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Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that we use to express an opinion about whether something is probable or possible.

We also use them when talking about ability, asking for permission, or making a request.

Ability

Asking Permission

Informal

Can, Could

David can speak three languages

He could speak fluent French when he was 5

Permission

Can, Could, May

Can I sit in that chair please?

Could I open the windown?

May I borrow your dictionary?

Advice

Should

You should try to lose weight

You should visit your dentist at least twice a year

Obligation

Must, Have to

I must memorize all of these rules about tenses

You have to take off your shoes before you get into the mosque

Possibility

Might, May, Could, Can

It looks nice, but it might be very expensive

Richard may be coming to see us tomorrow

Can

Can I borrow your pen for a minute?

Can I speak to John Wilson?

Formal

May

May I ask a question please?

May we go home now?

Polite

Could

Could I please have a glass of beer?

Could I open the windown?

Would

Would you mind if I asked you something?

Modal verbs always accompany the base form of another verb that has semantic content.