Modal Verbs - Meaning, List of Modal Auxiliaries, Usage & Examples

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb and the modal verbs in English grammar indicate expressing about certain situations. The situations which define modal verb accurately are:  

• Necessity  

• Possibility  

• Probability  

• Ability  

• Permission or requests 

• Suggestions or obligations 

In other words, they are used to change or modify the main verb of the sentence to add a particular use or express the attitude of a speaker toward the action.  

Modal verbs do not change their forms according to the subjects; generally, they follow the base form of the main verb (for example, can go, must be). Also, auxiliaries and modals are more or less the same, since they are essential in providing added weightage to the situation. Knowledge of modal verbs will help applicants ace their IELTS modules that is,

• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing
• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Speaking

Looking at understanding modal verbs? The list of modal words will help applicants identify them easily. Check out the list of modal auxiliaries below: 

• Can 

• Could 

• May 

• Might 

• Will 

• Shall 

• Should  

• Would 

• Must 

• Ought to 

This is the list of modal auxiliaries and they are 10 in number. Each of these modal verbs are used differently denoting a specific ability, possibility or necessity.   

Modal Verbs Example 

Let us understand modal auxiliary verbs in more detail and check out some of the modal verb examples below: 

1. I can finish my KRA before time every month. 
2. You must not eavesdrop on conversations. 
3. She should have spoken about the student’s grievances in the meeting. 
4. We could have gone on a trip if we planned it before. 
5. I may not submit my assignment by the last deadline. 
6. He might bring his guitar at the party so that we can all sing. 
7. I shall not hear a single word from you after this. 
8. The teacher will take classes today. 
9. I would never take things for granted. 
10. You ought to obey the rules of attendance in college. 

Based on the modal verbs examples, it can be noted that:  

• ‘Can’ denotes either ability or permission  

• ‘Must’ indicates necessity or a strong recommendation.  

• Other modal verbs - like ‘should, may, might, could, shall and will’, give a variety of meanings to the verb in terms of advice, possibility, and intention of the future.  

Thus, possibilities also have a frequency and so do abilities. Each modal auxiliary verb holds a specific meaning and each solves a specific purpose.

Originally, 10 modal verb types are used in English grammar. Here's a table summarising the meanings and uses of common modal verbs in English along with some modal verbs examples: 

This table highlighted the core meanings and typical contexts where each modal verb is used. Thus, applicants must keep this table handy to understand modal verbs. 

There are 10 modal auxiliary verbs and each has a set structure or rule and type of use. Check out the modal auxiliary verbs rule or structure and modal verbs examples below: 

Can: 

Structure: S + can + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Expresses ability: She can swim.  

• Expresses possibility: It can rain today.  

• Asking for permission: Can I leave early? 

Could: 

Structure: S + could + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Past ability: I could run faster two years ago.  

• Polite request: Could you help me? 

• Possibility: It could rain tomorrow. 

Check out the use of Simple Past Tense and how to use could in this context. 

May: 

Structure: S + may + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Permission: May I borrow your pen? 

• Possibility: It may snow later. 

Might: 

Structure: S + might + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Possibility: It might be too late.  

• Suggestion: We might look at this later because it can work. 

Shall:  

Structure: S + shall + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Suggestion or offer: Shall we go for a walk? 

• Future action: I shall return soon. 

Also, check out Future Forms in English grammar and understand why shall is used for future and with I and we only. 

Should: 

Structure: S + should + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Advice: You should study more to get more marks.  

• Obligation: You should be at work by 9:00 a.m..  

• Expectation: The train should arrive soon. 

Will: 

Structure: S + will + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Future action: I will call you later. 

• Willingness: I will help you with your application to the hardest universities in USA.  

• Strong intention: I will never give up on anything. 

Would: 

Structure: S + would + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

Usage with examples: 

• Polite requests: Would you pass the salt, please?  

• Hypothetical situations: If I were rich, I would travel the world.  

• Past habit: I visited my grandparents every summer when I was young. 

Must: 

Structure: S + must + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Necessity: You must wear a seatbelt.  

• Strong recommendation: You must try this dish! 

• Deduction: He must be at home (because his car is there). 

Ought to: 

Structure: S + ought to + base form of verb + O 

Usage with examples: 

• Obligation: You ought to apologise for your wrongdoings.  

• Advice: You ought to get more sleep to remove dark circles. 

Since using modal verbs is significant for scoring a higher band score on IELTS and across its different sections, aiming for conceptual clarity through example of modals in English grammar elucidated above is equally important.

While it is common to have multiple options of modal auxiliary verbs against a similar incident or situation, choosing the right one can be tricky. Do you also get confused and end up guessing the best possible modal verb fit? Check out the following mistakes to avoid when using modal verbs: 

1. Incorrect Use of ‘can’ and ‘may’ for Permissions

While can is used for a more informal request, the use of may on the other hand is used for a formal request. Thus, they are not used interchangeably. The modal aux verb that is correct for the following example is as follows: 

• Incorrect: Can I schedule a meeting with you for tomorrow?  

• Correct: May I schedule a meeting with you for tomorrow?   

2. Understand the Possibility of Frequency 

There are cases where the situation has two frequencies - low or high, based on that, applicants must choose the right modal auxiliary type, that is, may or might. Let us check how applicants can go wrong: 

• Incorrect: They may consider your application, but it's not guaranteed. 
• Correct: They might consider your application, but it's not guaranteed. 

3. Using ‘must’ and ‘ought to’ Interchangeably

Both "ought to" and "should" have the same meanings, But they are not always interchangeable. Both should not be overused because both usages sound repetitive. Ought to is a bit more formal. Furthermore, it is not used often in everyday speech. Example of modals in English grammar for both these modals are as follows: 

• Incorrect: You should eat your vegetables. 
• Correct: You ought to eat your vegetables. 

4. Overusing ‘will’ for Predictions

While ‘will’ is used for predicting scenarios or situations however, overusing it can be redundant. It can be replaced by ‘may’ or ‘might’ as well. Understand this through this example: 

• Incorrect: It will rain tomorrow. I think. 
• Correct: I think it may rain tomorrow.  

By now you must have understood the modal verbs, modal verbs definition, list of modal verbs, and use of modals through some examples, Ensure that you practice the modal verbs, and explore additional modal verbs examples on IELTS practice tests. Practice is key and regular practice is essential to crack the IELTS exam. Continue learning and practice!