Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are small but powerful tools that function according to set patterns: they are followed by a bare infinitive and do not change form to agree with the subject. They help speakers signal attitude and requirement rather than just describe actions.

Can expresses the ability to do something and also asks for or gives permission in informal contexts. Use it with a bare infinitive to show what someone is able to do or allowed to do.

Could is the past form of can when talking about ability, but it is also used for polite requests and hypothetical situations. It softens questions and suggestions by making them less direct.

May is more formal than can and is used to ask for or grant permission as well as to express a polite possibility. It is common in official or courteous contexts.

Might signals a smaller possibility than may and is often used for tentative guesses or when you want to show that something is not certain. It softens statements about the future.

Must expresses strong necessity or obligation, and it can also indicate a logical conclusion when used in deduction. Use it to show that something is required or very likely.

Have to also marks necessity or external obligation and is more common in everyday speech for rules and duties. Unlike must, have to can be used in different tenses more naturally.

Should gives advice, recommendations, or mild obligation, and it can be used to say what is right or expected. It is less forceful than must and works well for suggestions.

Ought to is similar to should and is used for moral advice or expected outcomes. It sounds slightly more formal and less common in casual speech.

Will expresses future intention, willingness, or a definite prediction, and it is used for spontaneous decisions and promises. It shapes what you expect to happen or plan to do.

Would is the conditional form of will and is used for polite requests, hypothetical scenarios, and repeated past actions. It softens statements and helps talk about imagined situations.

Modal verbs attach meaning about ability, permission, necessity, and likelihood to actions, and they follow consistent patterns with a bare infinitive. Choosing the right modal shapes how politely or strongly you express your message.