Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar: A Complete Guide with 100 Examples

Introduction: Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar

The use of modal verbs in English grammar is essential for expressing ability, possibility, permission, necessity, and obligation. Modal verbs such as can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought to help make communication clear and precise. Understanding them is especially useful for students and candidates preparing for competitive examinations like SSC, UPSC, and bank exams.

100 Examples of Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar with Meanings

1. Can (Ability / Permission / Possibility)

1. She can swim. (Ability)
2. I can help you with math. (Ability)
3. You can borrow my book. (Permission)
4. He can be at the station now. (Possibility)
5. They can speak three languages. (Ability)

2. Could (Past Ability / Polite Request / Possibility)

6. When I was young, I could run fast. (Past ability)
7. Could you pass me the salt? (Polite request)
8. It could rain later. (Possibility)
9. She could play piano at age five. (Past ability)
10. We could visit the museum tomorrow. (Possibility)

3. May (Permission / Possibility)

11. You may leave now. (Permission)
12. It may snow tonight. (Possibility)
13. Students may ask questions. (Permission)
14. This may take some time. (Possibility)
15. Visitors may not touch the artifacts. (Prohibition)

4. Might (Less Certain Possibility)

16. He might come late. (Possibility)
17. They might win the match. (Possibility)
18. She might be studying now. (Possibility)
19. It might be true. (Possibility)
20. I might call you tomorrow. (Possibility)

5. Shall (Future / Suggestion / Determination)

21. I shall return soon. (Future)
22. We shall overcome this problem. (Determination)
23. Shall we go for a walk? (Suggestion)
24. You shall receive your reward. (Promise)
25. This rule shall be followed. (Obligation)

6. Should (Advice / Obligation / Probability)

26. You should eat healthy food. (Advice)
27. Students should respect their teachers. (Obligation)
28. The train should arrive at 6. (Probability)
29. We should help the poor. (Duty)
30. She should be at work by now. (Probability)

7. Will (Future / Willingness / Certainty)

31. I will call you tomorrow. (Future)
32. He will help you with the project. (Willingness)
33. The sun will rise in the east. (Certainty)
34. She will sing at the function. (Future)
35. They will support our idea. (Future)

8. Would (Politeness / Past Habit / Hypothetical)

36. I would like some tea. (Politeness)
37. When I was a child, I would play outside daily. (Past habit)
38. He would go if he had money. (Hypothetical)
39. Would you mind closing the door? (Polite request)
40. She would never lie to her parents. (Habitual action)

9. Must (Necessity / Strong Obligation / Deduction)

41. You must wear a helmet. (Necessity)
42. Students must finish homework on time. (Obligation)
43. He must be tired after the journey. (Deduction)
44. Everyone must obey the law. (Obligation)
45. We must respect our elders. (Moral duty)

10. Ought to (Moral Duty / Probability)

46. You ought to help your neighbors. (Moral duty)
47. We ought to be careful on the road. (Advice)
48. He ought to arrive soon. (Probability)
49. Children ought to respect their parents. (Moral duty)
50. Students ought to focus on studies. (Advice)

Additional 50 Examples Across Different Contexts

(Examples 51–100 cover mixed uses of modal verbs in professional, academic, and daily situations.)

51. We can achieve success with hard work.
52. She might visit her grandparents.
53. You should not waste time.
54. He could solve the puzzle easily.
55. They must complete the form today.
56. I will meet you at the airport.
57. The teacher may allow extra time.
58. I would rather stay home.
59. We shall never give up.
60. She ought to practice daily.
61. Students can access online materials.
62. It might take a week to finish.
63. He should apologize for his mistake.
64. We must be careful during exams.
65. I will support you always.
66. They could not attend the meeting.
67. You may sit down.
68. She would often sing in the evenings.
69. We shall always remember this moment.
70. Everyone ought to vote.
71. He can type very fast.
72. The manager may approve the plan.
73. We should avoid junk food.
74. She must be the new teacher.
75. I will try my best.
76. He could be right about the issue.
77. They might shift to a new house.
78. You should listen carefully.
79. Students must attend the lecture.
80. I would love to join the party.
81. We shall win the game.
82. He can lift heavy weights.
83. This may cause some delay.
84. They should arrive soon.
85. We must finish the project.
86. She might be busy today.
87. You ought to respect time.
88. I would appreciate your help.
89. He will become a doctor.
90. They could reach early.
91. You may not enter without ID.
92. She can solve this equation.
93. He should consult a doctor.
94. We must stay united.
95. She might win the prize.
96. He will never forget this day.
97. They shall continue the tradition.
98. Students ought to follow discipline.
99. You could see the mountains from here.
100. We can overcome challenges.

Tips for Students and Competitive Exam Candidates

• Learn core meanings: Each modal verb has primary and secondary uses.
• Practice sentence transformation: Competitive exams often test modal verb substitution.
• Avoid confusion: May vs. Might (possibility), Shall vs. Will (future), Must vs. Should (necessity vs. advice).
• Focus on context: Modals change meaning depending on the sentence (e.g., must = necessity or deduction).
• Memorize collocations: Certain modals are commonly paired with specific verbs.

FAQs on Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar

Q1. What are modal verbs in English grammar?
Modal verbs are helping verbs like can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought to used to express ability, possibility, necessity, obligation, and permission.

Q2. How do modal verbs help in competitive exams?
They appear in error correction, sentence improvement, and cloze test questions. Knowing correct usage boosts accuracy and saves time.

Q3. Can modal verbs change their form?
No, modal verbs do not change with tense or subject. For example, He can and They can (not cans).

Conclusion: Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar

The use of modal verbs in English grammar is vital for effective communication. With consistent practice, students and competitive exam candidates can master their correct application. By remembering their meanings and applying them in context, one can improve both written and spoken English.

Disclaimer on Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar

This article is for educational purposes only. Examples are simplified to aid students, competitive exam aspirants, and English learners.

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