Modal Verbs Definition, Rules, and Examples

Usage of Modal Verbs with Examples

Use of Can

• Usage: To show ability or ask/give permission.
• Example: I can swim. / Can I use your phone?

Use of Could

• Usage: To talk about ability in the past or to make polite requests.
• Example: She could sing well when she was 5. / Could you help me?

Use of May

• Usage: To ask or give permission; to show possibility.
• Example: May I come in? / It may rain today.

Use of Might

• Usage: To show a small chance of something happening.
• Example: He might be late.

Use of Must

• Usage: To show something is necessary or required.
• Example: You must wear a seatbelt.

Use of Shall

• Usage: Mostly in formal English for offers or future actions.
• Example: Shall we go now?

Use of Should

• Usage: To give advice or suggest something.
• Example: You should drink more water.

Use of Will

• Usage: To talk about the future or make promises.
• Example: I will call you tomorrow.

Use of Would

• Usage: To make polite offers, requests, or talk about unreal situations.
• Example: Would you like some tea? / I would travel if I had money.

Use of Dare (as modal)

• Usage: To show boldness or challenge. Usually in negative or question forms.
• Example: How dare you speak like that? / Dare he go alone?

Modal Verbs Rules in Simple Words

Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb.
Example: She can dance. (Not “can dances”)

Modal verbs do not take ‘s’, ‘ed’, or ‘ing’ forms.
Wrong: He cans go. ✅ Correct: He can go.

Do not use “do/does/did” with modals.
Wrong: Does she can go? ✅ Correct: Can she go?

Examples of Modal Verbs in Sentences

Here are some easy examples of modal verbs in use:

• Can—I can ride a bike.
• May—May I come in?
• Must—You must do your homework.
• Shall—Shall we start the meeting?
• Should—You should eat healthy food.
• Could—he could play piano when he was 5.
• Would—I would love to join the trip.
• Might—It might rain today.
• Will—She will call you tomorrow.
• Dare—Dare he say that to the teacher?

Modal Verbs – Practice Exercises

Try these to test yourself:

1. I ___ go to the doctor. (should / can)
2. She ___ swim very well. (can / must)
3. ___ I borrow your pen? (Will / May)
4. You ___ not smoke here. (must / can)
5. He ___ play guitar when he was young. (could / may)

Answers:

1. should
2. can
3. May
4. must
5. could

Modal Verbs Worksheet for Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb (can, may, must, should, could):