Modal verbs are a special category of auxiliary verbs in English that express things like ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and more. Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs don't change form (no -s, -ed, or -ing) and are followed by the base form of another verb. Here are the nine main modal verbs and how they are used.
can
- Ability: "I can swim." (I am able to swim.)
- Permission: "Can I leave early?" (Is it allowed for me to leave early?)
- Informal possibility: "It can get cold at night." (Sometimes it gets cold.)
could
- Past ability: "I could read when I was four." (I was able to read at age four.)
- Polite requests: "Could you pass the salt?" (A polite way to ask.)
- Possibility: "It could rain tomorrow." (There is a chance of rain.)
may
- Permission (formal): "You may enter now." (You are allowed to enter.)
- Possibility: "We may visit them next week." (It's possible we will visit.)
Translate to English: '우리는 다음 주에 그들을 방문할지도 몰라요.' (가능성 표현)
We may visit them next week.
'May' expresses a possibility that something will happen in the future.
might
- Possibility (less certain): "She might be at home." (It's possible, but not certain.)
- Suggestion: "You might want to call ahead." (A polite suggestion.)
must
- Obligation: "You must wear a seatbelt." (It's required.)
- Logical conclusion: "She must be tired." (I conclude she is tired.)
shall
- Formal future (mostly British): "I shall return soon." (I will return.)
- Offers and suggestions: "Shall we dance?" (Would you like to dance?)
should
- Advice: "You should see a doctor." (It's a good idea.)
- Expectation: "The train should arrive at 6." (It is expected.)
- Mild obligation: "You should finish your homework." (You ought to.)
Translate to English: '기차는 6시에 도착할 예정입니다.' (기대)
The train should arrive at 6.
'Should' expresses an expectation that something is likely to happen.
will
- Future: "I will call you tomorrow." (Future action.)
- Willingness: "I will help you." (I am willing to help.)
- Predictions: "It will be sunny." (Prediction.)
Translate to English: '날씨가 맑겠죠.' (예측)
It will be sunny.
'Will' is used to make predictions about the future.
would
- Polite requests: "Would you like some tea?" (Polite offer.)
- Hypothetical situations: "I would travel more if I could." (Imaginary scenario.)
- Past habits: "When I was young, I would play outside." (Repeated past action.)
Summary
Modal verbs are used to express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, advice, and more. They are always followed by the base form of a verb and do not change form. Understanding modal verbs helps you express different shades of meaning in English.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
