List of Modal Verbs Examples & their Usage
MODAL VERBS EXAMPLES – Here are some examples of this type of verb and a guide on how to easily identify where they are used.
In the educational curriculum, the English subject is one of those with the widest scope. It is taught from pre-school to college and the topics are arranged in a way that matches the capacity of the students per year level. These topics include both things to learn in grammar and in literature.
In learning grammar, it is important to know the eight (8) parts of speech. Countless sub-topics spring from the parts of speech as it is like one of the foundations in writing and speaking in English.
One of the parts of speech is the VERB. It refers to the words that denote action in a sentence.There are several types of verb and one of them is the “Modal Verb”.
Modal Verbs are verbs that show possibility, ability, intent, or necessity. These are usually present in sentences and there are many modal verbs examples on the surface.
Undeniably, due to the fact that there is not a clear line between the modal verbs examples, the people are usually confused in how they are properly used. Meanwhile, there are important keywords you must keep in mind to determine their proper usage such as the following:
Can
- Ability
- Request
- Permission
I can dance while singing.
Can you sing at the wedding for me?
You can use my room key so you can surprise her tonight.
Could
- Past Ability
- Future Possibility
- Suggestion
I could have given her what she wanted if I only knew what will happen.
Ramon could bring you to the United States by then.
You could add some flowers in this part of the garden.
May
- Permission
- Future Possibility
- Uncertainty
She may have two (2) of the tickets we bought.
Lourdes may take Ian to Disneyland next year.
Inno may come at the party if it will not rain tonight.
Might
- Permission
- Future Possibility
Richard might use my car for the surprise.
He might come dressed in white tonight.
Must
- Obligation
- Necessity
- Future Possibility
You must go to the party early to help them prepare.
There must be a prayer before the program starts.
She must go to the store if she wants to get things done straight.
Shall
- Offer/Advice
- Suggestion
- Question
Shall we drive you home tonight?
You shall wear pastel-colored shirts at the event.
Shall we go early tomorrow?
Should
- Advice
- Suggestion
- Order/Instruction
You should tell your mother about the deal.
Nathan should dry the petals first before separating them for souvenir purposes.
Kent should pick her up at the hotel before driving to Batangas.
Will
- Future
- Willingness
- Make promises, offer, request
I will launch my own business someday.
I will have the tickets booked for all of you.
I will get you some food first.