The main modal verb we use to describe obligations is ‘must’. They may come round later if they have time. I think we could win this match but it’ll be hard. 80% sure (According to the weather forecast.)

We can use a range of modal verbs to describe the future, depending on how probable we think the event or situation is. He couldn’t get tickets for the concert because it was sold out. I could hear the thunder even though it was far away. She couldn’t do the Maths homework so she asked her friend for help. When I was younger I could play the piano. For example:Ĭan they play football? Yes, but not very well. We use ‘can’ to refer to present and general abilities, and ‘could’ to refer to past abilities. There are two modal verbs we use to describe ability – ‘can’ and ‘could’. May I wear jeans to the office? – I’m afraid you may not because we have a strict dress code.Ĭan my kids play here? Describing Abilities and Possibilities We can also ask and give permission with varying levels of formality:Įxcuse me, could we sit here? – Certainly.Ĭan I get myself a glass of water, John? – Sure, help yourself. Would you send the material as soon as possible please?Ĭould you bring us the bill please? Asking and Giving Permission In English there are several ways we can make requests and with different levels of formality: Now you’ve seen the structure, let’s look at the different situations in which we use modal verbs. To make questions we invert the subject and the modal verb: To make negative sentences, we add ‘not’: Affirmative sentences are the same for all subjects with modal verbs, which means you don’t need to add -s to the third person singular:

The great thing about modal verbs is that they all follow three simple rules to make affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences. Each modal verb describes either how, why or when an action happens. In fact, most modal verbs have no real meaning without another verb. Modal verbs are special verbs that we use in combination with another verb. Let’s have a look to see what modal verbs have in common and the many ways they can be used. So learning how to use modal verbs can really improve your level of fluency. Modal verbs are a fundamental part of English because they express obligations, abilities, probabilities, suggestions and much more.

Exercise about modal verbs