Modals – Usage with Examples

Modals are helping verbs that cannot be used on their own but to be used along with other main
verbs mainly to express attitudes. Modals cannot function as main verbs except in few cases.
They are called modal auxiliaries because they are used to express certain conceptions of mind
like- ability, possibility, permission, suggestion, obligation etc.

The modal verbs are:

(i) can (ii) could (iii) may (iv) might (v) shall
(vi) should (vii) must (viii) should/ought to (ix) will
(x) would (xi) dare (xii) need (xiii) have to (xiv) used to
 Characteristics of Modals
1. Modals are never used alone. They are always used with a principal Verb.
Examples:
a) I can you. (Sentence is looking awkward)
b) I can help you. (Sentence is complete)
So, modals have a principal verb with them.

2. Modals don’t change according to the number or gender of the subject.

Examples:
a) You may come.
b) He can go.
c) Should we go now?
d) They must not go there.

3. Modals don’t have the infinitive form. They are always followed by the base form (first
form) of the verb.
Examples:
a) I can play football.
b) We should attend your classes regularly.

4. Only four of the Modals (can, may, shall, will) have past forms.

5. ‘Need‘ and ‘dare‘ can also be used as ordinary verbs.

‘Need‘ and ‘dare’ can also be used in the do/did forms and then take the infinitive
form ‘to’.

7. Used, referred to as ‘used to’, is used only in the past.

8. Modal verbs have only one form. They have no ‘ing’ or ‘ed’ forms.

9. They don’t add ‘s’ or ‘es’ to the third person singular form.
For ex.: Mohan can speak two languages.
She will try and visit tomorrow.

Will
Functions Examples

Will you please pass me the salt?

Will you lend me your pen for a moment?
Asking Will you be available for a meeting tomorrow afternoon?
Will you help me move the furniture?
Will you help me carry these bags to the car?

We will have a great time if we go to the beach.

He will enjoy the book I recommended.
Surity They will benefit from attending the conference.
You will enjoy the movie if you like suspense.
It will be beneficial for you to start exercising regularly.
 Would
Functions Examples

Conditional statements If I had more time, I would travel around the world.

Polite requests or offers Would you please pass me the salt?

Habits or repeated actions in the past When I was younger, I would always play soccer with my friends.

Imaginary or hypothetical situations If I were a millionaire, I would buy a luxurious mansion.

Future in the past He said he would call me later tonight.

Shall
Functions Examples

I shall attend the meeting tomorrow.

Future actions or plans
We shall leave for our vacation next week.

I shall always love and support you.

Promises or intentions
She shall do her best to make it to the event.

Students shall complete the assignment by the end of the

Requirements or rules week.
All visitors shall sign in at the reception.

Commands or instructions (in formal You shall not enter this restricted area.
contexts) Shall the defendant rise for the verdict?

Should
Functions Examples

Seeking advice Should we go for a walk?

Obligations or expectations Students should complete their assignments on time.

Probability The train should arrive in about ten minutes.

Criticism or expressing dissatisfaction You should have apologized for your mistake.

Can
Functions Examples

I can swim.
Ability or capability She can speak three languages fluently.
Birds can fly.
 Can I borrow your pen?
Permission or authorization
You can go out and play after you finish your homework.

Can you help me carry this box?

Requests or asking for assistance(informal)
Can someone please open the door?

Cats can see in the dark.

Making general statements
Vegetables can be a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Could
Functions Examples

Past ability or capability When I was younger, I could run faster.

Polite requests or asking for permission Could you please pass me the salt?

Conditional statements or hypothetical situations If I had more time, I could visit you.

Past of can (He said, “Can you help me”) He asked if I could help him.

May
Functions Examples

It may rain later today, so you should bring an umbrella.

Possibility or uncertainty
He may arrive late to the meeting due to traffic.

May I borrow your pen, please?

Permission or granting consent
You may leave the room if you have finished your exam.

May all your dreams come true!

Expressing wishes or hopes
May you have a wonderful birthday!

May I ask you a question?

Polite requests or asking for permission
May we have a moment of your time to discuss this matter?

She may be at the library studying.

Expressing probability or likelihood The package may arrive tomorrow, according to the tracking
information.

Might
Functions Examples

Remote Possibility(Without logic) It might rain later today.

Expressing a slight possibility She might be able to finish the project by tomorrow.

Must
Functions Examples

Obligation You must submit your assignment by tomorrow.

It’s getting late, and they must be home by now.

Certainty
She’s been practicing for hours; she must be a skilled pianist.

Strong Probability The dark clouds indicate that it must rain soon.

You must not enter this area without proper authorization.

Prohibition
Visitors must not touch the exhibits in the museum.

Dare
Functions Examples

How dare you speak to me like that?

Who dares to defy the court’s orders?
Questioning or challenging
She dares to take risks.
He dares to speak up against injustice.

I dare not open that mysterious package.

Negative statements
They dare not reveal their true identities.

Need
Functions Examples

I need to finish my assignment before tomorrow.

Necessity
We need to buy groceries for the week.

You don’t need to worry; everything is under control.

Lack of necessity or obligation
You didn’t need to attend the meeting.

You need to see this movie; it’s amazing!

Emphasizing a strong recommendation
We need to try the new restaurant downtown.

He needs to pass the exam to graduate.

Expressing a requirement
The documents need to be signed by tomorrow.

You needn’t bother about the dishes; I’ll take care of them.
Denying necessity or obligation
They needn’t worry about the expenses; it’s all covered.

Used to
Functions Examples

He used to walk every morning.

Past habits or actions
She used to visit her grandparents every weekend.

We used to enjoy camping in the mountains during summer vacations.

Past preferences or likes
They used to listen to rock music, but now they prefer jazz.
 Life used to be simpler before the advent of technology.
Comparing past and present
Life used to revolve around physical mail, but now we rely on emails and
situations
instant messaging.

Ought to
Functions Examples

You ought to eat more fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet.
Advising or giving recommendations
She ought to study for the exam if she wants to do well.

We ought to help those in need.

Expressing moral or social obligation
He ought to apologize for his behavior.

Modal Auxiliary Verbs Summary

Modal Auxiliary
Functions Examples
Verbs

1. Lisa can speak French fluently.

1. ability
Can 2. It will be a challenge, but I think we can complete the
2. possibility
project if we work together.

1. ability 1. He could do it.

Could
2. Offering help 2. Could I lift this box for you ?

1. possibility 1. Alisha may come here today as she is free nowadays.

May 2. permission 2. May I come in?
3. offering 3. May I get you a cup of coffee?

Might 1. Slight possibility 1. His statement might be true.

1. obligation 1. You must obey your parents.

2. certainty 2. I must submit my assignment before the deadline.
Must
3. strong probability 3. You must be hungry after a busy day at work.
4. prohibition 4. You must not waste your time.

1. challenge 1. I dare you to try spicy salsa!

Dare 3. negative force 2. I wouldn’t dare to ask HR for a salary hike.
4. interrogation 3. How dare you speak to your mother like that?

1. prohibition 1. You need not come here.

Need
2. interrogation 2. Does he need to go there?

My mother used to tell me moral stories.

habitual action in the
Used to I used to live here when I was a boy.
past
He used to walk every morning when he was in New York.

1. a) You ought to work hard for your exam.

1. obligation
Ought to b) We ought to obey our parents.
2. strong likelihood
2. It ought to rain later today.