A Modal Verb is a type of a verb that is used to indicate likelihood, ability, permission, obligation, prohibition, order etc.
E. g. Can/Could, May/might, shall/should, will/would, ought to, must/must not
1. Must: is used to define strong obligation, logical conclusion
Examples - You must abide by the traffic
rules.
He must be tired after working all
day.
2. Must not: is used for Prohibition/prohibiting something
Example - You must not smoke in public
places.
3. Can: is used to talk about ability, permission, possibility
Examples - I can play cricket.
Can I go out with my friends?
You can top your class if you
study hard.
4. Could: defines ability in the past, polite permission, possibility
Examples - When I was younger I could run
fast.
Could you please repeat what
you said?
It could rain tomorrow!
5. May: is used for permission, possibility or probability
Examples - May I go out to play?
It may rain tomorrow!
6. Might: is used to suggest something, probability and possibility(less possible than may)
Examples - It might rain tomorrow.
He might be occupied with work.
7. Shall: With 1st person pronouns (I and we), the correct verb to talk about the future is shall.
Examples - I shall be in Greece next
February.
Where shall we go today for
Dinner?
8. Should: is used when giving some advice or as an obligation
Examples - You should work hard if you wish
to succeed in life.
You should switch off all lights
when they are not in use.
9. Will: is used to demand, order, predict, promise or for habit
Examples - Will you please get out of the
class.
I think he will crack the exam.
I will not smoke ever again.
10. Would: is used for wish/desire, request (more polite than will), habits in the past
Examples - Would you mind shutting the door
please?
Sometimes he would bring be
flowers and chocolates.
11. Ought to: advice, obligation
Example - You ought to drive carefully.
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