The Modal Verbs in English
The nine modals verbs in English are:
- can
- could
- may
- might
- must
- shall
- should
- will
- would
A modal verb is a type of verb that is used to indicate
modality – that is: likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions,
order, obligation, or advice. Modal verbs always accompany the base
(infinitive) form of another verb having semantic content.
can – ability, permission, possibility, request.
could – ability, permission, possibility, request,
suggestion.
may – permission, probability, request.
might – possibility, probability, suggestion.
Related:
Present,
Past, Future Tense