Welcome to Modals. Be sure to watch the introductory grammar video on the left before continuing to read this section.

Modals are helping verbs such as can/ could, may/might, must/should, and will/would.. It doesn't have a past form and you don't add -s for 3rd person singular. These verbs cannot stand alone in a sentence. They must be followed by the infinitive in a sentence:

I can speak five languages.
He could speak two languages.
You may speak once it's your turn.
I might go to yoga tonight.
You must renew your license this month.
He/she/it should clean the house.
I will always love you.
We would eat if we had the time.
She may go to the store later.

These modals all have different meanings, and some are used to indicate politeness.

Try the games below to practice what you learned:

Choose the Correct Modal
Identify the Modal 1
Identify the Modal 2
Modal Word Order

Check your knowledge by completing the quiz below:

Multiple Choice Quiz