Modal verbs

Modal Verb

Meaning / Use

Examples

can

ability / permission

I can swim very fast.

Can I use your phone?

could

past ability / polite request / possibility

I could ride a bike when I was six.

Could you open the door, please?

may

permission / possibility (formal)

You may come in now.

It may rain this afternoon.

might

small possibility

We might see a rainbow later.

She might be at the café now.

must

obligation / strong rule

You must wear a seat belt.

Students must be on time.

have to

necessity (external rule)

I have to wake up early for work.

We have to finish this project today.

should

advice / expectation

You should eat more fruit.

He should call his mother tonight.

ought to

advice (same as should)

You ought to study harder.

We ought to respect our parents.

will

future / promise / decision

I will help you with your homework.

It will be sunny tomorrow.

would

polite request / unreal situation

Would you like some coffee?

I would travel more if I had money.

shall

suggestion / formal offer

Shall we start the lesson?

Shall I open the window?

need to

necessity / requirement

You need to drink more water.

We need to buy some milk.

needn’t

no necessity

You needn’t hurry, we’re early.

He needn’t bring his laptop today.

dare (rare)

courage / risk

I dare not tell him the truth.She dare ask a difficult question.