Modal Verbs - What Is A Modal Verb and How To Use It In A Sentence

Here are some things to know about modal verbs and their usage.

MODAL VERBS – The definition and usage of modal verbs as they can be confusing to use in constructing a sentence.

The modal verbs are auxiliary verbs or helper verbs that are used together with the main verb. They are oftentimes tricky to be used in a sentence but knowing their specific uses will make things easier for sure.

Below are the frequently used ones that when used in a statement, it can change the entire course of the thought:

can
may
might
could
should
would
will
must

Here are the uses with examples:

LIKELIHOOD (should, must)

Example:

She must be so proud of her boyfriend.
I should work on Saturday.
You should help your friends.

POSSIBILITY (could, may, might)

Example:

You might get hurt again if you take him back.
You may call me at 9.
I might go later if there’s no meeting at the office.

ABILITY (cannot, can’t)

Example:

I can’t answer the phone.
You can’t make me eat that.
Tom can’t meet me on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

ASKING PERMISSION (can, may, could)

Example:

May I go out?
Can you say it out loud?
Can you lend me some money?

REQUEST (will, would, can, could)

Example:

Will you take these books to the library?
Would you rather die than love me?
Can you throw the garbage?

COMMAND (must, have to, need to)

Example:

You have to go to school.
I need to attend to some important matters on Monday.
Lyn must answer the phone or else!

SUGGESTION (should, could)

Example:

There’s a new restaurant outside the company, we should try it!
I should go somewhere to forget him.
We could take the early bus tomorrow.

HABIT (would, will, used to)

Example:

I would fall asleep to the sound of the rain.
I will always wait for you.
She used to smile a lot but since her mother died, everything changed.