Complete Guide to Modal Verbs - How Modal VerbShape Our Communication

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Complete Guide to Modal Verbs - How Modal Verb Shape Our Communication

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Last Updated

June 10, 2025

Table of Content

Could you please pass the salt? Or Can you please pass the salt?

It may rain? Or It might rain?

Can I come with you? Or May I come with You?

Do the set of sentences sound similar? Yet the speaker might be confused which sentence is grammatically correct. Modal verbs are perplexing yet simple to learn. We are here to help you learn modal verbs at ease.

What is a modal verb?

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that work with the main verb to express possibility, intent, ability, obligation,permission,suggestion and more. It expresses the modality of the speaker’s attitude. They aren’t used independently but combined with the base form of the verb. Here is the list of Modal verbs

Can
Could
May
Might
Must
Shall
Should
Will
Would

Let us understand Modal verb with examples:

You should study well for your exams.
You must study harder for your exam.

Although they sound similar, there is a subtle difference.

You should study well for your exams-

Here the sentence implies a tone of suggestion or idea. For saying it is a good idea to study well.

You must study harder for your exam –

Here the sentence implies a tone of obligation or necessity. It says it is important you must study harder.

‘It is tricky to understand the usage of the verb but what if i tell you there is a solution to a problem is to know the functions of Modal verb.

Functions of modal verbs:

1.Expressing Ability : Can/Could

Can: Present abilities

Example: I can run (This means I have the ability to run now.)

Could: Past abilities or hypothetical situation

Example: When I was younger I could run. (This means when you were younger I could run but not now.)

2.Indicating Possibility

May/ Might

May: Strong possibility.

Example: It may rain later. (This indicates that there is a chance of rain.)

Might: weaker possibility than “may.”

Example: I might go to the party if I finish my work. (This means you are not sure if you will go to the party.)

3.Expressing Obligation and Permission

Must \ Shall

Must: Indicate a strong obligation.

Example: You must wear a seatbelt in the car. (This means it is necessary to wear a seatbelt.)

Shall: Formal contexts, especially with “I” or “we.”

Example: We shall meet at noon. (This suggests a formal commitment to meet.)

4. Expressing Future Intentions

Will /Should

Will: Intention about the future.

Example: I will call you tomorrow. (This means you plan to call tomorrow.)

Should: Recommendation or mild obligation.

Example: You should see a doctor if you feel sick. (This suggests that it is a good idea to see a doctor.)

5. Making Suggestions

Should /ought to

Should: Give advice or make a suggestion.

Example: You should try the new restaurant. (This is a suggestion based on personal opinion.)

Ought to: similar to “should” but more formal.

Example: You ought to study for the test. (This means you should study.)

Expressing Preferences and Habits

With its little number, the apostrophe is an essential part of English language. It’s used to create contractions and to denote possession. Knowing how to use it correctly will greatly enhance your writing.

Recall that apostrophes are more than simply symbols. Their use is governed by certain guidelines. Your work will be grammatically correct, succinct, and clear if you adhere to these rules.

Would \Used to Would: Habitual action in the past or a preference. Example: I would go for a walk every evening. (This indicates a past habit.) I would like a cup of coffee. ( This indicate Preference) Used to: Past habit or situation that no longer exists. Example: I used to play football when I was a child. (This means you played football in the past, but not anymore.) Expressing Ability

She can play the piano. (Present ability)
He could read when he was four years old. (Past ability)

Indicating Possibility

They may visit us this weekend. (High possibility)
It might be sunny tomorrow. (Lower possibility)

Giving Permission

May I leave early today? (Formal request)
Can I borrow your pen? (Informal request)

Expressing Obligation

You must finish your homework before you go out. (Strong obligation)
You should drink more water. (Mild obligation)

Making Suggestions

You should join us for dinner. (Suggestion)
You ought to try the new coffee shop. (Formal suggestion)

Expressing Future Intentions

I will finish my report by Friday. (Future intention)
We shall overcome this challenge. (Formal future intention)

Expressing Preferences and Habits

I would like to go on vacation. (Preference)
I used to go swimming class when I was a kid. (Past habit)

Common Mistakes with Modal Verb

Using Wrong Modal verb
Over Using ‘Must’
Negating Modal Verbs

1.Using Wrong Modal verb

Choosing the incorrect modal verb can change the meaning. For example, saying “You must try Chinese food” means it is necessary to try it, while “You might try Chinese food” suggests you have the option to try it without pressure.

2.Over Using ‘Must’

While “must” conveys strong necessity, using it too much can seem bossy. Consider using “should” for softer recommendations.

3.Negating Modal Verbs

Be careful with negation. Saying “I can’t eat” indicates a lack of ability or permission, while “I don’t have to eat” means there is no obligation to eat.

Let us Practice

Try a simple activity to test your understanding with modal verbs

You __________ call your friend to confirm the meeting time. (suggestion or advice)
She __________ be at the office by now; she left an hour ago. (certainty)
We __________ go to the beach tomorrow if the weather is nice. (less possibility)
I __________ help you with your homework if you ask me. (offer)
You __________ wear a jacket; it’s quite cold outside. (recommendation)

Answers:

should
must
might
would
Should

Tips for Mastery:

Practice Using modal verb regularly in your conversation
Listen to Media to see how modal verbs are used
Write example sentence for better understanding
Engage in conversation to understand Modal Verbs
Seek Feedback! For better improvement.

Elena Kinsley

Pragati Gupta is a Content Marketer @Writesonic, specializing in AI, SEO, and strategic B2B writing. Leveraging the power of Generative AI, she produces high-impact content that drives superior ROI.

Frequently Asked question?

When do I use an apostrophe to show possession?

Use an apostrophe and an “s” after a singular noun to show ownership. For example, “John’s book” means the book belongs to John.
Use an apostrophe after a plural noun ending in “s” to show ownership. For example, “The boys’ toys” means the toys belong to the boys.
Use an apostrophe and an “s” after a plural noun not ending in “s” to show ownership. For example, “The men’s shoes” means the shoes belong to the men.

How do I use apostrophes in contractions?

Use an apostrophe to replace missing letters in contractions. For example, “don’t” is a contraction for “do not.”

What's the difference between "its" and "it's"?

“Its” is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership. For example, “The cat lost its tail.”
“It’s” is a contraction for “it is.” For example, “It’s raining.”

Can I use an apostrophe to make a noun plural?

No, you cannot use an apostrophe to make a noun plural. For example, the plural of “cat” is “cats,” not “cat’s.”

How do I handle proper nouns ending in "s" that show possession?

You can either add just an apostrophe or an apostrophe and an “s” to show possession. For example, “Charles’ book” or “Charles’s book” both indicate that the book belongs to Charles.