Modal verbs (also called modal auxiliary verbs) are used to express possibility, necessity, permission, and tentative ideas. They always come before the main verb in a sentence. Here's a quick guide:
Common Modal Verbs
- Can / Could (ability/potential)
💡 You can swim. (能力) / You could help. (委婉建议) - May / Might (possibility)
🌟 It might rain later. (可能性) / May I borrow your pen? (请求) - Must (obligation)
⚠️ You must finish your homework. (必须) - Should / Ought to (advice)
📌 You should study more. (建议) - Will / Would (future intention)
🎯 I will call you later. (将来) / Would you like coffee? (礼貌询问)
Key Rules
- No -s ending (e.g., He can go ≠ He cans go)
- No infinitive (e.g., Can to go is wrong)
- Followed by base verb (e.g., She must eat)
Practice Quiz 🔍
Test your knowledge with our interactive modal verbs exercise:
Modal Verbs Practice Quiz