What Is A Modal Verb & How It Is Used in a Sentence – Here’s A Guide…

WHAT IS A MODAL VERB – Here is the meaning of modal verb and an explanation on how it is used in a sentence.

Verbs come in different types and serve different purposes. In this article, we will discuss the definition of modal verb, its examples, and how they are used 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:

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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