Modals are auxiliaries verbs like can, could, may, might, must, should. will, and would. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, invitation, permission, necessity, or requests. Below is a list of the most useful modals and their most common meanings:
Modal Meaning Example
can to express ability I can speak English very well.
can to request permission Can I go to Foundations 4?
could to express ability I could help you tomorrow.
could to express possibility She could be an Olympian.
may to express possibility I may be late for class.
may to request permission May I take the test again, please?
might to express possibility She might call you later.
must to express obligation I must leave at 4 o’clock.
must to express strong belief You must be kidding!
should to give advice You should go to the doctor.
will to show future I will not drive my car today.
would to request or offer Would you prefer a tea or coffee?
would in if-sentences If I were you, I would complain.
There are also two and three-word modals such as had better, have to, ought to, used to, be able to, be going to, be supposed to, andhave got to. However, most anything you want to say can be expressed with a one-word modal.
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