Modals Lesson: Usage & Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Are Modals?
• Types of Modals
• How to Use Modals
• Common Mistakes with Modals
• Modals Examples
• Fill in the Blank Assessment

Modals are special types of verbs that help us express ideas beyond the basic meaning of the main verb. Modals allow us to express ability, permission, possibility, necessity, and advice, among other things.

Using modals correctly can help you sound more confident and polite in English, whether you're asking for permission or talking about what is possible.

What Are Modals?

Modals are auxiliary verbs used to express different meanings in a sentence. Unlike regular verbs, modals don't change form based on the subject (I, you, he, she, etc.) or tense. They are followed by the base form of the main verb, which means they never take "-s" or "-ed" endings.

Examples of Modal Verbs:

• Can
• Could
• May
• Might
• Must
• Should
• Would
• Shall

Types of Modals

Modals serve various functions. Here's a breakdown of some common types of modals, along with their uses:

Take This Quiz:

Choose the correct modal verb for the sentence

How to Use Modals

Basic Structure

• Subject + Modal Verb + Base Verb

For example:

• I can swim.
• She should study more.
• They might go to the movies.

Negative Form

To make modals negative, simply add not after the modal verb.

• Can + not = Can't
• Should + not = Shouldn't
• Must + not = Mustn't

Examples:

• She can't play the piano.
• You shouldn't be late to class.
• You mustn't forget your homework.

Questions with Modals

When asking a question with a modal, place the modal verb before the subject.

• Modal + Subject + Main Verb

Examples:

• Can you help me with my homework?
• Should I go to bed early?
• May I use your pencil?

Common Mistakes with Modals

Here are some typical errors when using modals and how to avoid them:

Modals Examples

Let's now look at some practical examples of how modals are used in real-world situations.

1. Ability

• I can play the guitar. (Shows ability)
• When I was younger, I could run faster. (Past ability)

2. Permission

• May I borrow your pen? (Asking for permission)
• You can go out after finishing your homework. (Giving permission)

3. Possibility

• It might snow tomorrow. (Possibility)
• She may come to the party later. (Possible future action)

4. Obligation

• You must clean your room before you can play. (Strong obligation)
• We have to finish the project by Friday. (Requirement)

5. Prohibition

• You mustn't speak loudly in the library. (Prohibited action)
• We can't bring food into the classroom. (Not allowed)

6. Advice

• You should eat more vegetables. (Advice)
• You ought to rest if you're feeling sick. (Advice or suggestion)

7. Polite Request

• Could you help me with my homework? (Polite request)
• Would you like some ice cream? (Polite offer)

Take This Quiz:

Test your knowledge about Modals Verb quiz

Fill in the Blank Assessment

Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb from the list below. Use each modal verb only once.

1. You _____________ finish your homework before you go out with your friends.
2. He _____________ be at the meeting by now. It's already 10:00 AM.
3. I _____________ swim when I was younger, but I haven't practiced in a while.
4. ___________ I borrow your pen for a moment?
5. You _____________ bring your textbooks to class tomorrow; it's a rule.
6. She _____________ be at home, but I'm not sure. She left her car outside.
7. They _____________ go to the park later if it doesn't rain.
8. You _____________ forget to study for the test; it's very important.
9. I _____________ help you with your homework if you need it.
10. I _____________ go to the party tonight because I have a big test tomorrow.

Answers:

1. have to
2. must
3. could
4. May
5. must
6. might
7. might
8. mustn't
9. would
10. can't