain could have ruined the (if we had been outdoors)
party.

Note that can indicates an ability in the present while could indicates an ability in the past.

present I can speak French.

(I know how to speak French at this moment.)

past I could speak French when I was young.

(In the past, I spoke French. Now, I am unable to speak

it.)

The modal verb could is used to speculate about future possibilities. In the following
examples could and might are synonomous.

It could / might rain tonight.

This could / might be dangerous.

In Yes / No questions, could is used to speculate about present of future possibilities.

Could she be the assasin?

Could this be a mistake?

Could you return

tomorrow?

Could and can indicate a range of options (hypothetical possibilities).

We could / can go see a movie, or we could / can stay home.

I could / can become a doctor, or I could / can become an

artist.

The modal could is also used to make requests. In these examples could and can are synonymous

but could is more polite.

Could / Can you open the window?

Could / Can you help me move this
sofa?

The modal verb could is very important in the formation of conditional sentences. Note there are two clauses:
one clause contains the modal could and the other is the result clause. In these situations, could is used to
express hypothetical results.

If we leave sooner, we could take the

train.

I could pass the test if I study more.

Could is also used to make conjectures about past hypothetical results. The results were not realized because
a particular condition was not met.

If we had left sooner, we could have taken the train.

I could have passed the exam, if I had studied more.

I’m glad we took umbrellas. We could have gotten

soaked.

The modals will and shall are used to talk about the future .  These modals indicate an intention or an action
that is expected to happen in the near or distant future. When used in this type of phrase, there is no
difference in meaning between these two modals; however, shall is rarely used in American English.

I will / shall close the door for you.

Tom will / shall meet us at the train

station.

They will / shall graduate in two years.

In wh- questions, will and shall are used to ask about future possibilities.

Who will / shall drive the car?

What time will / shall we meet?

When will / shall I see you

again?

In yes-no questions, will is used to ask a favor and shall is used to offer a favor. Note that the modal
verb will is used with the second person (singular and plural) while shall is used with the first person
(singular and plural).

  singular   plural

1st pers. Will / Shall I close the door for you?  Will / Shall we close the door for
you?

2nd Will / Shall you close the door for me?  Will / Shall you close the door for us?
pers.

Will is also used to ask for information about a likely possibility regarding somebody or something.

Will you stay in a hotel?

Will good triumph over

evil?

Shall is used to ask about a preference. In these examples, shall and should are synonymous. However, in

American English, shall is rarely used. Remember, in questions shall is only used in the first person singular
and plural.

  singular   plural

1st pers.

Should / Shall I stay here? Should / Shall we stay here?

2nd pers. Should / Shallyou call him? Should / Shallyou call him?

3rd pers. Should / Shallhe return Should / Shall they return later?

later?

The modals may and might are used to indicate an uncertain future action. These two modals are
synonymous.

I may / might go to the park, or I may / might stay

home.

This may / might be a bad idea.

It may / might rain tonight.

The modal verbs may or can are used to give instructions or permission. May is more polite.

You may / can now board the airplane.

They may / can begin the exam in one

minute.

The modals may, can,  and could are all used in Yes-No questions to make requests. May and could are

more polite than can.

May / Can / Could I see your passport?

May / Can / Could we have some more water,

please?

Sometimes the modal verb might is used in place of may, can, or could, but this is rare in American English.
May / Can / Could / Might I be of some assistance?

May / Can / Could / Might we offer you a

suggestion?

The modal must is used to indicate a recommendation or an obligation.

You must see this movie.

Tom must see a doctor

immediately.

Must is also used to indicate an assumption.

My watch must be broken.

Tom must have left. He is not

here.

In Wh– questions, must is used to indicate an obligation and can be replaced with the modal should. In
American English, should is much more common in this context.

more common less common

When should we be there? = When must we be there?

Who should I talk to? Who must I talk to?

The modal verb must is sometimes used to form rhetorical questions, especially when you want a person to
stop doing something.

Must you make so much Please be quiet.

noise?
= 
Must he be so cruel? I wish he were kinder.

The modals should and ought are used to indicate an obligation. In this context, these two modals are
synonymous. Remember, ought is the only modal verb followed by an infinitive.

You should call your

You ought to call your mother.
mother.
 
I should go home now. I ought to go home now.

In questions, the modal should is used to ask if an obligation exists. Ought  is never used in questions in
American English.

Yes /  
No questions
Should he call her?
 Should we pay now?

Wh– questions When should we

leave?
 
What should I wear?

The modal verb would, followed by like, is a polite way of stating a preference.

We would like a table for two.

I would like a glass of white

wine.

In questions, would + subject + like is a polite request for you to make a choice.

Where would you like to sit?

Would you like to start with a

salad?

The modal would can make a request sound more polite.

less polite more polite

Come here, please.   Would you come here, please?

Stop making that noise. Would you stop making that noise?

Would is used to explain a possibility which is a result of a hypothetical or real condition.

She would be surprised if you came to the party.

I would go with you if I didn’t have to work.

I would have arrived sooner if I had not lost my

keys.

The modal verb would is used to introduce habitual actions in the past.

When I was a student, I would swim every day.

When Tom lived in France, he would write me letters in

French.

English The Easy Way

Modal Verbs
 1. Home

 
2. English Grammar

 
3. English Verbs

 
4.  Modal Verbs

Everyone can understand modal verbs!

What are model verbs?
Model verbs are also called auxiliary verbs, helping verbs and model auxiliaries.
Model verbs are not complete verbs, and they can only be used with a verb.
The usage of model verbs:
Model verbs stay in the base form - bare infinitive - the bare infinitive is the infinitive without "to" before the
verb.
The following model verbs are used to with the present tense:
can, will, shall, ought to, must, need, may
The following model verbs are used in the past tense:
would, should, could, might
Model verbs are used to answer questions in the short form
 yes, I do.
 yes, we can.
 No, I don't.

Model verbs can be used as part of the grammar structure of the sentence, such as when used with the
perfect tenses.
When are model verbs used:
Prediction - Will and Shall
Will and shall can be used to state predict that an event or an action will take place or will occur The model
verbs can used to make a prediction about an event or action about the future.
 I think we will be able to go and see the move tonight.
 My mother thinks we will not get home be it starts to rain.

Requests - Offers - Suggestions - Can - Could - May - Shall

To make requests, offers or suggestions can be stated with the model verbs
Permission - Can - Could - May - Might
Can, could, may and might are model verbs that can be used to give permission or deny permission to do
something or to someone.
Can I help you cook dinner?
You may not watch T. V. after dinner.
Certainty - Possibility - Can - Might - may- Could - Shall -Can, might
- and could are model verbs that can be used to state certainty and possibility.
Do you think it might rain tomorrow night?
I might be home before midnight.
You can come over tonight if you would like to.
Ability - Inability - Can - Could - Able to
My father hopes that we will be able to go to the moves.
I can not go to Europe with you.
Verbs: Be, Auxiliaries, and Modals

The Eight Forms of  Be

The verb be has eight forms, with am  and  are as present tense forms along with is, and
both was and were as past tense forms.

Present
Base Tense Forms -ing Past  Past Participle
be am, are, is being was, were been

An independent clause needs a complete verb. Verb forms such as the -ing form and the past participle are
not complete because they do not show tense. They need auxiliary verbs to complete their meaning as a verb
of a clause. A complete verb includes a verb form preceded by any necessary auxiliary verb or modal auxiliary
verb.

Auxiliary Verbs
do: does, do, did
be: be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been
have: has, have, had

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

will, would
can, could
shall, should
may, might, must

Auxiliary verbs and modal auxiliary verbs can be used in combination. Whatever the combination, the verb
form immediately following the final auxiliary or modal verb is fixed: base form, - ing, or past participle. Try the
following tips to decide which form to use.

Combining Auxiliary, Modal Auxiliary and Verb Forms

1. After do, does, did, will, would, can, could, shall, should, may, might,  and  must, use the base form.

He might stay.

They must have dinner soon.

Did she leave?
 
2. After has, have,  and had, use the past participle.

It has snowed.

They should have gone (not "They should have went").

 They had eaten when I arrived.

In informal speech, we run sounds together, and the pronunciation may be mistakenly carried over into
writing.

She  should have  left that job last year.

The pronunciation of the contraction should've is probably responsible for the nonstandard form should
of. Edit carefully for the appearance of the word of in place of have  in verb phrases.
 
3. After be, am, is, are, was, were,  and been, use the -ing form for active voice verbs.

She  is taking  her driving test.

You  were watching.

He might have been driving.

They  could be jogging.

To form a complete verb, always use a be auxiliary before the -ing form. The -ing form alone can never be
a complete verb in a clause.
 
4. After be, am, is are, was, were, been,  and being,  use the past participle for passive voice.

They  were taken  to a tropical island for their anniversary.

The faucet should  be fixed.

The cake might have been eaten.

The house  is being decorated.

 
Note: Be requires a modal before it to form a complete verb ( could be jogging; will be
closed). Been  requires have, has,  or  had  (have been driving; has been eaten). Being  must be preceded
by am, is, are, was, or  were to form a complete verb.
See also
Sentence Problems: Verbs
Sentence Fragments: Missing Verb
Sentence Problems: Passive Voice
http://college.cengage.com/english/raimes/digitalkeys/keyshtml/verbs_be.htm
Modality: forms
de English Grammar Today
 
Modal verbs

Core modal verbs have only one form. They have no to-infinitive form, - ing form, past form or - ed form. We
have to reword what we want to say by using other expressions:

I’d love to be able to see the Taj Mahal one day.

Not: I’d love to can see the Taj Mahal one day .

They had to sell their house.

Not: They musted sell their house .

Affirmative (+) forms

Modal verbs are placed first in the verb phrase (after the subject) and are followed by a verb in the base
form. The next verb may be a main verb or an auxiliary verb ( be, have):

Modal verbs do not change form for tense or person. Modal verbs can be followed by the substitute verb  do:

A:
We thought he might sell the house

B:
Yes, he could do.

Modal verbs cannot be used with another modal verb:

Windsurfing  can  be difficult.

Not: Windsurfing can might be difficult . or Windsurfing might can be difficult .

Modal verbs always go before other verbs in a verb phrase:

[in a restaurant after a meal]

I think the bill  could  be expensive.

Not: I think the bill could expensive .

You  can  go swimming, go for a long walk or visit the exhibition.

Not: You can swimming, go for a long walk or visit the exhibition .

Modal verbs can only be used alone when the main verb is clearly understood:

A:
She could take the bus.

B:
Yeah, that’s true. She  could. (She could take the bus.)

A:
He may be wrong, you know .

B:
Yes, he may. (Yes, he may be wrong.)

Negative (−) forms

Warning:
Negatives are formed by adding ‘not’ after the modal verbs. We don’t use don’t/doesn’t/didn’t with modal
verbs:

We  can’t  hear very well at the back.

Not: We don’t can hear very well  …

Question (?) forms

Warning:
The subject and the modal verb change position to form questions. We don’t use do/does/did:
Could  you help me?

Not: Do you could help me?

Will  it be a problem?

Not: Does it will be a problem?

Why  can’t  you come too?

Not: Why don’t you can come too?

We use modal verbs in question tags:

You  can’t  live like that,  can  you?

It  could  be any of those things,  couldn’t  it?

See also:
 Question tags
 Tags
Contracted forms

In speaking shall and will are often contracted to ’ ll and would is contracted to ’d, especially when they

follow a pronoun:

I’ll  see you later.

We’ll  never get there.

I knew they’d  love it.

The negative forms of modal verbs are often contracted.

modal verb uncontracted negative contracted negative

can cannot (usually written as one word not two) can’t /kɑnt/

could could not couldn’t /ˈ

kʊdənt/

may may not

might might not mightn’t /ˈ

maɪtənt/

will will not *won’t /wəʊnt/ or ’ll not

shall shall not *shan’t /ʃɑnt/ or ’ll not

would would not *wouldn’t /ˈ

wʊdənt/ or ’d not

should should not shouldn’t /ˈ

ʃʊdənt/
 modal verb uncontracted negative contracted negative

must must not mustn’t /ˈ

mʌsənt/

* is the more common of the two forms.

Modal verbs and adverbs

We usually put adverbs in mid position between the modal verb and the main verb:

Loud noises may  sometimes  frighten dogs and other animals.

You’ll  probably  notice something different about the house.

When the main verb is understood, we can put the adverb between the subject and the modal verb:

A:
I can never remember Flo’s number .

B:
I never can either. (I can never remember Flo’s number either.)

 
Dare, need, ought to and used to (semi-modal verbs)

Dare, need, ought to  and used to are often called semi-modal because in some ways they are formed like
modal verbs and in some ways they are like other main verbs.

Like modal verbs, ought to and used to do not change form for person. Needn’t and daren’t do not have a
third person -s in the present:

It  used to  be so easy. It  ought to  be easy now.

She  needn’t  worry.

John  daren’t  tell Ruth about the accident.

Like main verbs, the negative form of need, dare and used to is made by using do. But it can also be made
without using do (like modal verbs).

Compare

You don’t need to  dress smartly. You  needn’t dress smartly.

We  don’t dare (to)  tell him. We daren’t tell him.

The negative form of ought to is not made with do:

We  oughtn’t to  spend so much money.

Not: We don’t ought to spend so much money .

Like main verbs, the question form for need, dare and used to is made by using do:

Does  she  need  to get a camera before she goes away?

Did  you  use to  play football when you were a child?
Question and negative forms of ought to are rare.

See also:
 Dare
 Need
 Ought to
 Used to
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/gramatica/gramatica-britanica/modals-and-modality/modality-forms