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American English Grammar
Modal verb
Learning objectives
  • Learn the definition of a modal verb
  • Study examples of modal verbs
Definition of a modal verb
  • A modal verb is:

    • an auxiliary verb

    • used to express intention, necessity, obligation, offer, permission, possibility, prohibition, question, request, suggestion

    • cannot function as a main verb in a sentence

Examples of modal verbs
  • can

    • She can finish doing the dishes. (possibility)

    • Can we take more of these? (permission)

    • Can you wash my car? (request)

  • could

    • Could I borrow your car? (permission)

    • I think we could get a woman president. (possibility)

    • Could you eat your food in the dining room? (request)

    • You could try finding another job. (suggestion)

  • may

    • May I see the menu please? (permission)

    • It may rain tomorrow. (possibility)

  • might

    • They might give us free tickets. (possibility)

  • must

    • We must go home now. (necessity, obligation)

    • They must not be win the game this weekend. (prohibition)

  • ought to

    • We must go home now. (necessity, obligation)

    • We ought to move to another city. (suggestion)

  • shall

    • Shall we close the account for you? (offer)

    • Shall we go out to lunch now? (suggestion)

    • Shall we go out to lunch or out to dinner? (question)

  • should

    • We should really talk about this. (suggestion)

    • Profits should increase next year. (prediction)

  • will

    • You will do your homework tonight. (necessity)

    • Will you go to the party this weekend? (question)

  • would

    • Would you like me to hold that for you? (offer)

    • You would really like this sushi. (suggestion)

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