What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are special helping verbs used before the main verb to show ability, possibility, necessity, or permission. They do not change with the subject and are always followed by the base form of a verb.
👉 Example:
- She can sing.
- We must study hard.
1. Can
Use: To express ability or permission.
- Ability:
- I can swim.
- They can speak English.
- Permission:
- You can go now.
- Students can borrow books from the library.
2. Could
Use: To express past ability, polite requests, or possibility.
- Past ability:
- When I was young, I could run fast.
- Polite request:
- Could you help me, please?
- Possibility:
- It could rain later.
3. May
Use: To express permission or possibility.
- Permission:
- You may leave early today.
- Possibility:
- It may snow tomorrow.
4. Might
Use: To express a weaker possibility than may.
- Possibility:
- She might come to the party.
- This road might be dangerous at night.
5. Must
Use: To express necessity, strong obligation, or logical conclusion.
- Necessity / Obligation:
- You must wear a seatbelt.
- We must finish this work today.
- Strong certainty:
- He must be tired after working all day.
Key Points to Remember
- Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the main verb.
- ✅ Correct: She can dance.
- ❌ Wrong: She can dances.
- Modal verbs do not take -s, -ed, or -ing.
- ✅ Correct: They must go.
- ❌ Wrong: They must goes.
- Modal verbs express different shades of meaning such as ability, possibility, permission, and obligation.
Examples at a Glance
- Can → I can solve this problem.
- Could → She could play the piano when she was five.
- May → You may enter the room.
- Might → It might rain tonight.
- Must → We must respect our parents.
Conclusion
Modal verbs like can, could, may, might, and must are powerful tools in English grammar. They help us express ability, possibility, necessity, and permission with clarity. By practicing sentences with modal verbs, learners can improve both writing and speaking skills effectively.