Modal Verbs List

English Modal Verbs List

English Modal Verbs List



CANAbility, doubt, astonishment, permission, Polite request
MAYPermission, if not prohibition, supposition with doubt
MUSTObligation, firm necessity, logical conclusion, probability
SHALLintention, supposition
WILLWish, desire, will, confidence, in the future
OUGHT TOMoral duty, insistent advice, strict recommendation
NEED(un)necessity
BE TOObligation arising out of arrangement or agreement
HAVE TOUnwillingness, forced circumstances
WOULDWish (with “to like”), polite request, a habit of the past
SHOULDNecessity, advice, blame, recommendation, reproach, regret
USED TORepeated action in the past

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