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We have all been in a situation where we are unsure of what to say: is it “I should go” or “I must go”? Although they may appear simple, they contain immense power, as they incorporate modal verbs. This blog talks about modal verbs, their rules, their functions, and exercises that’ll help you master them.
Check out this video by Entri in Malayalam!
Key Takeaways:
- Modal verbs are helping verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and more.
- Modals are always followed by the base form of the main verb.
- Practicing modals and their exercises improves grammar and fluency.
- Understanding the tone and intention behind modals is key to making use of them in both formal and informal English.
Introduction: What are Modal Verbs?
The words “should” and “must” are known as modal verbs and are an important and effective part of daily English communication. Modal verbs (or simply known as modals) are helping verbs that express a range of meanings like ability, possibility, necessity, obligation, and permission. They’re always used with the base form of the main verb. Here are some of the common modal verbs to help you get familiar.
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Can
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Could
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May
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Might
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Shall
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Should
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Will
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Would
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Must
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Ought to
Functions of Modal Verbs
1: Which of the sentences below is grammatically correct?
Modal verbs can be used for a variety of functions, which is why it is one of the important and necessary aspects of everyday English. You might’ve used them already in various ways and for various reasons, unintentionally. Let us now look into the various functions along with the examples for better understanding.
Ability
- Can: I can run 5 miles.
- Could (past ability): She could play the piano at age 6.
Permission
- Can/May: May I borrow your pen?
- Could: Could I leave early today?
Possibility
- Might/May/Could: It might rain later.
Advice or Suggestion
- Should/Ought to: You should eat more vegetables.
Obligation or Necessity
- Must/Have to: You must wear a seatbelt.
Offers and Promises
- Shall/Will/Would: Shall I open the window?
Based on this understanding, you get to choose the right modal depending on what you are trying to say.
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Join Now!Modal Verbs Rules to Remember
Modals are a bit different from regular verbs, and hence, the rules about them also differ.
- Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb.
He can go. ✅
He can goes. ❌
- No -s, -ed, or -ing forms
She must stay. ✅
She must stays. ❌
- Most modals don’t work with ‘to'(except ‘ought to’)
You should eat. ✅
You should to eat. ❌
- Modals don’t need auxiliary verbs in questions and negatives.
Should I call her? ✅
Do should I call her? ❌
Modal Exercises with Answers
Complete the following exercises and check the answers to find out if you know them well.
Fill in the blanks with the correct modals
- He knew that he _______ (Would/ must) be able to reach office in time.
- You ______ (dare/ could) not enter my house again.
- I thought he ______ (should/ would) be at school.
- Raman _____ (can/ should) speak in two voices.
- I _____ (can’t/ couldn’t) write what you spoke.
- You _____ (should/ can) have told me earlier.
- _____ (Can/ Should) i get something to drink, please? I am very thirsty.
- _______ (Can/ Should) I use your car, please?
- You ______ (can/ would) go in now and meet the doctor.
- I _______ (would/ should) love to teach these children.
- I ______ (could/ can) eat 5 bananas at a time when i was young.
- You _____ (must/ will) see the lawyer at once.
- ______ (May/ Might) god protect you from the pain and agony.
- My mother ______ (can/ could) watch T.V for hours even now.
- It _______ (would/ may) be cold in the evening, who knows?
- I __ arrange the flowers for the bouquet. (may/can)
- __ I borrow this pen from you? (may/might)
- The teacher __ ask you to bring the homework. (might/can)
- According to the weather forecast, it ___ snow heavily tomorrow. (may/shall)
- Raj hasn’t studied well. He __ fail his exam. (might/shall)
- You __ follow the traffic rules. (may/must)
- It __ be difficult to live amidst war. (should/must)
- My mother __ scold me if I don’t go back on time. (will/may)
- We ___ take care of our parents. (ought to/ could)
- I __ visit the local grocery store soon. (shall/can)
- You ___ be punctual. (should/ought)
- One __ repay all their debts. (must/ought to)
- __ you show me the road to the market? (could/might)
- The child __ be taken to hospital immediately. (must/might)
- ___ you have hot chocolate? (shall/will)
- My teacher (can/must) speak four languages.
- (May/should) I use your mobile to call my mother?
- You (must/could) not speak loudly in the hospital.
- I (could/must) use a little help in packing all these clothes.
- Madam (could/may) you repeat what you said?
- I (can/might) not be able to make it tonight.
- Sheldon (ought to/must) study more if he wants to pass the test.
- (Can/May) you come to the prom with me?
- My parents (shall/ought to) arrive soon.
- I (could/must) be late as I have a lot on my plate.
- Leonard (can/may) easily solve the problem.
- It (might/should) rain tomorrow.
- (May/might) all your wishes come true in life.
- I (could/might) not be any happier.
Answers
- Would
- Dare
- Would
- Can
- Couldn’t
- Should
- Can
- Can
- Can
- Would
- Could
- Must
- May
- Can
- May
- Can
- May
- Might
- May
- Might
- Must
- Must
- Will
- Ought to
- Shall
- Should
- Ought to
- Could
- Must
- Will
- Can
- May
- Must
- Could
- Could
- Might
- Must
- Can
- Shall
- Could
- Can
- Might
- May
- Could
Tips to Master Modals
You can try out these simple tips to get your modal knowledge to the next level.
- Try to practice every day by writing 5 sentences using different modals.
- Watch English movies and TV shows and identify how the speakers ask questions, give advice, or express possibility.
- Make use of apps, grammar games, and exercises to test your understanding of the modal verbs.
- Record yourself using the modal verbs and then compare it to native usage.
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By now, you must have an idea of how important modals are for effective communication in everyday interactions. Regardless of their size and meaning, they create the most impact and meaning in a sentence. The exercises will inform you of your understanding and applicability in terms of effective communication.
But are modals the only part that’ll get you speaking like a native? It’s just the tip of the iceberg and one of the many components that create a sentence. And for learning all of this, you need a mentor to guide you through the storm in order. Entri’s Spoken English course is one of the best courses that can help you master English with industry experts as mentors and top-quality materials. Enrol now to master English language and modals!
Spoken English Course for Guaranteed Confidence and Career Growth
Spoken English Course by Entri App: Enhance your communication skills, gain certification, and boost your career with confidence.
Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
What is a modal verb in English grammar?
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express ideas such as ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and advice. Examples include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.
How do I know which modal verb to use?
It depends on what you’re trying to say. For example:
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Use can for ability: She can swim.
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Use must for strong necessity: You must wear a helmet.
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Use should for advice: You should study more.
Each modal verb has a specific function, which we’ve outlined in the blog.
Can modals be used in different tenses?
Modals themselves do not change form to show tense. However, we often use different modals to express past, present, or future.
For example:
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Present: She can drive.
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Past: She could drive when she was younger.
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Future: She will be able to drive next year.
What is the structure of a sentence with a modal verb?
The basic structure is:
Subject + modal verb + base verb + rest of sentence
Example:
They should study for the test.
What’s the difference between “must” and “have to”?
Both express obligation, but “must” often comes from the speaker, while “have to” usually refers to external rules or situations.
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You must see this movie. (Personal recommendation)
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You have to wear a seatbelt by law. (External rule)
Are modal verbs followed by ‘to’?
No, most modal verbs are not followed by “to,” except for “ought to.”
Correct: You should go now.
Incorrect: You should to go now.
Correct: You ought to speak politely.
Can we make negative and question forms with modals?
Yes! Modals form questions and negatives without using “do/does/did”.
Examples:
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Question: Can you swim?
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Negative: She can’t come today.
Are modal verbs used in formal and informal English?
Yes. Some are more common in informal English (can, will), while others (shall, may) are more formal or polite.
Example (formal): May I come in?
Example (informal): Can I come in?
How can I practice modals effectively?
Practice using modals in real-life contexts — write short dialogues, listen to native speakers, and complete grammar exercises like the ones in this post. You can also try role-playing or storytelling using different modals.
