Modal verbs
Can, might, must and the rest: the full list, what they change, and how to use them without slipping.
The answer
A modal verb is a helper verb, such as can, might or must, that shows how likely, possible or necessary something is.
Examples
We might go to the beach if it stays sunny.
Might shows it is possible, not certain.
You must wear a helmet on your bike.
Must shows something is necessary.
Can you hear that noise?
Can shows ability.
I should finish my homework before tea.
It will rain tomorrow.
Will shows the speaker is sure.
How to spot it
- The main modal verbs are will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, should, must and ought (as in ought to).
- A modal verb comes before another verb, and that verb stays in its basic form: she can swim, not she can swims.
- Modal verbs never add -s, -ing or -ed. Nobody says he musts or canning.
The common mistake
Writing should of, could of or would of.
Said quickly, should have sounds like should of. Write should have, or the contraction should’ve. Of is never part of a modal verb.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 5
- On the pupil word list
- Year 5, as “modal verb”
Year 5, where children use modal verbs (might, should, will, must) and adverbs such as perhaps and surely to show degrees of possibility.
Try a question
Which modal verb shows that the speaker is most certain? Tick one.
It ___ snow tonight.
- might
- could
- will
- may
Show the answer
Answer: will
Will shows the speaker is sure. Might, could and may all leave room for doubt.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Classify a word in context
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
What is the full list of modal verbs?
The national curriculum glossary lists will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, should, must and ought.
Is have to a modal verb?
It is not on the main list. Have to means much the same as must, but it changes like an ordinary verb (she has to, she had to), which a modal verb never does.
What does degree of possibility mean?
How sure the writer is. ‘It might rain’ is unsure, ‘It should rain’ is fairly sure, and ‘It will rain’ is certain. Adverbs such as perhaps, probably and definitely do the same job.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
Many 11+ English papers include grammar and punctuation questions alongside comprehension. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.