LEARN ABOUT MODALS
A MODAL VERB is a type of verb that contextually indicates a modality such as a likelihood,
ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestion, order, obligation or advice. It is always accompanying the
base form of another verb having semantic content. Modals are auxiliary verbs except: “be” (am, is, are, was
or were); “do”; and “have” verbs.
Examples:
1. You can have a candy if you like.
2. Jhon will be a singer someday.
3. We might spend summer in Baguio.
MODAL
CAN
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COULD
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MAY
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MIGHT
MUST
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OUGHT TO
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SHALL
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SHOULD
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WILL
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WOULD
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USES
Ability/possibility
Inability/impossibility
Asking for permission
Making a request
Asking for permission
Making a request
Giving a suggestion
Future possibility
Ability in the past
Asking permission
Future possibility
Future possibility
Necessity/obligation
Prohibition
Saying what’s right or
correct or necessary
Making an offer
Giving a suggestion
Asking what to do
Stating urgency
Recommending action
Uncertain prediction
Making an offer
Making a promise
Certain prediction
Asking permission
Making a request
Asking for help
Making arrangements
Issuing an invitation
Stating preference
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EXAMPLES
They can commute from home to school.
The boys can’t fix the faucet
Can I read here?
Can you teach me?
Could I borrow your ball pen?
Could you demonstrate it to me more slowly?
We could try to arrange a meeting ourselves.
I think we could have another panel discussion.
She could dance gracefully before the accident.
May I have another glass of milk?
The Philippines may become a major tourist
attraction.
They might give us another chance.
We must say our prayers now.
The mustn’t use their cell phone during class hours.
We ought to employ a clerk.
Shall I help you with your work?
Shall we leave at 4 pm?
Shall I send the letter now?
We should address this problem asap.
I think we should revise our work again.
Employment rate should increase next year.
I’ll call him for you if you like.
I’ll return the charger tomorrow.
Profits will increase next year.
Would you mind if I get in and sit for a while?
Would you pass the catsup please?
Would you mind giving me a hand?
Would Friday suit you?
Would you like to play basketball on Saturday?
“Would you prefer chocolate or orange?”