What are Modal Verbs?

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.