The

Modals

Verbs

Should and would

Are used instead of shall and will when the main verb of sentence is the past

tense.

Should is used to express moral obligation or duty.it is also used to express

advice:

Examples:

You should study for test.

You should be like a family

You should be a good friend

Would is used to express a polite request.

Examples:

Would do you like see this movie “snow white”?

Would do you like milk or tea?

Would like to finish his task?

May is used with all persons in the present and future tense.

May I borrow your pen?

Where’s Mary? She may be is in farm.

Might is used with all person in the past tense.

Examples:

They might arrive tomorrow.

Might I use your car?

"Ought to" is used to advise or make recommendations.

You ought not to smoke so much.

Margaret ought to exercise more.

"Had better" is most commonly used to make recommendations. It can also be

used to express desperate hope as well as warn people.

They had better be here before we start dinner.

The movie had better end soon.

"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.

Drivers have got to get a license to drive a car in the El Salvador.

I have got to be at work by 8:30 AM.

"Will" is used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the future.

I will come party tonight.

I will never forget you.

"Must" is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to

express necessity or strong recommendation.

You must not go with your friends.

You must love me.

"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.

Can I go to run?

I can speak English.

I can be his best friend.

"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used in sentences

with "I" or "we,".

Shall we dance salsa?

Shall I dance with you?