A modal verb is a type of verb that is used to indicate modality – that is: likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order and obligation, and advice etc. They always take v1 form with them. Examples include the English verbs can/ could, may/might, must, will/would and shall/should. In English and other Germanic languages, modal verbs are often distinguished as a class based on certain grammatical properties.
A list of commonly used Modals is given here alonwith a set of usage.
Can/could/be able to
May/might
Shall/should
Must/have to
Will/would
Examples
Sheela can sing very well.
I can help you with your homework.
Indu can’t speak English well.
Ram is able to solve math easily.
He will be able to see you in a couple of minutes.
I won’t be able to attend the party.
When I was a child I could climb trees.
I wasn’t able to visit her in the hospital.
He hasn’t been able to deliver the goods.
You can see him in the evening.
You can’t see the boss today.
You could have told us before.
I could have brought lunch for you too.
Can you lend me your bike for an hour.
You can borrow my scooty.
May I have your number?
May I talk to your supervisor please?
You could see the bungalow tomorrow.
Fill in the correct form of can, could or be able to as in the examples.
1. ___ I call you later tonight?
2. _______ Tony run long distances when he was a boy?
3. ______ you please call a tow truck for me? My car broke down. (polite)
4. The students _______ to buy their textbooks today. The bookstore is all out of them.
5. ______ you teach me how to fix my computer? You’re so good at it.
6. ______ you ______ reach the customer if you call him at 4:00 his time?
Answers: 1. Could, 2. Could, 3. Could,
4. aren’t able, 5. Can, 6. Will, be able to