Will, can, would, must, could, might, ought, should, etc. These are modal verbs. You may use these words hundreds of times in a day, Look, I did it right now! So let’s explore definitions and examples of modal verb, their functions, usage, and list.
Definition of a Modal Verb
Modal verbs modify the other verbs in a sentence. These include can, may, must, should, and would, etc.
Examples of Modal Verbs
Example Sentences:
Here are the modal verb examples sentences.
- She can complete all these tests alone.
- The discovery ride may be dangerous.
- You should help others.
- It might hail today.
Modal Verbs Definition and Examples
Download Modal Verb PDF:
Types of Modal Verbs:
| Epistemic Modal Verb | They show the level of certainty or uncertainty. |
| Deontic Modal Verb | These represent prohibition, obligation, and permission. |
| Dynamic Modal Verb | They represent ability, capacity, or willingness. |
Modal Verbs and its types
Modal verb list in English:
- Can
- Might
- May
- Ought
- Must
- Could
- Shall
- Should
- Will
- Would
How Modal Verb is used?
| Modal verb | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| May | Represent possibility, ask permission, or request something. | Sara may leave early today. |
| Might | Represent possibility | I might go to shopping today. |
| Must | Indicate likelihood and obligation | You must provide customer support services to excel. |
| Will | Represent the future action and use for making a polite request | She will manage the whole event. |
| Would | The past form of will, and used to request | Would you lend me these books? |
| Shall | Represent future action and ask a question | Shall we schedule a complimentary call today? |
| Should | Used to give a suggestion 0r likelihood | You should optimize the content. |
| Can | Indicate ability, possibility, permission, and request. | Lisa can create compelling content. |
| Ought | It shows obligation. | We ought to save water to save Earth. |
| Could | Shows possibility | Could you please provide personalized services? |
Usage of Modal Verb
Modal Verbs Worksheet:
Solve these modal verb exercises to excel.
The modal verb “may” represent:
- Obligation
- Possibility
- None of these
- Both of above
The modal verb “must” represent:
- Obligation
- Likelihood
- None of these
- Both of above
Modal Verb Worksheet
