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The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a list showing the most usefulmodals and their most common meanings:
Modal | Meaning | Example |
can | to express ability | I can speak a little Russian. |
can | to request permission | Can I open the window? |
may | toexpress possibility | I may be home late. |
may | to request permission | May I sit down, please? |
must | to express obligation | I must go now. |
must | to express strong belief | She must be over90 years old. |
should | to give advice | You should stop smoking. |
would | to request or offer | Would you like a cup of tea? |
would | in if-sentences | If I were you, I would say sorry. |Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form (spelling) and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present). The modals must andcan need substitute verbs to express obligationor ability in the different tenses. Here are some examples:
Past simple | Sorry I'm late. I had to finish my math test. |
Present perfect | She's had to return to Korea at short notice. |
Future| You'll have to work hard if you want to pass the exams. |
Infinitive | I don't want to have to go. |

Past simple | I couldn't/wasn't able to walk until I was 3 years old. |
Present perfect| I haven't been able to solve this problem. Can you help? |
Future | I'm not sure if I will be able to come to your party. |
Infinitive | I would love to be able to play the piano. |
Modalsare auxiliary verbs. They do not need an additional auxiliary in negatives or questions. For example: Must I come? (Do I must come?), or: He shouldn't smoke (He doesn't should smoke).
Important: Theexplanations and examples on this page are just an introduction to this extensive and complex area of English grammar. Students of English who want to learn more should consult a good reference work,...