Definition

What are modal verbs? Modal verbs are a type of verb that is used to express ideas such as ability, possibility, and necessity. The most common modal verbs are can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, and would.

For example, the modal verb can is used to express ability, as in “I can swim.” The modal verb may is used to express possibility, as in “It may rain tomorrow.” The modal verb must is used to express necessity, as in “You must be 18 years old to vote.”

‍

Types of modal verbs

There are four main types of modal verbs: ability modals, possibility modals, necessity modals, and advice modals.

• Ability modals express ability or lack thereof. The most common ability modals are can and could.
• Possibility modals express possibility or likelihood. The most common possibility modals are may and might.
• Necessity modals express necessity or requirement. The most common necessity modals are must and ought.
• Advice modals express advice or recommendation. The most common advice modals are should and would.

‍

Examples of modal verbs

Here are some examples of modal verbs being used in sentences:

Can: “Can you please turn off the light?”

Could: “Could you please help me with this?”

May: “It may be raining outside.”

Might: “The storm might be getting worse.”

Must: “You must be 18 years old to vote.”

Ought: “You ought to vote if you can.”

Shall: “I shall be leaving in a few minutes.”

Should: “You should vote if you can.”

Will: “I will be leaving in a few minutes.”

Would: “I would recommend voting if you can.”

‍

Conclusion

Hence, An auxiliary (helping) verb known as a modal verb expresses the following: ability, possibility, permission, or duty. Modal phrases (or semi-modals), which combine auxiliary verbs and the preposition to, are used to communicate the same ideas as modals.

‍