MODAL VERBS

 

Modal Verbs Made Simple

Modal verbs are special helping verbs used to express ability, possibility, permission, or obligation. They work with the base form of the main verb and help us shape meaning in nuanced ways—perfect for ESL learners aiming to sound more natural and confident!

Here’s a quick overview:

Modal Verb	Function	Example Sentence
can	Ability / Permission	I can swim. / Can I leave early?
could	Past ability / Polite request / Possibility	I could run fast as a kid. / Could you help me?
may	Formal permission / Possibility	May I come in? / It may rain.
might	Slight possibility	He might join us later.
must	Obligation / Strong certainty	You must wear a seatbelt. / She must be tired.
shall	Suggestion / Future (formal)	Shall we dance? / I shall return.
should	Advice / Expectation	You should study more.
will	Future intention / Promise	I will call you tomorrow.
would	Polite request / Hypothetical	Would you like tea? / I would travel if I had money.

🎯 Tips for ESL learners:

• Modal verbs don’t change form for tense (except in conditionals and reported speech).
• They’re always followed by the base verb (e.g., can go, not can goes).
• Use context to choose the right modal—it adds precision to your meaning.