Modal verbs—such as can, could, may, might, must, have to, should, would and others—are essential tools in English. They help us express ability, possibility, obligation, permission, advice, requests, offers, and prohibition. Below, you’ll find detailed explanations and plenty of example sentences with emojis to enrich your understanding.
1. Expressing Ability
Use can to indicate present ability, and could to talk about past ability or conditional ability.
Present Ability with “Can”
- I can swim very well.
- She can speak three languages fluently.
- They can solve challenging puzzles.
- He can play the piano beautifully.
- We can finish the project on time.
Past Ability with “Could”
- When I was a child, I could climb trees easily.
- She could run very fast in her youth.
- They could solve difficult math problems back then.
- He could speak French fluently after living in Paris.
- I could ride my bike for miles without getting tired.
Conditional/Polite Requests with “Could”
- Could you pass the salt, please?
- Could I borrow your pen for a moment?
- If you have time, I could help you with that task.
- I could attend the meeting if it’s rescheduled.
- Could you please speak a bit slower?
2. Expressing Possibility & Probability
Use may or might to indicate that something is possible, though not certain.
- It might rain later today.
- She may join us for dinner.
- They might be at the park now.
- I may travel to Japan next year.
- He might not come to the party.
- The news might have changed by now.
3. Expressing Obligation & Necessity
Use must and have to to express strong obligations, often imposed by rules, laws, or personal commitments.
Using “Have to” (External Obligation)
- I have to finish my report by Friday.
- She has to wear a uniform at school.
- They have to follow the new safety rules.
- We have to arrive on time for the meeting.
- He had to work late yesterday.
- I will have to leave early tomorrow.
Using “Must” (Personal/Moral Obligation)
- I must study if I want to pass the exam.
- You must be careful when driving.
- We must help those in need.
- He must try harder to succeed.
- She must be honest at all times.
4. Asking for Permission
Use modals such as can, could, and may when asking for permission.
- Can I leave early today?
- May I use your phone?
- Could I borrow your book, please?
- Can we go outside for a break?
- May I sit here?
5. Giving Advice & Suggestions
When offering advice or making suggestions, modals such as should, ought to, and phrases like “had better” are used.
- You should eat more vegetables.
- He ought to get more sleep.
- They should try the new restaurant.
- We had better leave before it gets dark.
- She should consider studying abroad.
- You ought to see that movie; it’s great!
6. Making Requests & Offers
Use modals like would, could, and will to make polite requests or offers.
- Would you help me with this assignment?
- Could you please pass the salt?
- Will you join us for dinner?
- Would you like a cup of tea?
- Could I offer you a ride?
- Will you take care of the kids tonight?
7. Expressing Prohibition
To indicate that something is not allowed, use modals such as must not (or mustn’t) and can’t.
- You must not smoke in here.
- Students can’t use their phones during the exam.
- You must not enter the restricted area.
- He can’t park his car here.
- Visitors must not feed the animals.
Exercises: Modal verbs
1 · Choose can / could / must
1. I ___ ride a bike.
2. When she was five, she ___ read.
3. You ___ finish your homework.
4. ___ they play soccer after school yesterday?
5. We ___ take an umbrella; it’s raining.
2 · Use might / have to / had to
1. It ___ rain later.
2. I ___ wash the dishes every day.
3. He ___ leave early yesterday.
4. They ___ study for the test tomorrow.
5. She ___ be at the party; I’m not sure.
3 · Write Can I / should / would you
1. Teacher, ___ open the window?
2. You ___ eat more fruit.
3. ___ pass me the salt, please?
4. ___ borrow your pen?
5. We ___ leave now to be on time.
4 · Choose must not / can / Could you
1. You ___ smoke here.
2. ___ help me?
3. I ___ swim well.
4. Students ___ be late for class.
5. ___ open the door, please?
5 · Choose may / have to / May I
1. ___ sit here?
2. I ___ go now; it’s late.
3. You ___ leave early if you like.
4. She ___ finish her project tonight.
5. ___ we start the game?
6 · Choose ought to / would you like / must not
1. You ___ see a doctor.
2. ___ a cup of tea?
3. Drivers ___ use phones while driving.
4. We ___ leave soon; it’s late.
5. ___ some cake?
