Level: A2-B1
Modal Verbs — Practice
Modals (can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would, shall) add meaning to the main verb — ability, permission, advice, necessity, possibility, future, polite request, hypothetical, or suggestion. Match each one to what it expresses. 30+ click-to-hear ESL examples.
Builds on Helping Verbs Next in unit Imperative →
- Ability
- I can speak three languages. – Ability
- She can play the piano. – Ability
- When I was young, I could run fast. – Ability
- He can swim across the lake. – Ability
- Permission
- May I come in? – Permission
- Can I borrow your pen? – Permission
- Could I use the phone? – Permission
- You may leave now. – Permission
- Possibility (uncertain)
- It may rain tomorrow. – Possibility
- He might be late. – Possibility
- She could be at home. – Possibility
- We might go to the beach. – Possibility
- Strong necessity / obligation
- You must wear a seatbelt. – Necessity
- Students must arrive on time. – Necessity
- You have to show your ID. – Necessity
- I must finish this today. – Necessity
- Strong belief / deduction
- He must be tired after that long flight. – Strong belief
- You must be Sarah. – Strong belief
- She must know the answer. – Strong belief
- Advice / recommendation
- You should see a doctor. – Advice
- We should leave soon. – Advice
- You ought to apologize. – Advice
- You should drink more water. – Advice
- Future / prediction / promise
- I will help you with that. – Future
- It will rain tomorrow. – Future
- She will arrive at six. – Future
- I will call you later. – Future
- Polite requests
- Would you help me, please? – Polite request
- Could you open the window? – Polite request
- Would you mind closing the door? – Polite request
- Hypothetical / unreal
- If I had money, I would travel. – Hypothetical
- She would love to come. – Hypothetical
- Offer / suggestion (with shall)
- Shall we dance? – Suggestion
- Shall I open the window? – Suggestion