Learn English with English, baby!

Join for FREE!

Social_nav_masthead_logged_in

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs come before and modify the main verb in a sentence and help explain ideas like possibility, necessity, or obligation. Here are several modal verbs and their functions:

Might expresses uncertainty about the present or future, as in, "I might quit my job next month," or, "It might be cold out, so bring a jacket."

Can expresses ability or possibility, as in, "I can speak French and Spanish," or, "Students can get cheaper tickets at the movies." It also asks permission or makes a request, as in, "Can you come over tonight?"

Should expresses obligation, as in, "I should study for my math test," or probability, as in, "The package should arrive tomorrow, since I sent it last week." It also gives advice, as in, "I think you should go out with Jesse."

Must expresses necessity or obligation, as in, "I must go see my grandmother this weekend." It also gives strong advice, as in, "You must quit smoking now that you're pregnant."

Other modal verbs and modal verb phrases include: will, may, could, would, have to, need to, ought to, and be able to.

Modal Verbs Grammar Quiz

  1. I wish you come over tomorrow.

  2. If Janna was more outgoing, she have more friends.

  3. Mark walk well because he sprained his foot.

  4. you please pass me the salt?

  5. If you want to meet more girls, you come dancing with me on Friday.

Go Super to see the answers! Go Super!

Modal Verbs Lessons:

Weddings

Try It On For Size

Roll Out the Red Carpet

Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Hot Weather

Harrison Ford

Break the Bank

Girls' Night Out

The iTEP® test

  • Schedule an iTEP® test and take the official English Practice Test.

    Take Now >

Comments

Log in to Reply

Sweedeen

Sweedeen

Sweden

  1. Not sure but if that would be the case, you dont use "be clear last night", you have to use "have been instead"

            Correct me if i'm wrong.  

 

 

01:07 PM Apr 19 2009 |

MOON11216

MOON11216

Pakistan

HI HOW R U DEARS

 

02:24 PM Apr 06 2009 |

cheeznun

cheeznun

Thailand

;)

03:13 PM Apr 05 2009 |

neojew

South Korea

Isn't 'shall' a kind of modal verb?

10:11 AM Apr 01 2009 |

sangeethsekm

India

it’s nice

04:09 AM Apr 01 2009 |

Eydo

Eydo

Turkey

Model "Might" might be used for past, as far as remember? ie; It might be clear sky last night.

10:13 AM Mar 18 2009 |

sweetme

sweetme

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

thank you for this lessen

it was easy thank to you

07:30 PM Mar 07 2009 |

pradeepsony

India

could , could you tell me please,could you  do it,yes i  can,

02:31 PM Mar 07 2009 |

pradeepsony

India

may also

02:29 PM Mar 07 2009 |