100 Examples of Modal Verbs with Sentences

Last updated on August 20th, 2024 at 08:48 pm

Modal verbs are an essential part of the English language. They help us express our opinions, give advice, make requests, and much more. In this article, we will provide you with 100 examples of modal verbs with sentences. Whether you are an English learner or a native speaker, these examples will help you understand how to use modal verbs correctly.

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are kinds of auxiliary or helping verbs that show possibility, necessity, ability, obligatory, suggestion, etc. Sometimes using modal verbs can be tricky but we can use them easily by following some tricks. Some common modal verbs are:

• Can
• Could
• May
• Might
• Must
• Shall
• Should
• Will
• Would

The Common Use of Modal Verbs

Let’s see how we can use modal verbs in our everyday situations.

• Can: Expresses ability or possibility.
• Could: Used for past ability or polite requests.
• May: Indicates permission or possibility.
• Might: Suggests a lower possibility than “may.
• Must: Denotes obligation or necessity.
• Shall: Often used in formal settings for offers or suggestions.
• Should: Gives advice or recommendations.
• Will: Expresses future intentions or promises.
• Would: Used for polite requests or hypothetical situations.

100 Examples of Modal Verbs with Sentences

Let’s explore the 100 useful examples of modal verbs with sentences.

1. You should go to the doctor if you feel sick.
2. I must finish my homework before I can watch TV.
3. She could have been a great athlete if she had trained harder.
4. We may go to the beach this weekend if the weather is nice.
5. He might be late for the meeting because of traffic.
6. They would have won the game if they had scored one more goal.
7. You ought to study for the exam if you want to pass.
8. I can’t come to the party because I have to work.
9. She should have listened to her parents’ advice.
10. He must be tired after working all day.
11. You could try the new restaurant downtown.
12.  We may have to cancel the trip if it rains.
13. He might have forgotten his phone at home.
14. They would like to have dinner with us next week.
15.  You ought to be more careful when you drive.
16.  I can’t believe he said that.
17. She should be more patient with her children.
18.  He must have a lot of experience to get that job.
19. You could have told me earlier.
20. We may need to hire more staff to handle the workload.
21. He might not be able to attend the conference next month.
22. They would rather go to the movies than the theater.
23. You ought to listen to your teacher’s instructions.
24. I can’t decide which color to choose.
25.  She should have apologized for her mistake.
26. He must have worked hard to earn his degree.
27. You could have helped me with the dishes.
28. We may as well stay home tonight.
29. He might have misunderstood what you said.
30. They would appreciate your help with the project.
31. You ought to be more respectful to your elders.
32.  I can’t believe how fast time flies.
33. She should have taken the opportunity when it was offered.
34. He must be excited to start his new job.
35. You could have invited your friends to the party.
36. We may encounter some difficulties along the way.
37. He might have a point in his argument.
38. They would have enjoyed the concert if they had gone.
39. You ought to be more open-minded about different cultures.
40. I can’t wait to see you again.
41. She should have asked for help when she needed it.
42. He must have a lot of confidence to speak in public.
43. You could have called me to let me know you were running late.
44. We may have to change our plans if the weather turns bad.
45. He might not have enough experience for the job.
46.  They would never have guessed the answer to the riddle.
47. You ought to be grateful for what you have.
48. I can’t believe how much she has grown.
49. She should be more careful with her money.
50. He must have practiced a lot to play that song so well.
51. You could have joined us for dinner if you had wanted to.
52. We may need to reschedule the meeting for next week.
53. He might be able to help you with your project.
54. They would have won the game if they had played better.
55. You ought to be more aware of the risks involved.
56. I can’t imagine what it would be like to live without electricity.
57. She should have listened to her instincts.
58. He must have a lot of patience to deal with difficult customers.
59. You could have gone to the gym instead of watching TV.
60. We may have to postpone the trip until next month.
61. He might not have enough money to buy a new car.
62. They would be happy to see you at the party.
63. You ought to be more organized with your time.
64.  I can’t believe how much traffic there is on the highway.
65. She should be more understanding of other people’s feelings.
66. He must have a good sense of humor to make people laugh.
67. You could have asked for directions if you were lost.
68. We may have to stay late to finish the project.
69. He might have a hard time adjusting to the new environment.
70. They would have gone to the concert if they had known about it.
71. You ought to be more careful with your belongings.
72. I can’t wait to try the new restaurant in town.
73. She should have taken a break when she felt tired.
74. He must be a good listener to understand people’s problems.
75. You could have started your own business if you had wanted to.
76. We may have to find a new supplier for the materials.
77. He might have missed the bus this morning.
78. They would have loved the gift if it had been wrapped better.
79. You ought to be more patient with yourself.
80. I can’t believe how much work there is to do.
81. She should have read the instructions before assembling the furniture.
82. He must have a lot of courage to face his fears.
83. You could have walked to the store instead of driving.
84.  We may have to cancel the reservation if we can’t make it on time.
85. He might be unable to attend the party because of a family emergency.
86. Your presentation would have impressed them if you had included more data.
87. You ought to be more careful when you cross the street.
88. I can’t believe how much money I spent on clothes last month.
89. She should be more assertive when she negotiates with clients.
90. He must have a lot of knowledge to teach such a complex subject.
91. You could have saved some money if you had bought the generic brand.
92. We may have to find a new location for the event.
93. He might have forgotten to send the email.
94. They would have been more interested in the project if it had been presented differently.
95. You ought to be more respectful of other people’s opinions.
96. I can’t believe how much technology has changed our lives.
97. She should have asked for feedback on her performance.
98. He must be disciplined to stick to his diet.
99. You could have volunteered at the shelter to help needy animals.
100. We may have to work overtime to meet the deadline.

Final Thoughts

Modal verbs are an essential part of the English language, allowing us to express our thoughts, opinions, and desires nuancedly and precisely. By using modal verbs correctly, we can communicate effectively with others and convey our intentions clearly, whether we are giving advice, making requests, or expressing our feelings.

The 100 example sentences above offer a valuable resource for English learners and native speakers alike, helping to illustrate the many different ways modal verbs can be used in everyday conversation. With practice, anyone can master using modal verbs effectively and become a more confident and articulate speaker of English.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Modal Auxiliary Verbs?

Modal auxiliary verbs are kinds of helping verbs used alongside main verbs to express modality, such as ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.

How Do I Know Which Modal Verb to Use?

Understanding the context and the specific meaning you want to convey will help you in choosing the appropriate modal verb.

What are the Examples of Modal Verbs?

Can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would are the common modal verbs in English.

Azizul Hakim

Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO of englishfinders.com. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He has completed his graduation and post-graduation in English language and literature.