Modal Verbs

Question 1

What are they modal verbs

Answer 1

Modal verbs express ability, possibility, permission, necessity, and obligation.

Question 2

Common Modal Verbs

Answer 2

• Can / Could → Ability, possibility, permission
• May / Might → Possibility, permission
• Must → Strong obligation, necessity
• Shall / Should → Advice, suggestion, obligation
• Will / Would → Future certainty, willingness
• Have to → Obligation, necessity
• Need to → Necessity
• Ought to → Moral obligation

Question 3

Can / Could

Answer 3

Can / Could → Ability, possibility, permission

I can swim.
Could you help me?

Question 4

May / Might

Answer 4

May / Might → Possibility, permission

It may rain later.

Question 5

Must

Answer 5

Must → Strong obligation, necessity

You must wear a seatbelt.

Question 6

Shall / Should

Answer 6

Shall / Should → Advice, suggestion, obligation

You should study more.

Question 7

Will / Would

Answer 7

Will / Would → Future certainty, willingness

I will call you later.
Would you like some coffee?

Question 8

Have to

Answer 8

Have to → Obligation, necessity

I have to wake up early.

Question 9

Need to

Answer 9

Need to → Necessity

You need to see a doctor.

Question 10

Ought to

Answer 10

Ought to → Moral obligation

You ought to apologize.