Modal Verbs
Modal verbs express necessity, ability, permission, and other attitudes. They shape meaning by adding force or nuance to an action.
Must
Use must to express strong necessity or logical certainty. It applies to rules and firm conclusions.
Examples
Mustn't
Use mustn't to indicate prohibition. It tells someone they are not allowed to do something.
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Have to
Use have to for external obligations, such as rules or requirements imposed by others.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🏗️ I have to finish the scaffolding by tomorrow. | I must finish the scaffolding by tomorrow. | Deadline obligation |
| 📦 She has to organize the materials before they arrive. | She needs to organize the materials beforehand. | Scheduling |
| 🛑 You don’t have to stay late if the work is done. | You can leave once the work is finished. | Lack of necessity |
| 🧰 They don’t have to bring extra tools today. | Extra tools are not needed today. | Permission |
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Don't have to
Use don't have to to say that an obligation is not necessary. It indicates absence of requirement.
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Can
Use can to express ability, permission, or possibility in informal contexts. It speaks to what someone is able or allowed to do.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🏗️ We can use the crane to lift the beams. | We are able to use the crane to lift the beams. | Ability |
| 🚜 The truck can carry twice as much load. | The truck is capable of carrying twice the load. | Capability |
| 🧑🔧 Can you help me with the measurements? | Could you assist me with the measurements? | Request |
| ⚠️ You can’t enter the site without a badge. | Entry is not allowed without a badge. | Prohibition |
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Can't
Use can't to deny ability or to say that something is impossible or not allowed.
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May
Use may for more formal permission or to express a tentative possibility. It softens the request or statement.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🌅 May we start work at dawn tomorrow? | Is it allowed to start work at dawn tomorrow? | Permission |
| 🧱 You may find extra bricks in the storage tent. | You might find extra bricks in the storage tent. | Polite suggestion |
| 🚧 May not enter when the flag is red. | Entry is prohibited when the flag is red. | Formal notice |
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May not
Use may not to indicate that permission is denied or that something is possibly not allowed.
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Should
Use should for advice, recommendations, or mild expectations. It suggests what is best or what will likely happen.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🗒️ You should double-check the measurements. | It’s a good idea to double-check the measurements. | Advice |
| 🧴 Workers should sanitize their hands before lunch. | Workers ought to sanitize their hands before lunch. | Recommendation |
| 🔧 The machine should be serviced every week. | The machine needs regular weekly servicing. | Expectation |
| ⚡ You shouldn’t use damaged cables. | Avoid using damaged cables. | Warning |
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Ought to
Use ought to similarly to should for advice and moral duty. It is slightly more formal.
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Will
Use will for future actions, promises, and voluntary decisions. It expresses certainty or intent.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 We will start the foundation next Monday. | The foundation start is scheduled for next Monday. | Future plan |
| 🧑🏭 The team will work overtime to meet the deadline. | The team is going to work overtime. | Intention |
| 🔌 Will you connect the power to the site lights? | Are you going to connect the power? | Request |
| 🚪 The gate won’t close properly. | The gate refuses to close properly. | Prediction |
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Won't
Use won't to refuse or to say that something will not happen.
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Would
Use would for polite requests, hypothetical situations, and habitual past actions. It softens language and adds tact.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ☕ I would help with the setup after a coffee break. | I would assist after a coffee break. | Polite offer |
| 🧑🏫 Would you review the safety plan with me? | Could you review the safety plan? | Polite request |
| 🧪 They would test the concrete twice before approval. | They prefer to test the concrete twice. | Conditional preference |
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Summary
Modal verbs give speakers precise ways to express necessity, permission, ability, and advice. Practicing them in context makes English more natural.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025