What Are Modal Verbs

1
Modal Verb Tutorial

Modals are special verbs which behave very irregularly in English. Englishpage.com has created one of
the most in-depth modal tutorials in print or online. Study the modal explanations and complete the
associated exercises and take another step toward English fluency. If you want to use the Modal Verb
Tutorial as a reference only and do not want to complete the tutorial Click Here .
The tutorial should be completed as follows:

1. Read this introduction page including the section below titled "What are Modal Verbs?"
2. Complete the exercises below. After each exercise, we have listed the modals covered. Just click on
the modal link to learn more about its use.
EXERCISES
TOPICS COVERED
Modal Exercise
1
Can , Could , Have to , Must , Might and Should
Modal Exercise
2
Have to and Must
Modal Exercise
3
Might , Must and Should . Afterwards, you can repeat the exercise
using Could , Have toand Ought to
Modal Exercise
4
Couldn't and Might not
Modal Exercise
5
Have got to , Had Better , May and Shall
Modal Exercise
6
Could , Might , Should and Would
Modal Exercise
7
Modal Verbs Forms
Modal Final Test Cumulative Modal Test
What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here are some important
differences:
1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.
Examples:
He can speak Chinese.
She should be here by 9:00.
2. You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple Past.
Examples:
He should not be late.
They might not come to the party.
3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses.
Examples:
He will can go with us. Not Correct

She musted study very hard. Not Correct
Common Modal Verbs

Can
Could
May
Ought to
Shall
Should
2
Might
Must
Will
Would
For the purposes of this tutorial, we have included some expressions which are not modal verbs
including had better, have to, and have got to. These expressions are closely related to modals in
meaning and are often interchanged with them.
Can
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or
opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse.
ABILITY
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris.

She cannot stay out after 10 PM.
Can you hand me the stapler?
OPPORTUNITY
PERMISSION
REQUEST
Any child can grow up to be president.
POSSIBILITY
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how
"can" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
You can also use:
can
1. I can speak
Chinese.
1. I can't speak
Swahili.
be able to
2. SHIFT TO
"COULD"
I could speak
Chinese when I was
a kid.
2. SHIFT TO
"COULD"
I couldn't speak
Swahili.
GENERAL
ABILITY
3. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
I will be able to
speak Chinese by
the time I finish my
course.
can
ABILITY DURING
A SPECIFIC
EVENT
1. With a burst of
adrenaline, people
can pick up cars.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst
of adrenaline, he
was able to lift the
car off the child's
leg.
3. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst
of adrenaline, he will
be able to lift the
3. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
I won't be able to
speak Swahili.
1. Even with a burst

of adrenaline,
people can't pick up
something that
heavy.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
Even the weight
lifter, couldn't lift the
car off the child's
leg.
3. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
Even three men
working together
be able to
can
OPPORTUNITY
can
PERMISSION
can
REQUEST
can
POSSIBILITY,
IMPOSSIBILITY
car.
won't be able to lift

the car.
1. I have some free

time. I can help her
now.
1. I don't have any

time. I can't help
her now.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
I had some free time
yesterday. I was
able to help her at
that time.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ABLE TO"
I didn't have time
yesterday. I wasn't
able to help her at
that time.
3. I'll have some free

time tomorrow. I can
help her then.
3. I won't have any

time later. I can't
help her then.
1. I can drive
Susan's car when
she is out of town.
1. I can't drive
Susan's car when
she is out of town.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ALLOWED TO "
I was allowed to
drive Susan's car
while she was out of
town last week.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ALLOWED TO "
I wasn't allowed to
drive Susan's car
while she was out of
town last week.
3. I can drive
Susan's car while
she is out of town
next week.
3. I can't drive
Susan's car while
she is out of town
next week.
Can I have a glass

of water?
Can't I have a glass

of water?
Can you give me a

lift to school?
Can't you give me a

lift to school?
REQUESTS USUALLY
REQUESTS USUALLY
REFER TO THE NEAR

FUTURE.
REFER TO THE NEAR

FUTURE.
Anyone can become

rich and famous if
they know the right
people.
It can't cost more

than a dollar or two.
Learning a language
can be a real
challenge.
THIS USE IS USUALLY A
be able to
may
could, may
could
You can't be 45! I

thought you were
about 18 years old.
THIS USE IS USUALLY A
GENERALIZATION OR A
SUPPOSITION.
GENERALIZATION OR A
SUPPOSITION.
EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS
Modal Exercise 1 can, could, have to, must, might and should
Modal Exercise 7 modal verb forms
4
Modal Verb Final Test complete review
Could
"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests.
"Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."
Examples:
Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. POSSIBILITY
Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. PAST ABILITY
You could see a movie or go out to dinner. SUGGESTION
Could I use your computer to email my boss? REQUEST
We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. CONDITIONAL
Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how
"could" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past
3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3.
= Future
You can
also
use:
could
1. John could be the one

who stole the money.
1. Mary couldn't be the one

who stole the money.
might,
may
2. John could have been

the one who stole the
money.
2. Mary couldn't have been

the one who stole the
money.
3. John could go to jail

for stealing the money.
3. Mary couldn't possibly

go to jail for the crime.
1. If I had more time, I

could travel around the
world.
1. Even if I had more time, I

couldn't travel around the
world.
2. If I had had more

time, I could have
traveled around the
world.
2. Even if I had had more

time, I couldn't have
traveled around the world.
POSSIBILITY
could
CONDITIONAL
OF CAN
3. If I had more time this

winter, I could travel
around the world.
could
1. NO PRESENT FORM
3. Even if I had more time

this winter, I couldn't travel
around the world.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
SUGGESTION
2. You could have spent

your vacation in Hawaii.
3. You could spend your
vacation in Hawaii.
could
PAST ABILITY
I could run ten miles in

my twenties.
I couldn't run more than a

mile in my twenties.
I could speak Chinese

when I was a kid.
I couldn't speak Swahili.

"COULD" CAN BE USED IN
be able
to
5
"COULD" CANNOT BE USED IN
POSITIVE SENTENCES IN
WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A
MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME
ABILITY.
Yesterday, I could lift the

couch by myself. Not
Correct
could
POLITE
REQUEST
Could I have something

to drink?
Could I borrow your
stapler?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER
TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
NEGATIVE SENTENCES IN WHICH

YOU DESCRIBE A MOMENTARY OR
ONE-TIME ABILITY.
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the

couch by myself.Correct
Couldn't he come with us?

Couldn't you help me with
this for just a second?
can,
may,
might
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO

THE NEAR FUTURE.
REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"

"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. "Might not" suggests you do not
know if something happens.
Examples:
Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY
Modal Exercise 3 might, must, should, could, have to and ought to
Modal Exercise 4 couldn't and might not
Modal Exercise 6 could, might, should and would
Had Better
"Had better" is most commonly used to make recommendations. It can also be used to
express desperate hope as well as warn people.
Examples:
You had better take your umbrella with you today. RECOMMENDATION
That bus had better get here soon! DESPERATE HOPE
You had better watch the way you talk to me in the future! WARNING
Using "Had Better" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to
learn how "had better" behaves in different contexts.
Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
You can
also use:
had better
1. SHIFT TO
1. SHIFT TO
should,
6
RECOMMENDATION
had better
DESPERATE HOPE,
WARNING
"SHOULD" OR
"OUGHT TO"
People should unplug
toasters before they
clean them.
"SHOULD" OR
"OUGHT TO"
People shouldn't clean
toasters without
unplugging them first.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD
HAVE" OR "OUGHT
TO HAVE"
You should have
unplugged the toaster
before you tried to
clean it.
2. SHIFT TO
"SHOULD HAVE" OR
"OUGHT TO HAVE"
You shouldn't have
cleaned the toaster
without unplugging it
first.
3. You had better

unplug the toaster
before you try to clean
it.
3. You had better not

clean the toaster until
you unplug it.
The movie had better

end soon.
They had better not be

late.
They had better be

here before we start
dinner.
They had better not

forget Tom's birthday
gift.
DESPERATE HOPES AND
DESPERATE HOPES AND
WARNINGS USUALLY REFER

TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
WARNINGS USUALLY REFER

TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
ought to
"Had better" is often simply pronounced as "better" in spoken English.

Modal Exercise 5 have got to, had better, may and shall
Have To
"Have to" is used to express certainty, necessity, and obligation.
Examples:
This answer has to be correct. CERTAINTY
The soup has to be stirred continuously to prevent burning.
They have to leave early. OBLIGATION
NECESSITY
Using "Have to" in Present, Past, and Future

"Have to" behaves quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn
how "have to" behaves in different contexts.
Use
Positive Forms
3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. =
Future
You
can
also
use:
have to
1. That has to be Jerry.

They said he was tall with
1. SHIFT TO "MUST"
That must not be Jerry. They
must,
have
CERTAINTY
7
bright red hair.
2. That has to have been
the right restaurant. There
were no other restaurants
on the street.
3. NONE
said he has blond hair, not red

hair.
got to
2. SHIFT TO "MUST"
That must not have been the
right restaurant. I guess there
was another one around there
somewhere.
3. NONE
have to
NECESSIT
Y
1. She has to read four

books for this literature
class.
2. She had to finish the
first book before the
midterm.
3. She will have to finish
the other books before the
final exam.
1. She doesn't have to read

"Grapes of Wrath." It's
optional reading for extra
credit.
must
2. She didn't have to write a

critique of "The Scarlet
Letter." She had to give a
presentation to her class.
3. She won't have to take any
other literature classes.
American Literature 101 is the
only required course.
REMEMBER: "Do not have to" vs. "Must not"

"Do not have to" suggests that someone is not required to do something. "Must not" suggests
that you are prohibited from doing something.
Examples:
You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
Modal Exercise 2 have to and must
Have Got To
"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.
Examples:
Drivers have got to get a license to drive a car in the US. NECESSITY
I have got to be at work by 8:30 AM. OBLIGATION
Using "Have Got to" in Present, Past, and Future

learn how "have got to" behaves in different contexts.
Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. =
Future
You
can
also
8
use:
have got
to
NECESSITY
1. People have got to

be on time if they want
to get a seat in the
crowded theater.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE
TO"
You had to be on time if
you wanted to get a
seat in the crowded
theater.
1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"

People don't have to be there
on time to get a seat.
have
to,
must

You didn't have to be there on
time to get a seat.
You won't have to be there on
time to get a seat.
3. You have got to be

there on time tonight if
you want to get a seat
in the crowded theater.
haven't got
to
Haven't you got to be there

by 7:00?
FUTURE
OBLIGATION
Don't
you
have to
Haven't you got to finish that

project today?
"HAVEN'T GOT TO" IS PRIMARILY
USED TO ASK ABOUT FUTURE
OBLIGATIONS. IT CAN BE USED IN
STATEMENTS, BUT THIS IS LESS
COMMON .

May
"May" is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request
permission, although this usage is becoming less common.
Examples:
Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work. POSSIBILITY
Johnny, you may leave the table when you have finished your dinner. GIVE
PERMISSION
May I use your bathroom? REQUEST PERMISSION
Using "May" in Present, Past, and Future

learn how "may" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
3. = Future
Negative Forms
= Future
You
can
also
use:
may
1. Jack may be upset. I
1. Jack may not be upset.
might
9
POSSIBILITY
can't really tell if he is

annoyed or tired.
2. Jack may have been
upset. I couldn't really tell
if he was annoyed or tired.
3. Jack may get upset if
you don't tell him the truth.
may
GIVE
PERMISSION
Perhaps he is tired.
2. Jack may not have been
upset. Perhaps he was
tired.
3. Jack may not get upset,
even if you tell him the truth
1. You may leave the table

now that you're finished
with your dinner.
1. You may not leave the

table. You're not finished
with your dinner yet.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ALLOWED TO"
You were allowed to leave
the table after you finished
your dinner.
2. SHIFT TO "BE
ALLOWED TO"
You were not allowed to
leave the table because
you hadn't finished your
dinner.
3. You may leave the table

when you finish your
dinner.
may
May I borrow your eraser?
REQUEST
PERMISSION
May I make a phone call?
can
3. You may not leave the

table until you are finished
with your dinner.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
can,
might

THE NEAR FUTURE.

Might
"Might" is most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditionalsentences.
English speakers can also use "might" to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common
in American English.
Examples:
Your purse might be in the living room. POSSIBILITY
If I didn't have to work, I might go with you. CONDITIONAL
You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit. SUGGESTION
Might I borrow your pen? REQUEST
Using "Might" in Present, Past, and Future

learn how "might" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
= Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
You can
also
use:
10
might
POSSIBILITY
might
CONDITIONAL
OF MAY
might
1. She might be on the bus.

I think her car is having
problems.
1. She might not be on

the bus. She might be
walking home.
2. She might have taken

the bus. I'm not sure how
she got to work.
2. She might not have

taken the bus. She
might have walked
home.
3. She might take the bus

to get home. I don't think
Bill will be able to give her
a ride.
3. She might not take

the bus. She might get
a ride from Bill.
1. If I entered the contest, I

might actually win.
1. Even if I entered the

contest, I might not win.
2. If I had entered the

contest, I might actually
have won.
2. Even if I had entered

the contest, I might not
have won.
3. If I entered the contest

tomorrow, I might actually
win. Unfortunately, I can't
enter it.
3. Even if I entered the

contest tomorrow, I
might not win.
1. NO PRESENT FORM
1. NO PRESENT
FORM
SUGGESTION
2. You might have tried the

cheese cake.
3. You might try the
cheesecake.
might
REQUEST
(British
form)
Might I have something to

drink?
could,
may
could
2. PAST FORM
UNCOMMON
3. You might not want to
eat the cheese cake.
It's very calorific.
NEGATIVE FORMS
UNCOMMON
could,
may,
can
Might I borrow the stapler?

THE NEAR FUTURE.
REMEMBER: "Might not" vs. "Could not"

"Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens. "Could not" suggests that it is
impossible for something to happen.
Examples:
Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.
11
MUST
"Must" is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to express necessity or strong
recommendation, although native speakers prefer the more flexible form "have to." "Must not" can be
used to prohibit actions, but this sounds very severe; speakers prefer to use softer modal verbs such as
"should not" or "ought not" to dissuade rather than prohibit.
Examples:
This must be the right address! CERTAINTY
Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this
school. NECESSITY
You must take some medicine for that cough. STRONG RECOMMENDATION
Jenny, you must not play in the street! PROHIBITION
Using "Must" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart
below to learn how "must" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
3. = Future
Negative Forms
= Future
You can
also
use:
must
1. That must be Jerry.

They said he was tall
with bright red hair.
1. That must not be Jerry.

He is supposed to have red
hair.
have to
2. That must have been

the right restaurant.
There are no other
restaurants on this street.
2. That must not have been

the right restaurant. I guess
there is another one around
here somewhere.
3. NO FUTURE FORM
3. NO FUTURE FORM
CERTAINTY
must not
You must not swim in that

river. It's full of crocodiles.
PROHIBITION
You must not forget to take

your malaria medication
while your are in the
tropics.
PROHIBITION USUALLY REFER
TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
must
STRONG
RECOMMENDATION
(Americans
prefer
the form
"should.")
1. You must take some

time off and get some
rest.
1. You mustn't drink so

much. It's not good for
your health.
2. SHIFT TO
"SHOULD"
You should have taken
some time off last week
to get some rest.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You shouldn't have drunk
so much. That caused the
accident.
3. SHIFT TO
"SHOULD"
You should take some
time off next week to get
some rest.
3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You shouldn't drink at the
party. You are going to be
the designated driver.
should
12
must
NECESSITY
(Americans
prefer
the form
"have to.")
1. You must have a

permit to enter the
national park.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE
TO"
We had to have a permit
to enter the park.
3. We must get a permit
to enter the park next
week.

We don't have to get a
permit to enter the national
park.
have to

We didn't have to get a
park.
We won't have to get a
park.

Modal Verb Final Test Complete review

REMEMBER: "Must not" vs. "Do not have to"
"Must not" suggests that you are prohibited from doing something. "Do not have to" suggests that
someone is not required to do something.
Examples:
You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
Ought To
"Ought to" is used to advise or make recommendations. "Ought to" also expresses assumption or
expectation as well as strong probability, often with the idea that something is deserved. "Ought not"
(without "to") is used to advise against doing something, although Americans prefer the less formal
forms "should not" or "had better not."
Examples:
You ought to stop smoking. RECOMMENDATION
Jim ought to get the promotion. IT IS EXPECTED BECAUSE HE DESERVES IT.
This stock ought to increase in value. PROBABILITY
Mark ought not drink so much. ADVICE AGAINST SOMETHING (NOTICE THERE IS NO
"TO")
Using "Ought to" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "ought to" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. =
Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
= Future
You
can
also
use:
13
ought to
RECOMMENDATION,
ADVICE
1. Margaret ought to
exercise more.
have exercised
more so she would
be better prepared
for the marathon.
come to the fitness
center with us
tonight.
ought to
ASSUMPTION ,
EXPECTATION,
PROBABILITY
1. She ought to
have the package
by now.
1. Margaret ought not

exercise too much. It
might cause injury.
should
2. Margaret ought not

have run the marathon.
She wasn't in good shape.
3. Margaret ought not stay
at home in front of the TV.
She should go to the
fitness center with us.
"OUGHT NOT" IS USED
should
PRIMARILY TO EXPRESS
NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS.
(SEE ABOVE.)
2. She ought to
have received the
package yesterday.
3. She ought to
receive the package
tonight.
Notice "Ought not"
Remember that "ought to" loses the "to" in the negative. Instead of "ought not to," we say
"ought not." "Ought not" is more commonly used in British English. Americans prefer "should
not."
Examples:
You ought not smoke so much.
She ought not take such risks while skiing.
They ought not carry so much cash while traveling.

Shall
"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used in sentences with "I" or "we," and is
often found in suggestions, such as "Shall we go?" "Shall" is also frequently used in promises or
voluntary actions. In formal English, the use of "shall" to describe future events often expresses
inevitability or predestination. "Shall" is much more commonly heard in British English than in American
English; Americans prefer to use other forms, although they do sometimes use "shall" in suggestions or
formalized language.
Examples:
Shall I help you? SUGGESTION
I shall never forget where I came from. PROMISE
He shall become our next king. PREDESTINATION
I'm afraid Mr. Smith shall become our new director. INEVITABILITY
14
More Examples of "Shall"

Modal Use
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
You
can
also
use:
shall
I shall be replaced by
someone from the New York
office.
I shall not be replaced

after all.
will
FUTURE ACTION
(British form)
I shall be there by 8:00.
Shall
I shall not be there. I

have a previous
obligation.
Shall we begin dinner?
should
SUGGESTIONS
Shall we move into the living

room?
shall
VOLUNTEERING
,
PROMISING
(British form)
shall
INEVITABILITY
(British form)
I shall take care of

everything for you.
I shall make the travel
arrangements. There's no
need to worry.
I shall never forget you.
will
I shall never give up

the fight for freedom.
Man shall explore the

distant regions of the
universe.
Man shall never give

up the exploration of
the universe.
We shall overcome
oppression.
He shall not be held

back.

Should
"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It
can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.
Examples:
When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in
Potsdam. RECOMMENDATION
You should focus more on your family and less on work.
I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. OBLIGATION
By now, they should already be in Dubai. EXPECTATION
ADVICE
Using "Should" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "should" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. =
You can
also use:
15
should
RECOMMENDATION,
ADVISABILITY
3. = Future
Past 3. = Future
1. People with high

cholesterol should eat lowfat foods.
1. Sarah shouldn't
smoke so much.
It's not good for
her health.
2. Frank should have

eaten low-fat foods. That
might have prevented his
heart attack.
3. You really should start
eating better.
ought to
2. Sarah shouldn't
have smoked so
much. That's what
caused her health
problems.
3. Sarah shouldn't
smoke when she
visits Martha next
week. Martha
hates when
people smoke in
her house.
should
OBLIGATION
I should be at work before

9:00.
NO NEGATIVE
FORMS
be
supposed
to
1. Susan shouldn't
be in New York
yet.
ought to,
be
supposed
to
We should return the

video before the video
rental store closes.
"SHOULD" CAN ALSO EXPRESS
SOMETHING BETWEEN
RECOMMENDATION AND
OBLIGATION. "BE SUPPOSED TO"
EXPRESSES A SIMILAR IDEA AND
CAN EASILY BE USED IN THE
PAST OR IN NEGATIVE FORMS.
should
EXPECTATION
1. Susan should be in
New York by now.
2. Susan should have
arrived in New York last
week. Let's call her and
see what she is up to.
3. Susan should be in
New York by next week.
Her new job starts on
Monday.
2. Susan shouldn't
have arrived in
New York until
yesterday.
3. Susan shouldn't
arrive in New York
until next week.

Will
"Will" is used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the future. "Will" can also be
used to make predictions about the future. For more information on using "will" and associated
exercises, visit the Simple Future section of our Verb Tense Tutorial.
16
Examples:
I promise that I will write you every single day. PROMISE
I will make dinner tonight. VOLUNTARY ACTION
He thinks it will rain tomorrow. PREDICTION
More Examples of "Will"

Modal Use
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
You can
also
use:
will
The marketing director will be

replaced by someone from the
New York office.
The marketing
director will not be
replaced after all.
shall
Fred will be there by 8:00.
Fred will not be

there. He has a
previous obligation.
I will take care of everything

for you.
I will never forget

you.
I will make the travel

arrangements. There's no
need to worry.
I will never give up

the fight for
freedom.
FUTURE
ACTION,
PREDICTION
will
VOLUNTEERING,
shall
PROMISING
Modal Forms
Modal verbs can be used in a variety of different forms. Study the examples below.
Modal Simple
I could swim at the beach.
Passive Modal Simple

The room should be cleaned once a
day.
Modal Continuous
I could be swimming at the beach
right now.
Passive Modal Continuous

The room should be being cleaned now.
Modal Perfect
I could have swum at the beach
yesterday.
Passive Modal Perfect

The room should have been cleaned
yesterday.
Modal Perfect Continuous

I could have been swimming at the
beach instead of working in the office.
Passive Modal Perfect Continuous

The room should have been being
cleaned but nobody was there. (Rare
form)
17


What Are Modal Verbs

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1

Modal Verb Tutorial

The tutorial should be completed as follows:

Can , Could , Have to , Must , Might and Should

Have to and Must

Couldn't and Might not

Have got to , Had Better , May and Shall

Could , Might , Should and Would

Modal Verbs Forms

Modal Final Test Cumulative Modal Test

What are Modal Verbs?

He will can go with us. Not Correct

Common Modal Verbs

We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris.

Any child can grow up to be president.

Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future

You can also use:

1. Even with a burst

won't be able to lift

1. I have some free

1. I don't have any

3. I'll have some free

3. I won't have any

Can I have a glass

Can't I have a glass

Can you give me a

Can't you give me a

REFER TO THE NEAR

REFER TO THE NEAR

Anyone can become

It can't cost more

You can't be 45! I

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS

Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future

1. John could be the one

1. Mary couldn't be the one

2. John could have been

2. Mary couldn't have been

3. John could go to jail

3. Mary couldn't possibly

1. If I had more time, I

1. Even if I had more time, I

2. If I had had more

2. Even if I had had more

3. If I had more time this

3. Even if I had more time

2. You could have spent

I could run ten miles in

I couldn't run more than a

I could speak Chinese

I couldn't speak Swahili.

Yesterday, I could lift the

Could I have something

NEGATIVE SENTENCES IN WHICH

Yesterday, I couldn't lift the

Couldn't he come with us?

REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO

REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"

Using "Had Better" in Present, Past, and Future