Modal verbs
with this table, you will be able to understand the different functions Modal verbs have . Example and substituting verbs and expressions are also given
| Modal Verb | Function | Substituting verb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| can | could | • Ability – John can speak English, but he can’t speak Spanish. • Ability (in the past) – My mother could swim when she was younger. • Possibility – I can learn English. • Permission – Can I go out please? • Offer – Can I help you, madam? • Request – Could you bring me a cup of tea, please? |
• To be able to • To be capable of • To be (im)possible to • To be allowed to |
| May | Might | • Permission (politeness) – May I open the window, please? • Possibility – The chauffeur may be in the car. Susan may not come tomorrow. You might participate in the contest. • Probability – It might rain. |
• To be allowed to • To be likely to • To be probable to • Perhaps… will |
| Will | Would | • Requests (more polite) – Would you mind closing the door? • Determination/intention – I will pass the exam. |
• To want • To desire • To be determined to |
| Shall | Should | • Offer – Shall I open the door for you? • Suggestion – Shall we go to the cinema? • Advice – You should eat more vegetables. |
• Do you want…? • Let’s • To have to (morally) • To be the (moral) duty • … Would better… |
| Must/Have to | Had to | • Obligation/duty – You must do your homework, whether you want to or not. • Deduction – He has a great car. He must earn a lot of money. • Necessity – You must go to the doctor if you can’t see well. |
• To have to • To be obliged to • To have the obligation • To be certain |
| Mustn’t | • Prohibition – You mustn’t cross the road when the red light is on. | • To be forbidden • To be prohibited to |
|
| Ought to | • Recommendation/moral obligation – You ought to study more. | • To have to | |
| Need/Needn’t | • (Absence of) obligation/necessity – You needn’t run. It’s still early. | • To be necessary • Don’t need to • Don’t have to |
|
| Dare | • Audacity or lack of it – How dare you?/He daren’t look at me. | • To have the courage to |
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