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.

Modal Verbs

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:

  1. She must be so proud of her boyfriend.
  2. I should work on Saturday.
  3. You should help your friends.
  • POSSIBILITY (could, may, might)

Example:

  1. You might get hurt again if you take him back.
  2. You may call me at 9.
  3. I might go later if there’s no meeting at the office.
  • ABILITY (cannot, can’t)

Example:

  1. I can’t answer the phone.
  2. You can’t make me eat that.
  3. Tom can’t meet me on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • ASKING PERMISSION (can, may, could)

Example:

  1. May I go out?
  2. Can you say it out loud?
  3. Can you lend me some money?
  • REQUEST (will, would, can, could)

Example:

  1. Will you take these books to the library?
  2. Would you rather die than love me?
  3. Can you throw the garbage?
  • COMMAND (must, have to, need to)

Example:

  1. You have to go to school.
  2. I need to attend to some important matters on Monday.
  3. Lyn must answer the phone or else!
  • SUGGESTION (should, could)

Example:

  1. There’s a new restaurant outside the company, we should try it!
  2. I should go somewhere to forget him.
  3. We could take the early bus tomorrow.
  • HABIT (would, will, used to)

Example:

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

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