Modal Verbs

Modal verbs express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and advice.

intermediateModalsDifficulty: 1/10

Explanation

Common Modal Verbs:

Can/Could:

Ability, possibility, polite requests

May/Might:

Permission, possibility (less certain than can)

Must/Have to:

Strong obligation, necessity

Should/Ought to:

Advice, recommendation

Will/Would:

Future, polite requests, past habits

Examples

[{"modal": "can", "example": "I can swim very well.", "meaning": "ability"}, {"modal": "could", "example": "Could you help me, please?", "meaning": "polite request"}, {"modal": "may", "example": "You may leave early today.", "meaning": "permission"}, {"modal": "might", "example": "It might rain later.", "meaning": "possibility (less certain)"}, {"modal": "must", "example": "You must wear a seatbelt.", "meaning": "strong obligation"}, {"modal": "should", "example": "You should eat more vegetables.", "meaning": "advice"}, {"modal": "would", "example": "Would you like some coffee?", "meaning": "polite offer"}]

Practice

Quick Actions

Grammar Stats

CategoryModals
Levelintermediate
Difficulty
1/10