Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (modals) are verbs that add the meaning of logical possibility, ability, necessity,
and permission to verbs, which have a degree of strength from stronger to weaker. Modals come
before infinitive verbs and the “to” is removed. Modals do not need to match their subject in
plural agreement, so there is no need to add an “-s” or “-es” ending to a modal. Modals will often
be seen in sentences that are predicting a future possibility, describing an ability, giving advice,
making requests, or asking for permission. The nine most common modals are can, could, shall,
should, will, would, may, might, and must.
Common Modals
Use Modals Examples
Logical Must (Most Certain) The dark clouds must mean rain today.
Possibility Will Due to the news, the stock will go down.
Would The chemical would help the experiment.
Should The case should prevent cracking.
May This change may improve the results.
Can Being careless can have bad consequences.
Could The charm could protect you.
Might (Least Certain) I might be tired tomorrow.
Ability Can (Stronger Ability) He can type 34 words per minute.
Could (Weaker Ability) I could assist by interpreting the results.
Shall (Suggestion) Shall we dance?
Necessity Must (Obligation) They must go to work today.
Should (Advice) You should floss every day.
Permission May (Most Formal) May I turn my paper in tomorrow?
Might Might he have some more soup?
Could Could I buy the new model?
Can (Least Formal) Can I go to my friend’s house?
(Note: This table does not include all types of modals.)
Test on Modals of Obligation, Necessity, Ability, and Probability
Directions: Choose the best answer.
Part 1: Modals of Obligation and Necessity
1. You ______ wear a helmet when riding a bike.
a) can
b) must
c) could
d) may
2. Students ______ submit their assignments by Friday.
a) must
b) should
c) can
d) might
3. You ______ finish the project if you don’t feel well.
a) might
b) must
c) can
d) don’t have to
4. Drivers ______ stop at a red light.
a) has to
b) mustn’t
c) have to
d) could
5. To enter the club, you ______ show your ID.
a) will
b) must
c) should
d) has to
Part 2: Modals of Ability
6. She ______ swim very well when she was young; she won the championship.
a) could
b) can
c) must
d) may
7. When he was younger, he ______ run a mile in six minutes.
a) could
b) must
c) should
d) might
8. I ______ solve this puzzle; it is too complicated.
a) couldn’t
b) must not
c) can not
d) can’t
9. They ______ play the guitar before, but now they’ve forgotten.
a) can
b) could
c) couldn’t
d) may
10. ______ you speak Spanish fluently?
a) May
b) Must
c) Can
d) Should
Part 3: Modals of Probability
11. It’s cloudy; it ______ rain later.
a) mustn't
b) may
c) shall
d) has to
12. She’s not here yet; she ______ be stuck in traffic.
a) must
b) should
c) can
d) can’t
13. This document ______ contain secret information.
a) could be
b) can not
c) have to
d) could
14 .He ______ have forgotten about the meeting; he is usually very punctual.
a) can
b) may be
c) must
d) could be
15. They ______ be at the park now since it’s such a sunny day.
a) couldn’t
b) can’t
c) can
d) may
Part 4: Mixed Modals
16. You ______ leave early if you’ve finished your work.
a) may
b) must
c) might
d) should
17. She ______ stay up late because she has an exam tomorrow.
a) has to
b) doesn’t have to
c) shouldn’t
d) might not
18. Everyone ______ bring their own lunch to the picnic.
a) must
b) have to
c) can
d) might
19. We ______ book the tickets soon; they’re selling out fast.
a) should
b) might
c) can
d) has to
20. You ______ park here; it’s a no-parking zone.
a) must not
b) might not
c) couldn’t
d) don’t have to
21. They ______ call us later if they find anything interesting.
a) might
b) may be
c) shouldn’t
d) can’t
22. If you practice more, you ______ win the competition.
a) can’t
b) couldn’t
c) have to
d) may
23. He ______ be at the office now; it’s already 9 p.m.
a) can’t
b) must
c) has to
d) should
24. She ______ drive yet because she hasn’t taken lessons.
a) can’t
b) couldn’t
c) should
d) doesn’t have to
25. You ______ tell him the truth about what happened.
a) should
b) might
c) could
d) can
[Link] ______ be your coat; it’s too small for you.
a) can’t
b) must
c) should
d) might
27. If we hurry, we ______ catch the last train.
a) may
b) have to
c) can’t
d) should
28. He ______ study harder if he wants to pass the exam.
a) must
b) might
c) shouldn’t
d) can
29. I ______ call her now to check if she’s okay.
a) should
b) mustn’t
c) may be
d) can’t
30 . You ______ go to the meeting today if you’re not feeling well.
a) don’t have to
b) must not
c) shouldn’t
d) might not
