Unlike ordinary verbs, modals never change their form. They do not take -s, -ed, or -ing endings.
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<Common Modal Verbs
The most commonly used modal verbs are:
can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should,must&ought to>
<Uses of Modal Verbs
Ability (can, could)
These modals express a person's ability or skill.
Examples
She can swim very well.
He could run fast when he was young.><Permission (may, can)
These are used to ask for or give permission.
Examples
May I come in?
You can borrow my notebook.><Possibility (may, might, could)
These modals indicate that something is possible.
Examples
It may rain this evening.She might arrive late.
This could be the correct answer.>
< Obligation and Necessity (must, have to)
These express duty, responsibility or necessity.
Examples
You must follow the school rules.
I have to complete my assignment today.>
<Advice and Suggestion (should, ought to)
These are used to give advice or recommendations.
Examples
You should revise your lessons daily.
We ought to respect our elders.>
<Requests and Polite Expressions (would, could)
These modals help us make polite requests or offers.
Examples
Could you help me with this question?
Would you like a cup of coffee?>
<Future Actions and Intentions (will, shall)
These modals refer to future events or intentions.
Examples
I will call you tomorrow.
We shall overcome every challenge.>
<Important Rules for Using Modals
Rule 1: Use the Base Form of the Verb
A modal verb is always followed by the base form of the main verb.
Example
✔ She can dance.
❌ She can dances.>
<Rule 2: Modals Never Change Their Form
Modal verbs do not take -s, -ed, or -ing endings.
Example
✔ He can swim.
❌ He cans swim.>
<Rule 3: Do Not Use to After Most Modals
Most modal verbs are followed directly by the base verb.
Exceptions: ought to and have to.
Examples
He must leave now.We ought to help others.
I have to attend the meeting.>
<Common Mistakes
Incorrect
❌ She can dances well.
Correct
✔ She can dance well.>
<Incorrect
❌ He must to go now.
Correct
✔ He must go now.>
<Incorrect
❌ You should to study harder.
Correct
✔ You should study harder.>
<Quick Revision
- Ability → can, could
- Permission → may, can
- Possibility → may, might, could
- Obligation → must, have to
- Advice → should, ought to
- Request → would, could
- Future → will, shall>
<Easy Memory Tip
Modal + Base Verb = Correct Sentence
Always use the base form of the verb after a modal verb.>
1. Parts of Speech 2. Sentence Structure 3. Tenses 4. Subject Verb Agreement 5. Articles and Determiners 6. Voice-active & Passive 7. Direct and Indirect Speech 8. Punctuation 9. Clauses and Phrases 10. Modals