Last updated on October 8th, 2026 at 03:51 pm
Compare “You should leave” with “You must leave.” Only one word changes, but the second sentence leaves no choice.
That small word is a modal verb. Modals change how sure, how polite or how strong a sentence sounds. This page shows the rules, then 100 example sentences, ten for each modal.
Quick answer
Modal verb (noun): a helping verb like can, should or must. It adds a meaning such as ability, permission, advice or certainty to the main verb.
Example: “You should see a doctor.”
What you will learn
- What modal verbs are, and the three rules they all follow
- How strong or polite each modal sounds
- 100 example sentences, ten for each modal
- The mistakes learners make most with modals
- Four short exercises with answers
What Are Modal Verbs?
Quick Navigation
Modal verbs are helping verbs. They come before a main verb and change its meaning. The nine core modals are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would. Ought to works in a similar way.
| Modal | Main uses | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability, permission | I can swim. |
| Could | Past ability, polite requests, possibility | Could you help me? |
| May | Polite permission, possibility | May I come in? |
| Might | Possibility (less sure) | It might rain later. |
| Must | Strong obligation, being sure | You must wear a seatbelt. |
| Shall | Offers and suggestions | Shall I open the window? |
| Should | Advice | You should rest. |
| Will | Future, promises | I will call you tomorrow. |
| Would | Polite offers, imagined situations | Would you like some tea? |
| Ought to | Advice, the right thing to do | You ought to say sorry. |
Three Rules for Modal Verbs
- Use the base verb after a modal. Say She can swim, not She can to swim. (Ought to is the one exception.)
- Never add -s to a modal. Say He must go, not He musts go.
- Do not use do in questions or negatives. Say Can you help? and I can’t help, not Do you can help?
How Strong Is Each Modal?
Many modals share a job. The difference is how sure, strong or polite they sound.
| Meaning | From weaker to stronger | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Possibility | Might, could → may → will | It might rain. It will rain. |
| Advice and obligation | Should, ought to → must | You should rest. You must stop. |
| Permission | Can → could → may (more polite) | Can I go? May I go? |
| Requests | Can → could → would (more polite) | Can you help? Would you help? |
Teacher’s Tip
Mustn’t and don’t have to look similar, but they mean very different things. You mustn’t touch it means “do not do it, it is not allowed.” You don’t have to come means “you can come if you want, but it is not necessary.” Mixing them up can change your message completely.
100 Examples of Modal Verbs With Sentences
Can: Ability and Permission
- I can ride a bicycle.
- She can speak three languages.
- Can I go to the bathroom?
- You can borrow my pen.
- He can solve difficult math problems.
- Can they come with us?
- We can finish the project today.
- Can you help me with my homework?
- You can call me later.
- She can cook really well.
Could: Past Ability and Polite Requests
- I could read when I was four.
- She could run fast at school.
- Could you pass the salt, please?
- Could I ask you something?
- He could play the guitar at a young age.
- Could we meet tomorrow?
- I could hear the music from next door.
- Could you help me carry this bag?
- Could she join us for dinner?
- I could never lie to my best friend.
May: Permission and Possibility
- May I use your phone?
- You may go now.
- It may rain this afternoon.
- He may be at the library.
- May we take a break?
- I may visit my cousin this weekend.
- You may not enter the room.
- She may know the answer.
- May I ask a question?
- They may arrive late.
Might: Possibility
- I might go to the party.
- He might not come today.
- It might snow tomorrow.
- She might be busy right now.
- We might need more time.
- You might like this movie.
- He might be the right person for the job.
- They might visit us next week.
- I might call her later.
- She might not agree with you.
Must: Strong Obligation and Being Sure
- You must wear a seatbelt.
- We must finish this by Friday.
- He must be tired after the long trip.
- Students must bring their ID cards.
- You must not be late again.
- She must study for the test.
- Everyone must follow the rules.
- I must talk to the teacher.
- They must stay inside during the storm.
- You must be joking!
Shall: Offers and Suggestions
- Shall we go out for lunch?
- Shall I open the window?
- Shall we begin the meeting?
- Shall we take a taxi?
- Shall we start now?
- Shall I call her for you?
- Shall I bring some snacks?
- What shall we do next?
- Shall we dance?
- Where shall I put this box?
Should: Advice
- You should eat more vegetables.
- He should take a break.
- They should study harder.
- She should see a doctor.
- We should leave now.
- You should try this dish.
- Should I help her?
- Should we call the police?
- Students should respect their teachers.
- You should always tell the truth.
Will: Future and Promises
- I will help you with that.
- She will arrive at 6 p.m.
- They will join us for dinner.
- We will travel next summer.
- He will call you tomorrow.
- Will you come with me?
- I will never forget this moment.
- She will do her best.
- Will they be on time?
- He will explain everything later.
Would: Polite Offers, Imagined Situations and Past Habits
- I would love a cup of tea.
- Would you like to join us?
- He would always read before bed.
- Would you help me with this?
- I would travel if I had more money.
- She would be upset if we left.
- Would they mind waiting?
- We would go to the beach every summer.
- I would never lie to you.
- Would you please be quiet?
Ought To: Advice and the Right Thing to Do
- You ought to say thank you.
- He ought to be more careful.
- We ought to help people in need.
- She ought to apologize.
- They ought to respect the rules.
- You ought to visit your grandparents.
- He ought to listen more.
- You ought to get some sleep.
- We ought to take better care of nature.
- I ought to clean my room today.
✋ Quick check: Which is correct? “She ______ speak French very well.” (cans / can / can to)
Check your answer
Can. Modals never take -s, and the base verb follows without to: “She can speak French very well.”
Common Mistakes With Modal Verbs
| Mistake | Wrong | Right |
|---|---|---|
| Adding to | You must to go. | You must go. |
| Adding -s to the verb | He can swims. | He can swim. |
| Using do | Do you can come? | Can you come? |
| Two modals together | I will can help you. | I will be able to help you. |
| Must in the past | I must leave early yesterday. | I had to leave early yesterday. |
Exercises: Modal Verbs
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Use can, should, must, may, will, would, might or could.
- You ___ finish your homework before you play.
- I ___ ride a bike when I was six.
- ___ I borrow your pencil?
- She ___ visit us next weekend, but she isn’t sure.
- You ___ not talk during the test.
- ___ you like some juice?
- We ___ go to the park if it doesn’t rain.
- I ___ call you later. I promise.
Show answers for Exercise 1
- Should (or must), 2. Could, 3. May (or can), 4. Might, 5. Must, 6. Would, 7. Can, 8. Will
Exercise 2: Choose the Right Modal
- (Can / Must / Might) you help me carry these books?
- We (may / must / would) wear a uniform to school. It is a rule.
- You (can / ought to / could) be more polite to your elders.
- She (might / must / will) be late because of the traffic.
- (Will / Shall / Must) we go now or wait a bit?
Show answers for Exercise 2
- Can, 2. Must, 3. Ought to, 4. Might, 5. Shall
Exercise 3: Match the Sentence to Its Meaning
| Sentence | Meaning (mixed up) |
|---|---|
| A. You must wear a helmet. | 1. Asking for permission |
| B. Can I go outside? | 2. A rule |
| C. It might rain today. | 3. A possibility (not sure) |
| D. You should eat healthy food. | 4. Giving advice |
| E. I can play the guitar. | 5. Talking about ability |
Show answers for Exercise 3
A. 2, B. 1, C. 3, D. 4, E. 5
Exercise 4: Write Your Own Sentences
Write one sentence with each modal: can, should, must, might and would. For example: I can swim very fast. To check your sentences, paste them into our AI Writing Feedback tool.
Quiz: Test Yourself
10 questions. Choose one answer for each. Sign up free to earn XP and save your score.
- “You ______ wear a seatbelt. It’s the law.”
- Which request is the most polite?
- “It ______ snow tomorrow, but I’m not sure.”
- Which sentence is correct?
- “You ______ come to the party if you’re busy.” It is not necessary.
- “You ______ smoke here. It isn’t allowed.”
- “______ I open the window for you?” You are offering help.
- Which modal do we use to give advice?
- “Yesterday I ______ leave work early.” It was necessary.
- Which sentence is wrong?
Key Takeaways
Remember
- Modal verbs add meanings like ability, permission, advice and certainty.
- Use the base verb after a modal: no to (except ought to), no -s, no -ing.
- Make questions and negatives without do: Can you…?, I can’t.
- Might is less sure than will, and should is softer than must.
- Mustn’t means “not allowed”, but don’t have to means “not necessary”.
Want to focus on one modal? Start with our 50 sentences with can or 100 sentences with should.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 10 examples of modal sentences?
I can swim. Could you help me? May I come in? It might rain. You must stop. Shall we go? You should rest. I will call you. Would you like tea? You ought to say sorry.
What are the 12 modal verbs?
Lists differ. The nine core modals are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would. Lists of 12 usually add ought to, need and dare, which can also work like modals.
How do I know which modal verb to use?
Start with the meaning you need: ability (can), advice (should), a rule (must), permission (can or may) or possibility (might or may). Then choose how strong or polite you want to sound.
What is the difference between must and have to?
Both show obligation and are often interchangeable. Must can sound like the speaker’s own rule, and have to like an outside rule. In the past, only have to works: “I had to leave.”
Can you use two modal verbs together?
Not in standard English. Instead of “I will can help”, say “I will be able to help.” Be able to and have to can follow a modal.
Are modal verbs the same as auxiliary verbs?
Modals are one kind of auxiliary, or helping, verb. Unlike be, have and do, they never change form and are always followed by a base verb.
Related Articles
50 Sentences With CanAbility, permission, possibility and requests with can.50 Sentences With CouldPast ability, polite requests and possibility with could.100 Sentences With ShouldGiving advice and opinions with should.20 Useful Modal Verbs QuizTest yourself on can, could, should, must and more.
Founder and CEO at English Finders
Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO at English Finders. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. With more than a decade of experience, he aims to make English learning simple, engaging, and accessible for everyone.
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