essay with 10 modals

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Part Three Editing / Grammar Skills

Unit 15 Modals

Learning Objectives

• To understand what modals are and what principles they follow
• To learn the challenges and strategies in using appropriate modals
• To learn the meanings and uses of modals and modal-like expressions through multiple examples
• To practice using modals through  a variety of writing situations

The following ten sentences are about some customs from different countries. The modal and main verb are bold-faced in each sentence. If the bold-faced part is correct, choose “correct”.  If not, choose the other answer. After you finish one sentence, you will get instant feedback on your answer before the next sentence. If you make mistakes, you can retry all the questions or see all the answers at the end of the pre-test.

II. Principles of Using Modals

As you have learned in Unit 9 Verb Basics in Academic Writing ( Open Unit 9 here ) , modals are an important part of the verb family. They are considered helping verbs, also called auxiliary verbs. Most modals follow the following principles:

1. They cannot exist by themselves. They are followed by the base form of main verbs to show different meanings and tones.

modal + base form of main verb = complete verb

• In the United States, people should call ahead before visiting someone. ( no “calls, called, calling, to call” )
• People must not show the “OK” gesture [1] with the thumb and index finger in Mexico. ( no “shows, showed, showing, to show” )

2. Contractions are common are in modals, such as “shouldn’t” and “mustn’t”. However, “may” and “might” do not have a contraction form. It is wrong to write “mayn’t” and “mightn’t”.

• Small children mayn’t stay ( may not stay ) alone at home in the United States.
• It mightn’t be ( might not be ) a good idea for children to stay in their friend’s home overnight.

3. Some expressions are called modal-like expressions. There is a “to” in them, and the base form of the verb follows the “to”. These expressions include:  be able to, be supposed to, have to, have got to, ought to, and some others.

• People have to come on time for an appointment in the United States.
• They are supposed to explain the reasons if they are late.

4. Some modals and modal-like expressions are often used in conversations only.

• In Thailand, people had better not touch the head of a statue.
• In the U.S. restaurants, customers have got to tip the waiters and waitresses.

Exercise 1. The following sentences are about dining customs in some countries. There are mistakes in the form of modals and main verbs. Identify each mistake by underlining the whole verb (modal + main verb) and then correct the mistake. If the main verb is missing, add it.

Example :   

People can to learn ( can learn ) about different customs and traditions when they travel abroad.

• Dinning traditions may the most interesting to most people.
• In Kenya, guests should to wash their hands both before and after the meal. They cannot sitting with their feet and toes pointing toward any of the other guests or the food. Kenyans do not use utensils [2] . They eat with their right hand. They must not to use their left hand during the whole meal.
• Americans and Europeans have opposite dinning etiquettes [3] . Americans should holds the knife in their right hand and the fork in their left hand, but the Europeans are suppose to hold the knife in their left hand and the fork in their right hand.
• People in Morocco practice communal [4] eating. This means that they eat from the communal bowl closest to them. A person must eats using his or her right hand. The left hand mayn’t be used to get food. If a bone is taken, the person supposed to suck the marrow [5] from it.

III. Challenges in Learning Modals and the Strategies in Using Them

1. The same modal may have different meanings in different contexts.

• I can drive a car because I have a driver’s license. (permission)
• I can drive a car because I know how to drive. (ability)

2. The same meaning can be expressed with different modals, but the tone or level of strength is different.

• In order to drive in the U.S, a person must have a driver’s license. (stronger)
• In order to drive in the U.S, a person has to have a driver’s license. (less strong)

3. Some modals have the appearance of past tense, but they have a present or future meaning.

• Most cultural traditions stay for generations, but some might change quickly.
• People had better learn the customs of another country when they travel there.

Strategies:

1. Understand a modal, its meaning, its time (past, present, future), and its form together as a “package”.

• In many countries in the past, young people had to follow the custom of the arranged marriage.
• In some countries nowadays and in the near future, some young people still must follow the custom of the arranged marriage.

In both sentences, “had to follow” and “must follow” have the same meaning: obligation, responsibility, necessity.

However, the first sentence shows the meaning in the past, and its form is “had to + follow”.

In the second sentence, the same meaning is expressed in present and future sense, and its form is “must + follow”.

Therefore, try not to study modals in isolation [6] . Instead, understand them in the context and study the “package”.

2. Use the same strategy as in learning other aspects of English: practice, practice, and practice.

IV. Uses of Modals and Modal-Like Expressions

Meaning : advice, suggestions

• In the United States, customers should tip the waiters or waitresses for their service. (present)
• Customers ought to tip the waiters or waitresses for their service. (less common) (present)
• They can tip /could tip 10 – 20% of the food bill. (present, softer tone)
• Customers should not leave the restaurant without tipping the waiters or waitresses. (present)

Exercise 2. Give at least two suggestions for each of the following situations.

One of your classmates is going to visit your country as a tourist in summer .

Suggestion #1 :  You should bring a few extra bottles of sunscreen because my country Colombia is near the equator and  the sun is very intense.

Suggestion #2:   You ought to try bandeja paisa. It is Colombia’s unofficial national dish.

• One of your siblings has found an American boyfriend (or girlfriend)
• One of your relatives is planning to study at Harper College for the first time.
• One of your American friends is going to study at a university in your native country.
• One of your professors is considering studying your native language.
• One of your friends is nervous about meeting his parents-in-law for the first time.

Meaning: abilities 

• There are many languages in India. Many people there can speak more than 5 different ones. (present)
• They are able to speak Hindi, English, and some regional dialects. (present)
• The Indian government recognizes twenty-three official languages, but most people cannot speak all of them. (present)
• People in ancient Indian could speak Sanskrit, one of the earliest languages. (past)
• They were able to speak Sanskrit as early as 2000 BC. (past)

Meaning: permissions

• In Canada, college students can address / may address their professors by the first name. (present)
• In Canada, college students could not drink alcohol in class fifty years ago, and they still cannot . (past, present)
• In Ukraine, college students cannot call / may not call their professors by the first name. It is considered very impolite. (present)

Exercise 3. Finish the following sentences to express ability and permission.

When I was a child, I could climb a tree . (ability)

• When I was a child, I could ____________________. (ability)
• When I was a child, I could not ____________________ (ability)
• Now I am an adult. I can ____________________ (ability)
• Now I am an adult. I cannot ____________________. (ability)
• When I was a student in my home country, I could ____________________ (permission)
• When I was a student in my home country, I could not ____________________ (permission)
• Now I am a student in the U.S. I can ____________________ (permission)
• Now I am a student in the U.S. I cannot ____________________ (permission)

Meaning: necessity, obligation, responsibility

• In Iraqi formal greetings, people must use a person’s surname and title, for example, Dr. Kazem. (present)
• Men have to stand to greet a woman when she enters the room. (present)
• A long time ago in Iraq, everyone had to stand when an elderly person arrived. This custom has remained to this day. (past)
• In Iraqi culture, people do not have to kiss each other as a way of greeting. Handshaking is common. (present)

Meaning: prohibition [7]

• People must not whistle inside a Mongolian ger, a round-shaped dwelling. (present)
• In a ger, people must not point their feet to the north end. (present)

Exercise 4. Discuss the following questions. What are the answers in your home country? What are the answers in the United States?

• Must people get married first if they want to live together?
• Do people have to get their parents’ permission to get married?
• Must men serve in the military?
• Do school children have to wear uniforms?
• What are the things you must not do on the street?
• What are the things you must not do during a test?
• What are the questions you must not ask a lady?

Meaning: possibilities

• In Japan, parents do not kiss each other in front of their children. They must think / may think / might think / could think it improper [8] for the children to see their intimacy [9] . (present)
• This custom may change / might change /could change in the near future. The young generation should welcome / may welcome / might welcome / could welcome this change. (future)
• Some words are the same in writing in both Chinese and Japanese. However, the meanings of these words may not be / might not be the same. (present)

Meaning: expectations

• On March 8, the International Women’s Day, men are supposed to buy flowers for women in Russia and many other Eastern European countries. (present)
• On that day, women are not supposed to do much housework. They are supposed to take a day off. (present)
• Last year, Natalia’s husband was supposed to buy flowers for her, but he forgot. (past)

Meaning: preferences

• In some countries, people prefer arranged marriages. Parents would rather pick someone as their future son-in-law or daughter-in-law than let their child decide. (present)
• Some young people would rather not get into a marriage than marry someone they do not love. (present)

Exercise 5. Write sentences according to the instructions.

• Use modals of possibility to write three guesses why seafood is popular on Valentine’s Day in the U.S.
• Use modals of expectation to write three things you are supposed to know when you go to an American family for dinner.
• Use modals of preference to write three choices of food on New Year’s Eve in your home country.

V. Unit Review Practice

Exercise 6. Read the following sayings. Each contains a modal. Discuss what the saying means and whether you agree with it. Do you have similar sayings in your native language? How do you say them? If you can think of additional sayings with modals, please list them below.

• You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
• You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
• You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
• Beggars can’t be choosers.
• People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
• Children should be seen, not heard.
• Bitter pills may have blessed effects.
• Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.

________________________________________

Exercise 7.  The following sentences are about school uniforms. The modals and main verbs are underlined.  Discuss their different meanings and time references (past, present, future) in the context. The first one is an example.

• School uniforms could be ( possibility, present) an important part of school traditions. Students in some schools must wear the school uniform. They may not attend school without their uniform. The uniform must be important.
• A uniform reflects [10] the school and its reputation. Therefore, students are supposed to be in their best behavior.
• Students with totally different uniforms cannot belong to the same school even though they may be siblings. They must not exchange their uniforms with students from other schools.
• In some schools, uniforms are optional. Students may choose to wear one. They could also wear their own clothes. Some students would rather have the uniform. They would rather not spen d half an hour each morning choosing what to wear.
• In most cases, uniforms are not free. Students have to purchase them. Most families are able to afford them, but some are not. This might increase the financial burden for some families.
• Even though the students must wear their uniform while in school, they do not have to wear one after school.
• Should schools require uniforms? There have been many debates [11] . If most students do not like them, they may disappear in the near future. Otherwise, they should stay for a long, long time.

Exercise 8. The follow is an essay on how high school students in different countries spend time in the summer.  Underlined the modals and their main verbs.  Then discuss what they means in the context and whether they express present, past, or future time. The first one is an example.

After you finish reading and understanding the first three paragraphs, write a new supporting paragraph about a person you know who spent last summer vacationing and relaxing. Then write a conclusion for the essay.  Include at least five modals and modal-like expressions. You may write in the box below or in your own notebook.   (Warning: Once you leave this page, you will lose what you have written in the box.)

How to Spend the Summer?

          High school students in different countries may spend (possibility, present) their summer very differently. Some might value life experiences by working on a job, some could use the time catching up with their academic work, and others might consider it an opportunity to relax and have fun. How they spend their summer might reflect some of the customs and values of their cultures.

          It is common for many high school students in the United States to work during the summer months. They could work in any type of job: food, travel, secretarial, health care, summer camp, and many others. Last summer, Joan worked as a summer camp activity leader. She was happy that the job provided her with valuable work experience as well as a small income. Both the experience and the money should be helpful in her future college study.

          In Korea, however, it is not usual for high school students to hold a job in summer. They are supposed to take extra classes to prepare for university. Last summer, Ji-hoon kept himself busy by taking a few science and English classes in a cram school. Though he was very busy, he had to do so. He was determined to be better prepared for his university entrance exam.

Exercise 9. Choose two of the following topics and write a paragraph for each. Use proper modals.

• Describe one of the holiday dinning traditions in your native country.
• Describe some customs about naming a baby in your native country.
• Explain one of the taboos [12] for a wedding ceremony in your native country.
• Some people say that elderly parents should live with their adult children. Do you agree or disagree? Why do you think so?
• In America, it is common to “go Dutch” (split the food bill in the restaurant) when people dine out. Is this practice common in your native culture? If not, why not? who usually pays for the meals?
• Write about the joys and challenges of living in two cultures (your native culture and the American culture). What was your biggest cultural shock during your first two weeks in the U.S.?

  NSNT Practice

Go to The NSNT Free Writing Approach and Additional Weekly Prompts for Writing in Appendix A. ( Open Appendix A here. ) Choose two topics that involve modals. You may start with the NSNT approach. Then revise and edit your paragraphs. Pay attention to the use of modals. You are encouraged to share your writing with your partner and help each other improve.

Vocabulary Review

The words here have appeared in this unit.  The best way to learn them is to guess the meaning of each word from the context.  Then hover your computer mouse over the number beside each word to check its meaning and part of speech. These words are also listed in the footnote area at the end of each unit.

Here, you can use the flashcards below to review these words.

• Modals are helping verbs (also called auxiliary verbs). They must be used with a main verb to serve as the complete verb in a sentence: Modal + Main Verb = Complete Verb
• A modal is followed by the base form of the main verb.
• The same modals may mean differently in different contexts, and some others may share similar meanings but have differences in tone and level of emphasis.
• Some modals have their unique forms of past tense. Some of them look like the past tense but mean present or future.
• Do not use “mayn’t” and “mightn’t”.
• A good strategy is to understand modals is by learning each modal, its meaning, its time reference, and its form together as a “package”.

Media Attributions

• showcase of culture artifacts at entrance of ESL Department at Harper College © Lin Cui is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license
• two words “yes” and “no” with “yes” crossed out © Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
• a plate of food with a fork and a knife © medium:after_download_modal.copy_text.photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boiled-potatoes-with-salad-and-meat-rissole-4210862/
• A 19th-century illustrated Sanskrit manuscript from the Bhagavad Gita, composed c. 400 BCE – 200 BCE. © Unknown artist is licensed under a Public Domain license
• three Mongolia gers © Photo by Audrius Sutkus on Unsplash
• a dog balancing a ball © Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
• four girls in school uniform doing hand signs © Photo by 周 康 from Pexels
• sunglasses on sand © Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels
• a pen writing in a notebook © Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
• a page in a dictionary © Pixabay
• gesture: noun, a movement of hands, arms, or another part of the body to express an idea or emotion ↵
• utensil: noun, a dining tool such as a spoon or a fork ↵
• etiquette: noun, a rule or tradition for proper social behavior ↵
• communal: adjective, used or shared by everyone in the group ↵
• marrow: noun, the soft, fatty part inside a bone ↵
• in isolation: prepositional phrase, separately, apart from each other ↵
• prohibition: noun, things that are not allowed ↵
• improper: adjective, not appropriate, not right ↵
• intimacy: noun, a very close, loving relationship ↵
• reflect: verb, show, represent ↵
• debate: noun, an argument ↵
• taboo: noun, an unacceptable word or behavior especially in a group setting ↵

Building Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2022 by Cui, Lin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

• English Grammar
• Parts of Speech
• Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs – Meaning, Usage & Examples

Learn all about modal verbs and their usage in sentences. Check out the examples and the practice exercise to have a better idea.

Table of Contents

What are modal verbs, examples of modal verbs.

• How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences?

Test Your Knowledge of Modal Verbs

Frequently asked questions on modal verbs in english grammar.

Modal verbs are helping verbs that are used along with main verbs to represent the ability, possibility and probability of a subject to do an action and emphasise the necessity of an action.

Let us look at some examples of modal verbs used as auxiliary verbs and their functions.

How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences

Given below are a few examples of how modal verbs can be used to indicate the possibility or probability of an action taking place.

• It might rain in the evening.
• I think they will reach Coimbatore by 8 pm.
• Can you pick up my brother from school on your way home tomorrow?
• I could make some time to help you with your assignments.
• Your friends may come to visit you next week.
• It would not be possible for you to complete all of it by tomorrow evening.

Here are some examples of modal verbs being used to show the necessity and obligation of the subject to perform a particular set of actions.

• All students of this institution ought to abide by the rules and instructions provided.
• All employees should follow the dress code strictly.
• You must get yourself checked before the situation becomes worse.
• Your sister will have to apply for a leave request if she wants to take a month’s leave.

Modal verbs can be used to make offers, suggestions and requests. Check out the examples given below for know-how.

• It would be better if you did it the other way.
• I could help you if you want.
• Shall I bring you some water to drink?
• Could you please pass me the science record?
• Will you please take care of my son for an hour? I have some grocery shopping to be done.

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal verb in the following sentences:

1. ________ you be able to bring your camera when you come?

2. Priya __________ apologise for the confusion that was caused yesterday because of her carelessness.

3. You _______ finish this first and then start with the other one.

4. ________ I make some tea for you?

5. I ______ make sure to keep everything ready by the time they reach the railway station.

6. You _______ see to it that the students are standing according to their roll numbers.

7. ______ I come in?

8. She _______ find it interesting as she likes reading adventure stories.

9. Do you have any idea how much all of this _______ cost?

10. ______ you please help me find my keys?

Ready to find out if you used the right modal verbs? Let us check.

1. Would you be able to bring your camera when you come?

2. Priya should/ought to apologise for the confusion that was caused yesterday because of her carelessness.

3. You could finish this first and then start with the other one.

4. Shall I make some tea for you?

5. I will make sure to keep everything ready by the time they reach the railway station.

6. You must see to it that the students are standing according to their roll numbers.

7. Can/Shall/May I come in?

8. She might find it interesting as she likes reading adventure stories.

9. Do you have any idea how much all of this would cost?

10. Can/Would/Could/Will you please help me find my keys?

What are modal verbs?

What are the examples of modal verbs.

Will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, should, must, ought to are the modal verbs in the English language.

How do you use modal verbs in sentences?

Here are some examples of how you can use modal verbs in sentences.

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5.6 Modal Auxiliaries

Learning objectives.

• Define and identify modal auxiliaries.
• Learn how and when to use modal auxiliaries.

We all need to express our moods and emotions, both in writing and in our everyday life. We do this by using modal auxiliaries .

Modal Auxiliaries

Modal auxiliaries are a type of helping verb that are used only with a main verb to help express its mood.

The following is the basic formula for using a modal auxiliary:

There are ten main modal auxiliaries in English.

Table 5.11 Modal Auxiliaries

Use the following format to form a yes-no question with a modal auxiliary:

Be aware of these four common errors when using modal auxiliaries:

Using an infinitive instead of a base verb after a modal

Incorrect: I can to move this heavy table.

Correct: I can move this heavy table.

Using a gerund instead of an infinitive or a base verb after a modal

Incorrect: I could moving to the United States.

Correct: I could move to the United States.

Using two modals in a row

Incorrect: I should must renew my passport.

Correct: I must renew my passport.

Correct : I should renew my passport.

Leaving out a modal

Incorrect: I renew my passport.

Edit the following paragraph by correcting the common modal auxiliary errors.

Modals and Present Perfect Verbs

In the previous section, we defined present perfect verb tense as describing a continuing situation or something that has just happened.

Remember, when a sentence contains a modal auxiliary before the verb, the helping verb is always have .

Be aware of the following common errors when using modal auxiliaries in the present perfect tense:

Using had instead of have

Incorrect: Jamie would had attended the party, but he was sick.

Correct: Jamie would have attended the party, but he was sick.

Leaving out have

Incorrect: Jamie would attended the party, but he was sick.

On a separate sheet of paper, complete the following sentences by changing the given verb form to a modal auxiliary in present perfect tense.

• The man ________ (laugh).
• The frogs ________ (croak).
• My writing teacher ________ (smile).
• The audience ________ (cheer) all night.
• My best friend ________ (giggled).

Key Takeaways

The basic formula for using a modal auxiliary is

• There are ten main modal auxiliaries in English: can , could , may , might , shall , should , will , would , must , and ought to .
• The four common types of errors when using modals include the following: using an infinitive instead of a base verb after a modal, using a gerund instead of an infinitive or a base verb after a modal, using two modals in a row, and leaving out a modal.
• In the present perfect tense, when a sentence has a modal auxiliary before the verb, the helping verb is always have .
• The two common errors when using modals in the present perfect tense include using had instead of have and leaving out have .

Writing Application

On a separate sheet of paper, write ten original sentences using modal auxiliaries.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Modal Verbs: What Are They?

By Dan Schriever

What Are Modal Verbs?

What do modal verbs do in a sentence, what are the 9 modal verbs, what are the rules of modal verbs, how do i use modal verbs in a sentence.

Modal verbs are special verbs that express necessity or possibility. They are helper verbs that give additional information about the main verb.

Modal verbs are also known as modals , modal auxiliaries , or modal auxiliary verbs . Even though those sound more complicated, don’t worry—they’re just the same as modal verbs .

Modal verbs can be tricky because they have many rules and uses.

Never fear! In this article we’ll cover the nine modal verbs and how to use them. We’ll explain their special rules and provide some examples for you to practice with.

We’ll also talk about semi-modals (or modal phrases ), which function similarly but have different grammar rules.

If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. Modal verbs are very common. It’s likely that you know them well already, even if you didn’t know they were called “modal verbs.” Before long, you’ll be a master of all things modal.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a modal verb is:

“A verb (such as can , could , shall , should , ought to , will , or would ) that is usually used with another verb to express ideas such as possibility, necessity, and permission.”

Modals are helper verbs, meaning that they help other verbs by expressing modality . That’s a fancy way of saying that modals express conditions.

They help the main verb to convey ideas like certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, prohibition, necessity, advice, or ability.

There are nine modal verbs in English. These are:

To this list we can add the semi-modals or modal phrases like ought to , have to , need to , and be able to .

These behave similarly to modal verbs and you can think of them as part of the same list, but they have slightly different grammatical rules.

Modal verbs are unlike other verbs and have different grammar rules. Let’s review the special characteristics of modal verbs.

Rule 1: Modal verbs agree with any subject

Verbs are doing words—they denote an action, like reading, walking, or dancing.

Usually, when different people complete an action, the way we spell the verb for that action changes:

• I/You/We/They dance
• He/she/It dance s

See how we added the s for he, she, and it?

Unlike normal verbs, modals never change their form (spelling) depending on who is completing the action .

Any subject (person/thing completing an action) in any sentence takes the modal verb in the same way (“I can ,” “she can ,” “we can ,” and so on), with no need to add “s” for he, she, or it (he/she/it can ).

Rule 2: Modal verbs have no infinitive form

This just means you cannot say “to may” or “to could”; these forms simply don’t exist in English.

Rule 3: Modal verbs do not have participle forms

Again, this sounds more complicated than it is. You never add endings like “-ed,” “-ing,” or similar to a modal verb—“coulded” or “shoulding” just sound weird, right?

Modals keep it simple; they will always appear exactly as written in the above list.

Rule 4: Modal verbs are followed directly by the bare infinitive (an infinitive without “to”)

For example:

• I could hear the dog barking (NOT I “could to hear” the dog barking), or
• You should tell the truth (NOT You “should to tell” the truth)

Hear and tell are the infinitives in these sentences.

Rule 5: Modal verbs form questions by inversion

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs and form questions by inversion. This means you do not need to add an additional modal verb when forming negatives or questions.

For example, to change the sentence “I must go” into a question, you can just move the modal must to the beginning of the sentence:

• Must I go? (NOT “Should I must go?”)

Similarly, to change “He should smoke” into a negative, we simply add “not”:

• He should not smoke (NOT “He must not should smoke”)

Modal verbs allow speakers to express a wide range of conditions like certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability, permission, prohibition, advice, or probability.

Let’s take a look at some examples and see each of the modal verbs in action.

When and How Do I Use Can , Could , and Be Able To in a Sentence?

Can , could , and be able to are used to express a variety of ideas.

These include:

• the ability to do something (or lack thereof)
• the possibility or impossibility of doing something
• asking or giving permission
• making a suggestion

Let’s look at a few examples of each.

Modal verbs explain whether or not someone can do something. For instance:

• Naila can recite poetry by heart.

In this sentence, the modal verb phrase can recite tells us that Naila has the ability to memorize and recite poems. (Go, Naila!)

The specific modal verb phrase you use will depend on which specific modal verb you’re using and what tense you’re writing in. For example:

• I can help you move today.
• I will be able to help you move today.

In the first sentence, the word can is accompanied by the verb help because the word can doesn’t require the assistance of to .

In the second sentence, the phrase be able to is necessary to help the sentence make sense.

Note: you can also use those phrases interchangeably. It’s often simpler and more effective to say can rather than to be able to .

Here are some more examples of modal verbs used in this way:

• I can help you with your homework tonight.
• We can’t come to dinner.
• The computer can solve complex problems easily.
• A representative will be able to speak with you in about ten minutes.
• Grandma won’t be able to join us this weekend.
• When they were young they could move mountains.
• The local branch was able to increase sales by 12%.
• I haven’t been able to reach them by phone yet.

Possibility

You can use can or could to say whether something is possible.

• You can call this number any time before 10pm.

In this sentence, the phrase can call means that it is possible to call the number so long as it is before 10pm. If the time is after 10pm, your call will not go through. Better check your watch!

The phrase you use will depend on which modal verb you’re using and what tense you’re writing in. For example:

• You could watch the game on the big screen.

Here, we use could to suggest that this is one possible option of several.

Here are some more examples of using can and could to say if something is possible in a sentence:

• I can’t believe what I’m hearing!
• Yes, you could take a trip to Sacramento this weekend as you have vacation time left.
• He couldn’t understand it if he tried.

You can also use modal verbs to ask for something, or to give or deny someone permission to do something.

• Can you help me with this?

This question is asking for a response that will also use a modal verb ( Yes, I can or No, I can’t ).

Could also works in the same way here:

• Could you help with this?
• Could I borrow a pencil please?

When we answer these questions, can and could are used to give permission, and can’t and couldn’t are used to deny it, like this:

• I can’t help with that, you have to do your homework on your own.
• Yes, you could borrow a pencil.

In the first sentence, the speaker doesn’t have permission to help the asker. They’re trying to cheat!

Suggestions

You can use the modal verb could to suggest things someone is able to do out of a range of options.

• You could take the express bus.

In this sentence, the phrase could take not only means that it is possible to take the express bus, but that it might be a useful or good thing for someone to do.

Review Exercise: Can , Could , Be Able To

Download the review exercise for can , could , and be able to here.

When and How Do I Use May and Might in a Sentence?

May and might are used to express a variety of ideas, from prohibitions, expressions of possibility or impossibility, and making polite suggestions.

In many cases, you can use may in the same way as can . What’s the difference? May is often considered more polite.

If you’re speaking to someone in a formal context, you’ll often use may instead of can to ask for or give permission, like this:

• You may begin the exam now.
• May I address you as Doctor P?
• No, you may not !

You can also use may to make a polite request :

• May I take your order?

Note that you could also use can here ( Can I take your order? ). The only difference is that may is considered more polite.

Like may , might can be used to indicate possibility. Both words work in the same way in the examples below:

• We may go to the movies after dinner.
• You might want to write this part down.
• Ali may not get a dog after all.
• It might not rain tonight.

In these examples, the events are possible but not certain.

May / might is also used to make a suggestion when there is no better alternative:

• You may as well try it. What have you got to lose?
• We might as well stay home . All the shops are closed now.

You can see that we usually use the phrases may as well and might as well here. This just means that you may as well try it as not —the result will probably be the same either way.

And finally, if you want to make a polite suggestion, you can use might . This is normally when you want to offer your opinion, but you don’t want to force someone to do something.

• You might like to try the daily special. It’s delicious!

Review Exercise: May / Might

Download the review exercise for may and might here.

When and How Do I Use Shall , Should , and Ought To in a Sentence?

Shall and should have a range of subtle uses, from making polite suggestions to giving or asking for advice.

Grammar note: Be careful when choosing between the modal verb should and the word ought , because they have the same meaning but different grammar.

Ought is always followed by a to-infinitive:

You ought to know that by now.

They ought to have insisted on some compensation.

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Something that is special to will and shall is that they can form the future tense. Shall is less popular now in American English, but it is still used in British English.

So the sentences “he will win the competition” and “he shall win the competition” are mostly equivalent, but shall is more formal in some contexts.

We’ll look at the rules for will soon. First, let’s see some examples of different ways to use shall , should , and ought to .

When Do I Use Shall in a Sentence?

Use shall to ask someone if they would like to do something, or if they would like you to do something, like this:

• Shall we dance?
• Shall we go for a walk?
• Shall I make us a cup of tea?

Note: Shall is only used with I or we . If you want to talk about a third person, you’ll need to use should or ought to .

Uncertainty

You can use should to ask what the right thing to do is in a situation. For example, if your taxi has arrived but you’re running late, you might ask a friend:

• Should I tell the driver to wait for us?

Here are some more examples:

• Should I stay home with him if he’s sick?
• What should Mariella do with the extra party food?
• Who should I ask about the application?

Predictions

If you’re pretty certain about something but you still have some doubts, you can say that it should happen:

• If we follow the instructions carefully, we should be able to build this bookcase properly.

In this example, you expect the instructions that come with your furniture to allow you to build it.

But as anyone who has tried to put together a flatpack bookcase knows, that isn’t always the case. Still, there should be a good end result.

• The recipe should be easy enough to follow.
• He shouldn’t be too hard to spot in a crowd. He’s very tall.

Here, we’re suggesting what the right thing is to do. Whether the person we’re talking to follows our advice or not is another matter:

• You should do your research before making a big investment.
• You ought to make a reservation soon.
• You shouldn’t say things like that. It’s not polite!

Exercise: Shall , Should , Ought To

Download the review exercise for shall , should , and ought to here.

When and How Do I Use Must , Have To , and Need To ?

We use the modal verb must to say if something is necessary or not, or persuade or forbid actions. Have to and need to work in the same way.

Unlike should , with must , have to , and need to we are saying that the recommendation we’re giving isn’t optional.

• You must be this tall to ride the rollercoaster.
• Noel has to leave at 5pm.
• I need to take a closer look at the problem.
• My computer crashed. I had to redo all of my work!
• She needed to speak to him, but she couldn’t find him anywhere.

Note: Unlike have to and need to , must doesn’t work in the past tense.

You can also use have to and need to to say when something isn’t necessary:

• Modal verbs don’t have to be difficult. These simple rules can help!
• It doesn’t have to make sense to us. It’s not our business.
• Hans didn’t have to come back . He did it to save his friends.
• You needn’t bother . I’ll take care of it myself.

Prohibition

This is similar to the examples above, except when you’re forbidding something you’ll usually use must :

• They must not swim in the forbidden pool.
• You mustn’t judge us too harshly. We’re doing the best we can.

Note: Mustn’t = must not.

We’ve all been completely tired out after travel before. If you met someone who had just got home from a road trip, you might say:

• You’ve been on the road all day. You must be exhausted.

Here, we use must to state something we think is true.

• You must have heard of her, she’s the most popular actress in the world!
• The dog is sick. He must have eaten too much grass.

In these cases, the thing you’re trying to persuade someone to do isn’t necessary—just something you really want to happen:

• You simply must try the coconut shrimp. It’s sublime!
• You have to visit us again before you leave town.

Review Exercise: Must , Have To , Need To

Download the review exercise for must , have to , and need to here.

When and How Do I Use Will and Would ?

Will and would have various uses. Will can form the basic future tense, similar to shall . They are used in conditional if this happens, then that will happen statements.

Will and would can also make polite requests or statements, or talk about habits or things we usually do, or usually did in the past.

If you want to say if something is or isn’t going to happen in the future, use will (or will not / won’t ).

• We will go to the lake on Saturday.
• Only time will tell .
• The gymnast will not be happy with that score from the judges.
• I will teach you that next lesson.

In questions and statements with will and would , the asker is making sure that something is true or is not true.

In most cases, this is just a polite way of telling someone to do something, or saying that you are going to do something. For example:

• Would you lock the door if you’re the last to leave?

Here, the speaker is telling the person to lock the door if they are the last to leave. It would also be correct to say Can you lock the door if you’re the last to leave? . Using would suggests that the answerer has a choice, making it feel less direct or bossy.

• Next time, will you please ask me first before doing that?
• I would like to make a toast to the bride and groom.

You can also use would or will to check if things would be true in certain circumstances. You’ll normally see if in these sentences:

• Would you be angry if I took your last French fry?

In this sentence, the asker is asking if the specific action of taking the French fry would make someone angry. (If that someone was me, the answer would be Yes! )

• If you go to the store, will you buy me some chips?
• Would you still go to the party if Poppy wasn’t going to be there?

Past Habits

If you want to say something happened in the past, you can just use the past tense:

• When I was younger, I stayed up all night one Christmas Eve.

But when you want to describe something that happened routinely or a habit you or someone else had in the past, use would .

• When I was younger, I would always stay up all night on Christmas Eve.

Here, we’re suggesting that this past behaviour happened every year—not just once. Here are some more examples:

• When he was a young warthog, he would spend hours looking for grubs to eat.
• Before starting my novel, I wouldn’t touch wine. Now, I drink a glass every day.

Review Exercise: Will , Would

Download the review exercise for will and would here.

In Conclusion: The Many Modes of Modals

Whew! That’s a lot of modal verbs. One thing at least should be clear: these verbs are very powerful, and you should learn how to use them.

If you can complete the exercises, you’ll be well on your way toward mastering these tricky verbs.

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Modal Verbs: Useful Rules, List and Examples in English

Are you struggling to understand the concept of modal verbs? Look no further! In this article, we will dive into the basics of modal verbs and provide you with a clear understanding of their function in English grammar.

It is important to note that modal verbs have a unique set of rules that differ from regular verbs. For example, they do not use an “s” for the third person singular, and they make questions by inversion. It is also important to understand the different nuances of each modal verb and how they are used in context. So, let’s get started and explore the world of modal verbs together!

Definition of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are a special class of auxiliary verbs that are used to modify the meaning of the main verb in a sentence. They are also known as modal auxiliary verbs or simply modals. Modal verbs are used to express different kinds of meanings such as possibility, ability, permission, necessity, and more.

Modal verbs are always used in combination with ordinary verbs and they change the meaning of the verb to something different from simple fact. They are commonly used in English and are an essential part of the language.

The following are some of the most common modal verbs in English:

Each of these modal verbs has a specific meaning and usage in English. For example, “can” is used to express ability, “may” is used to express possibility, and “must” is used to express necessity.

Modal verbs are also used to create different tenses in English. For example, “could” is used to create the past conditional tense, while “will” is used to create the future tense.

It is important to note that modal verbs do not have infinitive or participle forms. They are always used in their base form, and they do not take the -ing or -ed endings.

In summary, modal verbs are a special class of auxiliary verbs that are used to modify the meaning of the main verb in a sentence. They are used to express different kinds of meanings such as possibility, ability, permission, necessity, and more. Understanding the usage of modal verbs is essential for effective communication in English.

Types of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express a range of meanings such as ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and advice. Here are the different types of modal verbs:

Modal verbs of ability express whether you are capable of doing something or not. The most common modal verbs of ability are “can” and “could.” Here are some examples:

• You can speak English fluently.
• I could run a marathon when I was younger.

Modal verbs of permission express whether you are allowed to do something or not. The most common modal verbs of permission are “may” and “can.” Here are some examples:

• May I leave early today?
• Can I borrow your car for the weekend?

Possibility

Modal verbs of possibility express the likelihood of something happening. The most common modal verbs of possibility are “may,” “might,” “could,” and “can.” Here are some examples:

• It may rain later today.
• The train might be delayed.
• She could be at home.

Modal verbs of obligation express whether you are required to do something or not. The most common modal verbs of obligation are “must” and “should.” Here are some examples:

• You must submit your report by Friday.
• You should apologize for your mistake.

Modal verbs of advice express recommendations or suggestions. The most common modal verbs of advice are “should” and “ought to.” Here are some examples:

• You should exercise regularly to stay healthy.
• You ought to try the new restaurant in town.

In summary, modal verbs are essential in expressing different meanings in English. Understanding the different types of modal verbs can help you communicate more effectively and accurately.

Modal Verbs: Rules & Examples

Learn how and when to use modal verbs in English with rules and example sentences.

1. To indicate that something is probable or possible, or not so.

For example:

• It is sunny today; it must be warm outside. = It is sunny today; it is probably warm outside.
• His mobile is not reachable; he may/might/could be travelling by metro. = His mobile is not reachable; it is possible that he is travelling by metro.
• This can’t be our bill. = It is not possible that this is our bill.

2. ‘Can’ and ‘could’ are used to refer to skills and abilities.

• He can cover a hundred metres in under ten seconds.
• My father could see perfectly before the age of fifty.
• I can’t ride a horse.

3. ‘Must’ is used to indicate that something is necessary or of extreme importance, and ‘should’ is used to suggest that something is advisable.

• You must do your homework.
• You mustn’t skip school.
• You should say sorry.
• You shouldn’t smoke.

4. ‘Can’, ‘could’ and ‘may’ are used to ask for, give and withhold permission.

• Can I try my hand at it?
• Could we disperse early today?
• You may not enter the premises.

5. ‘Will’ and ‘would’ are used to refer to habits and inclinations.

• When I was a child, I would often climb trees.
• I will never refuse you anything.
• He would never do such a thing.

Note : These verbs differ from ordinary verbs in 3 respects.

• When used with the third person singular (he, she), they don’t require the addition of an ‘s’.
• They can be used to form questions by inverting the structure of the sentence.
• They can be followed directly by the verb, without the use of ‘to’.

Usage of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are an essential part of English grammar. They are used to express a variety of meanings such as ability, possibility, permission, and obligation. In this section, we will discuss the usage of modal verbs in statements, questions, and negative sentences.

In Statements

Modal verbs are often used in statements to express various meanings. Here are some examples:

• Ability: “I can speak French fluently.”
• Possibility: “It may rain tomorrow.”
• Permission: “You may leave the room now.”
• Obligation: “You must finish your homework before going out.”

Note that when using modal verbs in statements, the main verb is always in its base form (infinitive) without “to.”

In Questions

Modal verbs are also commonly used in questions to ask for permission, ability, or possibility. Here are some examples:

• Permission: “May I leave the room now?”
• Ability: “Can you swim?”
• Possibility: “Could it be true?”

In questions, the modal verb is usually placed at the beginning of the sentence.

In Negative Sentences

Modal verbs can also be used in negative sentences to express the absence of ability, permission, or obligation. Here are some examples:

• Ability: “I cannot speak French fluently.”
• Permission: “You may not leave the room now.”
• Obligation: “You must not forget to lock the door.”

In negative sentences, the word “not” is added after the modal verb.

It is important to note that some modal verbs have different meanings depending on the context. For example, “must” can express obligation, but it can also be used to express a strong recommendation or deduction. In addition, some modal verbs have more than one form, such as “may” and “might,” which can both be used to express possibility.

Overall, modal verbs are an important part of English grammar and are used in a variety of contexts. By understanding their usage in statements, questions, and negative sentences, you can improve your English communication skills.

Common Modal Verb Phrases

Modal verbs are often used with other verbs to create phrases that convey a specific meaning. Here are some common modal verb phrases and their meanings:

• Can’t help but  – This phrase is used to express that you cannot stop yourself from doing something. For example, “I can’t help but smile when I see puppies.”
• Have to  – This phrase is used to express obligation or necessity. For example, “I have to finish my homework before I can go out.”
• Need to  – This phrase is used to express that something is necessary. For example, “I need to drink water after exercising.”
• Should have  – This phrase is used to express regret about something that was not done in the past. For example, “I should have studied more for the test.”
• Would rather  – This phrase is used to express a preference. For example, “I would rather stay at home than go to the party.”
• Must have  – This phrase is used to express certainty about something that happened in the past. For example, “He must have left his phone at home.”
• Might as well  – This phrase is used to suggest doing something because there is no reason not to. For example, “Since we have some extra time, we might as well go for a walk.”

Modal verb phrases can be very useful in expressing specific meanings and adding nuance to your language. It’s important to use them correctly and in the appropriate context.

Modal Verbs vs Auxiliary Verbs

When it comes to understanding the English language, it’s important to know the difference between modal verbs and auxiliary verbs. While both of these types of verbs are used to help the main verb in a sentence, there are some key differences between them.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs, also known as modal auxiliary verbs, are a group of verbs that give additional information about the function of the main verb. They show possibility, intent, ability, or necessity. Modal verbs do not change their appearance, and they are used alongside the infinitive form of the main verb of a sentence.

Some common examples of modal verbs include:

Modal verbs are used to show if you believe something is certain, possible, or impossible. They can also be used to talk about ability, ask permission, and make requests and offers.

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs , also known as helping verbs, are used to help the main verb in a sentence. They change according to certain factors in the sentence, such as tense, person, and number.

Some common examples of auxiliary verbs include:

Auxiliary verbs can be used to form different tenses, such as the present perfect or past continuous. They can also be used to form questions and negatives.

In summary, the main difference between modal verbs and auxiliary verbs is that modal verbs do not change their appearance, while auxiliary verbs change according to certain factors in the sentence. Understanding the difference between these two types of verbs can help you to use them correctly in your writing and speaking.

Modal Verbs in Different Tenses

When it comes to tenses, modal verbs are quite unique. Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs do not change their form to indicate different tenses. They are used in their base form regardless of the time frame.

Modal verbs can refer to present and future time, but only some of them can refer to past time. Here is a table showing the modal verbs that can be used to refer to past time:

For example, “I could swim when I was younger” or “He would always help me with my homework.”

It’s important to note that when using modal verbs to refer to past time, the main verb in the sentence should be in the base form as well. For example, “I could have gone to the party, but I decided not to.”

In addition to the past time usage, here are some examples of how modal verbs can be used in different tenses:

• Present: “You should eat more vegetables.”
• Future: “We will have to leave early tomorrow.”
• Perfect: “He must have forgotten his phone at home.”
• Continuous: “They might be playing tennis right now.”

Overall, modal verbs are a versatile and useful tool in English grammar. By understanding how they can be used in different tenses, you can effectively communicate your intentions and convey meaning in your writing and speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of modal verbs in English?

Modal verbs are used to express ability, possibility, necessity, and permission. Some examples of modal verbs in English include can, may, must, shall, will, could, might, should, and would.

How many modal verbs are there in English?

There are nine modal verbs in English: can, may, must, shall, will, could, might, should, and would.

What is the definition of modal verbs and how are they used?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that are used to express various meanings such as ability, possibility, necessity, and permission. They are followed by the base form of a verb and do not change their form based on the subject of the sentence. Modal verbs can also be used to make requests, give advice, and express opinions.

What is a good worksheet for practicing modal verbs?

There are many worksheets available online for practicing modal verbs. One good worksheet is the “Modal Verbs Practice” worksheet from Englishlinx.com. This worksheet includes exercises for practicing the different uses of modal verbs in English.

What are some common sentences using modal verbs?

Some common sentences using modal verbs include:

• I can swim.
• You should study for the test.
• He may arrive late.
• We must finish the project by Friday.
• They could come to the party.

How do you pronounce modal verbs correctly?

Modal verbs are pronounced with stress on the first syllable. For example, can is pronounced as “kan,” may is pronounced as “may,” and must is pronounced as “must.”

thank you so much

Its amazing

Thank you. This would help me with my students.

Modal Verbs – Uses, Examples

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

When you ask someone, “Can I go out?” you might get a sarcastic “You can, but you may not.” response. That’s because “can” and “may” are modal verbs that suggest different meanings. My dad used to drive me crazy as a kid with remarks like that.

Modal verbs are a type of verb found before the main verb. Keep reading to learn modal verbs’ definitions and uses. You’ll also see how to correctly use them in sentences because I’ve got a ton of examples to share with you.

What is a Modal Verb?

Modal verbs are verbs that express advice, capability, proposals, or hypothetical conditions. These verbs are different from normal verbs, such as tell, think, and reuse.

This type of verb can be found before an action verb to give it an additional meaning. As auxiliary verbs, modal verbs cannot stand independently to complete a sentence.

Here’s an example of how a modal verb gives shades of meaning to a sentence.

• Trina and Joan play the piano.

Trina and Joan might play the piano.

Another verb always follows modal verbs in base form. Remember not to conjugate the verb. For example:

• Incorrect: She can plays the piano.

Correct: She can play the piano.

What are the 9 Modal Verbs?

The nine modal verbs with modal meanings are:

Other modal verbs you can use are ought to, need to, have to, and might as well. We can use these modals to express obligation, permission, and suggestion,

What are the 4 Main Types of Modals?

Modal verbs can be divided into four main types.

Modals of Deduction

Modals of deduction are also known as modals of probability or certainty. These verbs help the speaker show that they are confident or not of something. The primary modals of deduction are must, might, may, and could. For example:

• The students must be practicing right now.
• I may not be here for a long time.

Modals of Ability

Modals of ability show one’s ability or lack thereof. The main ability modal verbs are can, cannot, be able to, and could. For example:

• She’s been able to drive a truck since she was sixteen.
• He cannot understand English.

Modals of Requests, Offers, and Permission

Modal verbs of requests, offers, and permission help the speaker inquire about permission. The modals in this category are can, could, and may. For example:

• May I go to the bathroom?

Modals of Advice, Obligation, and Prohibition

This type of modal verb helps say something important or not. You can also use them to make suggestions and give advice. These modals include have to, must, can, and cannot. For example:

• You must do all your homework before you go out.
• I think we can park in this spot.

What’s the Difference Between Modal and Auxiliary Verbs?

A helper verb or auxiliary verb is a type of verb that adds grammatical meaning to clauses’ meanings. You can use these verbs to show modality, tense, voice, and more. That means modal verbs are only a type of auxiliary verbs. For example:

• I should go back to sleep.

In this sentence, should adds grammatical functions to the sentence by showing obligation. Other modal verbs can be used to show willingness, certainty, necessity, ability, permission, advice, and possibility.

How Do We Use Modals?

There are many ways we can use modal verbs. Follow these formulas when constructing your sentences.

Can, Could, Be Able To

Use these modal verbs to show a subject’s ability or lack of ability. Remember to add not for the negative form.

To show the present and future tense, follow these structures.

• Can/can’t + base form

I can’t go to the mall later. (future)

Gina can sing well. (present)

• Am/is/are/will be + able to + base form.

She is able to speak Italian. (present)

My friends will be able to attend the seminar. (future)

• Am not/isn’t/won’t be + able to + base form.

Freddie won’t be able to buy the new toy. (future)

The past form of modal verbs showing ability follows this verb structure. Note that you can also use could for an action happening over a period of time.

• Could/Couldn’t + base form of verbs

I could fly kites when I was a kid. (positive form)

I couldn’t reach the ceiling when I was young. (negative form)

The modal verb can can also be used to express permission or request permission. Here are the most common structures.

• Can + subject + base form (Note that this structure is used to request for permission in informal situations. Do not use this in formal situations).

Can you buy me the new album?

• Can/Can’t + base form

You can borrow my car.

Follow this structure when making a polite suggestion.

• Could + base form

You could change your hairstyle.

The family could visit the castle tomorrow.

Modal verbs can also express the possibility and impossibility of something using this construction.

• Can/Can’t/Could/Couldn’t + base form

You can arrive at the venue early if you leave now.

Like can and could, may and might can show the possibility or negative impossibility of something.

• may/might + base form

It might be sunny tomorrow.

Mike might attend the party tomorrow night.

• May not/might nor + base form

The Rooneys may not go to Canada this Christmas.

Follow this verb combination to make a polite suggestion.

• May + subject + verb’s base form.

May I excuse myself?

The modal verb may is useful when giving formal permission or prohibition.

• May/may not + base form

You may open your notes while answering the test.

Use may as well or might as well to create a suggestion for the last resort.

• May/might as well + base form

The class may as well skip the examination.

Must, Have to, Need to, Needn’t, Don’t Have To

These modal verbs usually show necessity or requirement. Have to shows external obligation because the obligation comes from outside the speaker. The same is true with must and need to. Here are some ways to use them.

• must/need to/have to/ + base form (for present and future tenses).

One must wear comfortable shoes for a successful hike.

They need to download the application to answer the test.

You have to light a candle for her tonight.

• Had to/needed to + base form of the verb (past tense).

She needed a break from her student government duties.

I had to go to the gym last weekend.

Notice how must cannot be expressed in past tense sentences.

When trying to show that you are almost sure about something, follow this modal and main verb combination.

• Must + base form of the verb.

Your parents are singers, so your voice must be excellent.

Use this formula when persuading someone.

• Must/have to + base form

You must buy this bag. It’s spacious and perfect for school.

You have to listen to their music now.

Follow this structure when prohibiting someone.

• Must not + base form

You must not drink and drive.

Shall, Should, Ought To

The modal verb shall is ideal for giving assistance or respectful suggestions. You can use it when you are certain of a positive answer

• Shall + subject + verb’s base form

Shall we dance?

If you’re not sure of a positive answer, the correct verb to use should. Below is the proper construction.

• Should + subject + root verb

Should I ask my mother about it?

Use shall in formal or legal situations. These sentences usually have a passive voice.

• Shall + be + past participle.

The plaintiff shall be permitted to talk.

Should is ideal for making predictions or showing expectations about something. These sentences are also in passive voice.

• should/shouldn’t + base form

This book should be finished next week.

You shouldn’t be worried. Turbulence isn’t dangerous.

Use should when giving advice. Here’s the correct structure with some common examples.

• Should + base form

The manager should attend meetings on time.

You should submit your paper on time.

Ought to shows a sense of obligation like should .

• Ought to + base form

Katy ought to have her teeth checked this week.

Will and Would

Will is a modal verb used to show the simple future tense.

• Will/won’t + base form

I will pick you up later.

You can even use will and would to request something.

• Will/Would + you + base form

Will you open the door for me?

Would you care if I borrowed your phone?

Would is a modal verb that expresses habitual past action.

• Would/Would not + base form of the verb

When I was seven, we would always eat breakfast at his restaurant.

Using Modal Verbs in Sentences

You can use modals in the future and present time, showing different verb tenses to express hypotheticals and general events. But remember that not all modals can refer to a past situation.

Present Tenses

Here’s how to express verb phrases with modals in different present tenses.

Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is the easiest. Just place the modal verb before the main verb, then use the base form of the verb. For example:

• I can eat that entire tub of ice cream.

When asking a question in the simple present tense, write the modal verb, subject, then the root verb. For example:

• Can I eat an entire tub of ice cream?

Present Continuous

The present continuous tense shows action in progress or habitual action. Write the modal verb, be, and the -ing form of the verb. For example:

• I should be eating an entire tub of ice cream.

Present Perfect Continuous

This verb tense helps you express something that started happening in the past and continues in the present. But its grammatical function changes because there’s a modal verb before it.

The present perfect continuous tense requires a modal verb, “have been,” and the -ing verb form. For example:

• I should have been eating ice cream.

In this sentence, should have been expresses what one thinks should have occurred in the past but did not occur.

Past Tenses and Present Perfect

Not all modal verbs can be expressed in the past tense, especially when you want to describe a hypothetical situation. The general rule is that can and will have simple past forms.

Simple Past

Conjugate can and will into their past forms: could and would. Have to become had to, while need to becomes needed to. But other modal verbs should not be used in past tense sentences. As usual, the formula is the modal verb plus the root verb. For example:

• In eighth grade, I could not submit my English project on time.
• I was at the department store because I needed to buy art materials.

Past Continuous

The past continuous or past progressive tense expresses an ongoing action happening at a certain point in the past. As with simple past, past continuous only uses could and would. After the modal verb, write have and the past participle of the verb. For example:

• I could be enjoying the sunset in Santorini right now.

In this sentence, could be is used to express something untrue or hypothetical.

Present Perfect

The present perfect tense is another verb tense that uses past actions related to the present. It can also show an action continuing into the present. Use have and the past participle instead of the bare infinitive of the main verb.

Use the modal verb have even if the subject is third-person. For example:

• I must have forgotten the time.

In this sentence, must have does not express something essential. Instead, must have is used when we feel sure about what happened.

If you are using the modal verb can, transform it into the past tense, could. For example:

• I could have gotten into Brown if I did more extra-curricular activities.

In this sentence, could have means something you had the ability to perform in the past but failed or didn’t do.

Future Tense

The simple future tense is relatively easy to use with modals. That’s because most of them already use will. You can also use should, shall, and can as alternatives. All you need to do is use the modal verb and then the base form of the verb. For example:

• We can eat ice cream tomorrow.

Other Rules for Using Modals

Modals are more straightforward than you think. Remember these four rules when using modal verbs.

Constructing Verb Phrases

As seen in the structures above, modal verbs always come first in verb phrases. Then, they are followed by bare infinitives. For example:

A few years ago, my family and I would go to the park every weekend.

Lina spent three years in Paris and two years in Florence. She must be good at French and Italian.

Remember that the bare infinitive does not include the word to. For example:

• Incorrect: Nora might to be with us this weekend.

Correct: Nora might be with us this weekend.

Do not use to be as the full infinitive after the words might, should, will, may, or can. The correct term to use is be. That means you can also say, “Nora will be with us this weekend,” “Nora should be with us this weekend,” or “Nora can be with us this weekend.”

Don’t Add -s, -ed, or -ing to Modals

Try to think of modal verbs as the linking verb is. Don’t change them into the present, future, or past form. Modal verbs do not require these suffixes to show a verb tense. For example:

• Incorrect: I canned climb trees when I was young.

Correct: I could climb trees when I was young.

Negative and Interrogative Forms

Like other auxiliaries, modal verbs can be expressed in interrogative and negative forms. I would add the word not after the modal verb for negative sentences. For example:

• You must not go inside.

For interrogative sentences, the formula is modal verb + subject + base form.

• Will she go with us?

Modal Verbs in a Nutshell

The English language is composed of several types of verbs, like Irregular verbs, regular verbs, copular verbs, dynamic verbs, and modal verbs. And you’ve probably seen modal verbs hundreds of times without knowing what they are.

Remember that modal verbs express advice, abilities, possibility, permission, or special conditions. When writing verb phrases, put the modal verbs first, then the bare infinitive.

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Using Modal Verbs in IELTS

This IELTS lesson is about modal verbs and how they can be used to improve your writing, though this is also relevant to speaking.

You are likely to use these a lot in your essay writing for task 2 , particularly if you are writing an essay which needs to give solutions to a problem. They are also important to help in clarifying the certainty with which you are making a point, which is important for your writing.

The examiner will expect you to be competent in using these to award you a higher band score.

What are modal verbs?

Modal Verbs are used commonly in English to add further information to the main verb. They are added to a sentence to show things such as  possibility, ability, regret , or  necessity . 

They are auxiliary or 'helping' verbs, which means they cannot be used on their own but must be used with the main verb.

How are  they used?

As you can see from the table, these verbs are used with a main verb and are followed by the bare infinitive (bare means no “ to ”). The exceptions are ‘ ought ’, ' need ’ and ‘ have ’ which are followed by the infinitive (with “to”).

More in-depth grammar explanations of modal verbs can be found here  but carry on reading below to see how modals can be used in IELTS.

Common Use in IELTS Task 2

Three important functions of modal verbs when you are writing or speaking for IELTS are:

• discussing degrees of certainty
• making suggestions . 
• hypothetical situations

1) Degrees of Certainty

Will, may, might and could are common to make logical deductions about a situation or the future, which you often need to do in task 2:

Children with no father as a role model  will  become criminals. (100%)

Children with no father as a role model  may  become criminals. (Possible)

Children with no father as a role model  could  become criminals. (Possible)

Which of these sentences do you think is incorrect?

Hopefully you worked out that the first one is wrong. This is a common mistake to see in IELTS essays. The grammar is ok, but it is not possible to conclude that all children with no father as a role model will become criminals!

Be careful when you are making assessments in this way. 

‘ Will ' is 100% going to happen, so avoid using it to make generalizations about everybody/everything unless you know it is 100% true.  (There are other ways to make it less certain e.g. “ will possibly ”).

When you are writing IELTS essays, it's unusual that you will have evidence with you or that you can use to show 100% what you are saying is true. So the second two are better in this situation.

2) Suggestions

Must, should, ought to, have to and could are often used to make suggestions for solving a problem.  It is common in task 2 to get a question asking you to discuss a problem and suggest solutions.

Governments  must/have to/need to  take action to tackle global warming.  (strong obligation) 

Parents  should/ought to  stop their children watching too much television. (Strong suggestion)

Individuals  could  recycle more (possibility).

Take a look at this model essay on global warming and note how modal verbs are used in the second body paragraph to discuss the solutions.

3) Hypothetical Situations

It is common to use would and could to discuss hypothetical situations. If something is hypothetical, this means in effect it has not happened. You are discussing an unreal situation in the future or imagining something.

For example:

If the government spent more money on hospitals, people  would  be healthier.

It is something that has not happened and you don't know if it will.

See this  model essay on human cloning  and notice the use of  would  and  could  throughout the essay. Cloning of human beings has not happened yet, so it is a hypothetical situation

It may also be used in your speaking - see this lesson on  hypothetical situations for part 2 of the speaking test .

Try a modal verbs quiz

More IELTS Grammar Lessons & Practice:

Using Phrasal Verbs in IELTS

Learn how phrasal verbs can be used in the IELTS Test. The meaning of these verbs are explained and there are quizzes to practice them.

Avoiding Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Avoiding subject verb agreement is important for IELTS as errors with this will look basic and noticeable.

Understand Parallel Structure to Improve IELTS Grammar

Parallel Structure is when you balance the grammatical structures of words, clauses, sentences, or phrases in your writing.

Adverbial Clauses: Why they are important for IELTS

Adverbial Clauses are a type of complex sentence that are important to use in IELTS writing.

Noun Clauses for Complex Sentences in IELTS

A noun clause is another type of complex sentence that is essential to get a high band in IELTS.

Gerunds and the IELTS Test

Gerunds are an important grammar form to understand and to be able to use effectively in the IELTS test and in your English more generally.

Gerund and Infinitive: Choosing the right one

Choosing between gerund and Infinitive can be difficult as some verbs can only be followed by the gerund and some only the infinitive.

Complex Sentences: Why are they Important for IELTS?

Complex Sentences are made up of an independent and dependent clause. This lessons teaches you how to write them with practice exercises.

Sentence Clauses: Independent and Dependent Clauses

Learn what sentence clauses are and why they are important to know for IELTS as they are critical for writing complex sentences.

Passive Voice for IELTS Processes

Passive Voice is specifically needed for IELTS is if you get a process diagram in Academic IELTS Task 1. In this case you will use it throughout your explanation of the process. When we use the passive voice, the person or thing receiving the action becomes the subject.

Gerund and Infinitive Exercises

Try these Gerund and Infinitive Exercises to help you understanding of which one to choose.

Relative Clauses: Use them correctly in your IELTS essay

Relative Clauses are a type of complex sentence and it's important to use them in your writing to get a band 6 or above.

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IELTS Grammar: How to Use Modals for Opinions and Suggestions

by Dave | IELTS Grammar | 2 Comments

Students who want to achieve band 7+ for their IELTS Writing Task 2 need to use a wide range of grammar structures. In this article I show you how to use a range of modals naturally to express opinions, as well as make suggestions and predictions, which will help improve your grammar band score.

For more examples of good grammar in use, check out our task 2 sample answers here:  ielts sample answers ., you can also subscribe to our youtube channel for some ielts speaking sample answers:  howtodoielts youtube ., be sure to avoid the mistakes that most students make on writing by signing up now for my exclusive ielts ebooks here on patreon., grammar doesn’t have to be complex , although there is no ‘grammar test’ as part of the ielts exam, it makes up  25% of your ielts writing and speaking scores ., in order to get a high band score for your writing you need to be able to naturally use a wide range of grammar structures. for task 2 writing, this means correctly using complex structures , but it also means using more basic structures naturally, including modal verbs., sample essay, below is a sample essay for the following question..

Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.  Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Look at the phrases that are in bold. For each one, do you think they are expressing (saying) something more  certain or less certain?

One question that has caused a great deal of controversy over the years is which subjects students study at university. i believe that students should have the choice to study whatever they like. however we have to overcome the problem of enough graduates in important subjects. in this essay the arguments surrounding this issue will be discussed.  , many people argue that students should choose their own subjects at university. the principle reason for this is because students will probably be more motivated so they will be more likely to work harder and for longer and therefore achieve more, be more successful and probably more satisfied. a good example is a student who has a passion for art or science. they will be more likely to do extra work to improve their knowledge or develop their skills to a higher level. another reason is that if students follow their passion it can often lead to more creativity. an example here is steve jobs, who followed his passions to become one of the most creative and successful entrepreneurs of modern times., other people suggest that students should not be allowed to choose. they argue that if society allowed students to do this, then we might be left with a lack of graduates in some ‘core’ subjects essential for the future. an example here is important subjects such as science or technology, which might not be popular without encouragement. this could result in a less skilled labour force with a negative impact on the economy. however i would suggest that this is not a serious problem as we could deal with this issue by making core subjects more attractive. this could be done through financial policies, for example reduced fees, offering bursaries or guaranteeing jobs for studying the target subjects., in conclusion, there are clear advantages of allowing students to choose their own subjects both for individuals as well as wider benefits. nevertheless we must ensure there are enough students who select important subjects. this could be achieved using financial incentives or job guarantees. regardless, we must always make sure our universities are flexible enough to meet the challenges that society will face in the future.       , use the correct grammar for the right situation, let’s look at the sample answer again. i’ve coloured phrases that are more certain in  red  and phrases that are less certain in green . it’s now clear to see that in my first body paragraph i am more certain about my opinions, whereas in the second body paragraph i am less certain., first body paragraph: , second body paragraph: , analysis:  first body paragraph ( more certain ), in this paragraph i am confidently explaining my opinion about why students should choose their own subjects, by suggesting they’ll probably be more motivated, work harder and be more successful., so i use language that matches my confidence. however this is academic writing so i’m still not 100% confident. look at the table that compares good and bad ways to express certainty., i didn’t say “students will be more motived so they will work harder” or “if students follow their passion they will be more creative.” , this is too strong so instead i used “ will probably be more motivated ” or “ can often lead to more creativity “.

Analysis:  Second Body Paragraph ( less certain )

In this paragraph i first make predictions about possible negative effects of allowing students to choose (a lack of graduates for important subjects and it’s possible impact on the economy). then i suggest a possible solution (making important subjects more attractive through financial incentives)., by using less certain language, i show that these are just possible ideas. i didn’t say “we will be left with a lack of graduates.” or “this will result in a less skilled workforce.” or even “this can be done through financial policies.” , those structures are too strong for academic writing so instead i used   “ we might be left with a lack of graduates. “,   “ this could result in a less skilled workforce. ” and “ this could be done through financial policies. ” , plan your language, as well as brainstorming and organising ideas ,  it’s important to think about how certain you want to be about these ideas.  yes, i said want because remember your essay doesn’t have to follow your real opinions, and you should try to use a range of grammar., when you are planning your body paragraphs, keep in mind what language you will use to express your opinions and suggestion/predictions. for example if you have a discuss both sides question , which requires you to choose a side ,   then use more certain language for your chosen side but use less certain language for the other side., likewise in a problem and solution essay ,  you could choose to use stronger language to talk about the seriousness of the problem, but weaker language to discuss solutions., now it’s your turn put your answers in the comments..

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Brainstorm some main ideas – then write some strong/weak opinions and strong/weak suggestions or predictions using suitable language.

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Choosing and allocating the budget of the country is a huge issues for the government. Different problems are being found day by day in the country. Some problems are in healthy, some are in economics and some in transportation and etc. The government need to deal with that problems. For me I do not totally agree with the idea that the government should spend money on railways instead of roads.

The principle reason for the road is compulsory that the locals will probably be inconvenient in transportation. The student will probably be more late in school because they must wait for the trains and lead them waste of their time. If the roads are more comfortable, the people will more have options to go such as motorbike, bicycle, car and bus. If the roads are good they will probably be more convenient in their daily lives. If the government choose road, there will probably be needed for extra costs especially for train and vice visa.

There is an advantage if the government will probably spend money for the railways. The people might be probably fast when they travel from one city to another. This could result they might reach on time wherever they want to go. But o the other hand, the government will need to consider for those who do not want to take public transportation, train road will be more suitable option. That is why the government should spend the budget for the road rather than railways. This could save the financial problem of the government to some point.

Please rate my essay .

Good work, Maung!

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Here is some brief feedback: avoid phrasal verbs, write 3 paragraphs, and try to be more formal generally.

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A Complete Guide to Modal Verbs

Posted by David S. Wills | Sep 22, 2023 | Grammar | 0

Have you ever wondered how to talk about possibility, obligation, or ability in English? If so, welcome to the world of modal verbs! Modal verbs are incredibly versatile and essential for expressing various tones, moods, and attitudes in English. In this guide, we will explore what modal verbs are, delve into their usage, and examine some common rules and examples.

Table of Contents

What are modal verbs, types of modal verbs, rules for using modal verbs, common mistakes.

Modal verbs are auxiliary, or “helping,” verbs that modify the main verb in a sentence to express possibility, ability, necessity, or other conditions. These include words like “can,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “shall,” “should,” “may,” “might,” and “must.”

• This shows ability.
• This is a suggestion.

Additional Examples:

• Can : She can play the piano well.
• Could : When she was younger, she could climb trees easily.

Possibility and Speculation

• May : It may rain tomorrow.
• Might : I might visit my grandparents this weekend.
• Can : Can I use your phone?
• May : May I come in?

Obligation and Necessity

• Must : You must report to the office immediately.
• Have to : I have to pick up my kids from school.

Prohibition

• Cannot/Can’t : You can’t park here.
• Mustn’t : You mustn’t smoke in this area.

Offers and Invitations

• Will : Will you have some coffee?
• Would : Would you like to join us for dinner?

Suggestions

• Shall : Shall we go for a walk?
• Should : We should take a break.
• Could : Could you please pass the salt?
• Would : Would you mind helping me with this?

Future Probability

• Will : She will probably come to the party.
• Shall : They shall succeed with enough effort.

Past Probability

• Would have : She would have succeeded if she had tried.
• Could have : He could have won the race but decided to stop and help an injured runner

These examples showcase the various contexts and conditions in which modal verbs are often used. They allow for a nuanced expression of mood, probability, ability, necessity, and more. By understanding how to use them appropriately, you can convey your ideas and attitudes much more clearly and effectively. Remember that accuracy is very important!

Possibility

• Can : Can you finish the project by tomorrow?
• Might : He might come to the party later.
• Can : Maria can speak four languages.
• Could : I could run fast when I was young.
• Must : We must complete the assignment.
• Have to : They have to take the medicine.

Request and Offers

• Will : Will you marry me?
• Would : Would you like some tea?
• May : You may find the book interesting.
• Could : They could arrive late due to traffic.
• Will be able to : She will be able to finish the project by next week.
• Would be able to : If she had more time, she would be able to complete it sooner.
• Should : You should take an umbrella; it looks like it’ll rain.
• Ought to : They ought to apologise for their behaviour.
• Can : Can you help me with my homework?
• Shall : Shall I open the window for you?

These additional examples should provide a broader understanding of the different ways modal verbs can be employed for various purposes. Whether you’re indicating possibility, showing ability, emphasising necessity, or making requests and offers, modal verbs are your go-to tool for nuanced communication.

• No Conjugation : Modal verbs do not change form based on the subject.
• Incorrect: She cans swim.
• Correct: She can swim.
• Incorrect : He wills go to the market.
• Correct : He will go to the market.
• Incorrect : They musts complete the project by tomorrow.
• Correct : They must complete the project by tomorrow.
• Incorrect : She coulds read when she was four.
• Correct : She could read when she was four.
• Incorrect : We cans see the mountains from here.
• Correct : We can see the mountains from here.

As you can see, the modal verb stays the same form irrespective of the subject, thus making it simpler than regular verbs, which often require conjugation based on the subject. (Learn more in this article on subject-verb agreement .) Understanding this rule is essential as it simplifies the process of constructing sentences.

• Double Modals Are Rare : Using two modal verbs together is generally avoided.
• Incorrect: She might can go.
• Correct: She might be able to go.
• Incorrect : They should must complete the project.
• Correct : They should complete the project. / They must complete the project.
• Incorrect : He will can join us later.
• Correct : He will be able to join us later.
• Incorrect : She may should attend the meeting.
• Correct : She may need to attend the meeting. / She should attend the meeting.
• Incorrect : We could will win the game.
• Correct : We could win the game. / We will probably win the game.
• Incorrect : I would can help you with that.
• Correct : I would be able to help you with that.

By avoiding double modals, the sentences remain clearer and easier to understand. If you feel the need to use two modal-like ideas, consider replacing one with an equivalent phrase, like “be able to,” “have to,” or “need to,” among others. This will help you maintain the clarity and grammatical integrity of your sentences.

• Always Use Base Form : Always use the base form of the main verb after a modal.
• Incorrect: He must to go.
• Correct: He must go.
• Incorrect : She can runs fast.
• Correct : She can run fast.
• Incorrect : They should eats healthily.
• Correct : They should eat healthily.
• Incorrect : We will sees you tomorrow.
• Correct : We will see you tomorrow.
• Incorrect : He might goes there.
• Correct : He might go there.
• Incorrect : She would likes some coffee.
• Correct : She would like some coffee.

As shown, the main verb that follows a modal should always be in its base form. This is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. Ensuring you follow this rule will make your English sound more natural and accurate. It will also help you to get a better score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy .

Confusing “Should” and “Must”

• You should eat more fruits.
• You must obey the law.

“Should” for Advice or Recommendation

• Here, “should” offers a suggestion for maintaining good health.
• In this example, “should” advises more frequent contact with parents.
• “Should” here recommends contemplating alternative approaches.
• This is a suggestion aimed at a better environmental future.

“Must” for Stronger Necessity or Obligation

• “Must” indicates a firm deadline that is non-negotiable.
• Here, “must” emphasises the crucial nature of taking medication for health.
• The necessity of being punctual for the meeting is stressed by using “must.”
• This statement indicates an urgent need to act for environmental reasons.

As you can see, “should” is less forceful and is generally used for giving advice or making recommendations. In contrast, “must” implies a stronger sense of obligation or necessity. Choosing the appropriate modal verb can greatly influence the tone and meaning of your sentences.

Confusing “would” and “could”

These two modals are often confused by English learners. This is understandable because they can have slightly similar meanings. Both can be used in polite requests and both can appear in conditionals .

However, the main difference is that “could” shows possibility and “would” shows intention. For example:

• This shows the intention to do something.  
• This shows the possibility of being able to do it.

Confusing “can” and “would

These two modals are often confused. Again, it comes down to their basic function: “can” shows the ability to do something. Meanwhile, “would” has a range of uses as we can see above.

Here’s a visual lesson that I made for my social media followers:

Misplacing the Modal Verb

Sometimes, beginners struggle with placing a modal verb in a sentence.

• Incorrect: He swim can.
• Correct: He can swim.
• Incorrect: She drive should carefully.
• Here, “should” should be placed before the main verb “drive” to offer advice about driving.
• Incorrect: They must go will to college.
• “Must” should directly precede the main verb “go” to express necessity.
• Incorrect: You sing can well.
• The modal “can” should come before the main verb “sing” to indicate ability.
• Incorrect: He soon will arrive.
• “Will” should be placed right before “arrive” to denote future action.
• Incorrect: We may late be.
• The modal “may” should directly precede the main verb “be” to express possibility.

As shown, misplacing the modal verb can cause confusion and make the sentence grammatically incorrect. Ensure that the modal verb is placed right before the main verb to maintain the intended meaning and grammatical structure of the sentence.

In summary, understanding modal verbs is essential for mastering the English language. By knowing how to use them correctly, you can express a range of ideas—from possibility to obligation—clearly and efficiently.

Remember, the key is practice. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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English Modal Verbs

Everybody can use a little help now and then!

That goes for English verbs , too.

Sometimes, one verb alone just won’t cut it.

A modal verb can help the main verb do its job.

Modal verbs add more meaning to your sentences and let you express more complex ideas.

But what are modal verbs? How do you use them?

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the most important English modal verbs. I’ll show you how they work and how to use them correctly.

What Are Modal Verbs?

When do we use english modal verbs, all of the english modal verbs, how to use modal verbs in business english, where to practice modal verbs.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Modal verbs are a type of “auxiliary verb,” also called a “helping verb” as we hinted above. That means they work alongside other verbs to give your sentence a new meaning .

For example, they can change the tense of your main verb, or indicate the possibility, permission or necessity for something to happen.

Common English modal verbs are:

Modal verbs are used very frequently in English, in a variety of contexts. Here are some of the main things modal verbs can be used to express:

• Possibility
• Suggestions
• Probability

Modal verbs are also often used to ask questions, especially Wh questions .

Once you understand how modal verbs work, it’ll help you speak English conversationally and in an academic setting .

One of the most common uses for this modal verb is to express ability . In this case, can is another way of saying “be able to.”

I can play piano.

This also works if you’re asking a question. To ask about someone’s ability to do something, typically you would say: Can you _____?

Can you speak English?

In a similar way,  can is also used sometimes as a way to offer help or to  ask for permission .

I can watch your dog while you’re on vacation.

Can you please pass the butter?

You’ll also often hear this modal verb used to express the  possibility of something happening.

Houses can flood in this region during rainstorms.

Could expresses the past tense of can . Use it to express ability, but when talking about the past.

I could understand German when I was a kid.

Could you hear the birds chirping yesterday morning?

Could is sometimes used to express possibility, similar to  can . However, unlike can , it’s used for less concrete possibilities and suggestions.

We could go to the park or we could go to the mall.

Will is most commonly used to put an English sentence in the future tense . It indicates that something’s going to happen in the future.

I will wash my plates after I finish eating.

They will visit their grandmom next month.

In question form,  will is used to  ask if something’s going to happen in the future.

Will there be a storm tomorrow?

Will we have a quiz in English class?

Would often talks about a habitual action in the past . That means an action repeated more than once, often by routine.

When I was a kid I would play with dolls every day.

Would can also show a willingness to do something in the future, often as part of the phrase “would like to…”

She would like to come to the party.

Would is used in a question to ask someone to do something. In this way, it’s similar to  can —however, using  would sounds more polite .

Would you please close the door?

Another very common usage of would is in conditionals —showing that something depends on something else. You may recognize the sentence structure  would … if , as in the examples below:

  She would go to the mall if you asked her.

He would become fluent in English if he practiced more often.

Finally, would often pairs up with the verb  wish to express a desire .

I wish you would stop tapping your pencil.

You’ll often hear  should used to as a way to  give or ask for advice or an opinion .

You should do your homework.

The governor should visit our neighborhood.

Should I meet you at your apartment?

In a similar way, it can be used to describe something necessary but perhaps not wanted .

She should comb her hair but she doesn’t want to.

Should is also used to show an expectation .

He should be back by 10 p.m.

The mall should be empty at this time of night.

May is another modal verb that’s similar to can , but more formal and polite. It’s used to express or ask for  permission , and is often considered the most polite way to do so .

May I sit beside you?

You may pour yourself a cup of tea.

May is also often used to describe a possibility .

We may go downtown tonight.

Like may , might can present a possibility . It’s not uncommon to hear  may and  might used interchangeably in this context, although  may is slightly more formal.

He might get the job at the factory.

Might can also be used to suggest something . Within the phrase “might as well,” it indicates that there isn’t a good alternative.

I might as well go home since there’s no one else here.

Must is a way of saying “have to” or “need to,” though it’s more formal than either of those.

You must finish your homework by Wednesday.

Must also expresses a strong suggestion .

You must see the Louvre while you’re in Paris!

Must can also be used as a guess , though only if you think that your guess is correct or if you have evidence to back up your guess.

He must be smart because he studied engineering.

Shall is a good modal verb to recognize, but it’s rarely used in everyday language because it feels so formal and polite to native English speakers. Its use is similar to will . You may see it most often in literature from past eras .

I shall call your mother if you misbehave.

We shall arrive at 5:00.

Now we’ll cover some useful modal verb phrases you can use in different business situations.

Arranging a Meeting

Of course, there are many business situations where you might need to arrange a meeting. Modal verbs will be invaluable in setting up these meetings politely and efficiently.

Could we meet at _____? 

I can meet at _____. / I can’t meet at _____. 

Should I reserve the conference room? 

Might we discuss it over lunch? 

The meeting should take about 30 minutes.

Conducting an Online Meeting

In today’s business world, online meetings, video calls or conference calls are very common. If you work for a foreign company, it’s likely that you’ll have to participate in an online meeting at some point.

Modal verbs will help you keep the meeting on track in a clear and formal way.

Could  you please mute your microphone when you’re not speaking? 

Can everyone hear/see me?

Before we begin, we should each introduce ourselves.

Giving a Presentation

Giving presentations in any language can be nerve-wracking, but it can be especially overwhelming if you have to give a presentation in English. Fortunately, there are several modal verb phrases you can learn in business English to help you give your best presentation.

Might/may  I have your attention, please? 

Could you please save your questions until the end? 

Today, I would like to discuss…

In conclusion, we must find a way to decrease costs/to increase profits/to find our niche/etc.

Speaking to an Employee as a Manager

If you’re a manager, one of the most common relationships you’ll have to navigate in the business world is between you and your employees. Here are some modal phrases that can help you speak with your employees in a respectful, yet commanding manner.

When can you give me the numbers from this quarter?

When will you be finished with the project? 

Could you email me a detailed update? 

We should plan to move forward with the merger.

Speaking to a Manager as an Employee

When you’re an employee at a company, you’ll most likely need to report to a manager or some other type of superior . It’s important to speak with respect and confidence when communicating with your boss. Here are some types of modal verb phrases that might be useful.

Could you please give me your thoughts on…?

I will finish _____ by _____.

I can find time for theses tasks today.

I would welcome your feedback on…

Speaking to Your Colleagues

Another important relationship in the workplace is the relationship between you and your colleagues. When you’re speaking with employees of a company that are at your same level, it’s nice to be able to talk both about business and more casually. Here are some modal phrases that you might try.

I might attend the conference. What about you? 

I could use a day off. What about you? 

Can/could  I give you some advice? 

Can/could  I ask you a favor? 

Speaking with a Client or Customer

Speaking with a client or customer is an important part of many jobs. It’s important to speak clearly, confidently and politely with them. If you often work directly with clients and customers, you may want to add some of these general business modal verb phrases to your vocabulary.

We would like to set up a face-to-face meeting. 

May I offer you …? 

It would be my pleasure to…

I might be able to…

Would you like to renew your account/subscription? 

Could you give us a list of your requirements? 

Taking a Phone Call

No matter what department you work in, making and receiving phone calls is probably a daily occurrence. It’s important to be able to successfully engage in a phone conversation at work . Here are some standard modal verb phrases you can use the next time your desk phone rings.

Could I ask who’s calling, please? 

How may I help you? 

Can I take a message? 

Should I call back later? 

Could you repeat that?

Hiring an Employee

One of the most common business interactions is hiring new employees.

Sometimes it can be challenging to interview potential employees, especially if you’re speaking in a second language such as English. Here are some useful phrases you’ll need during the hiring process.

Can/could you tell me more about your work experience?

You must arrive on time for the interview.

You should  submit three references with your application.

As with many English grammar concepts, the trick to learning modal verbs is to practice them as much as you can!

• Ginger Software has some helpful exercises where you’ll choose the correct modal verb to put in a sentence .
• Mad Libs is a popular English word game that’ll expose you to modal verbs among many other types of English vocabulary.
• Journaling is a great technique to practice your English while incorporating modal verbs. Write about your plans for the upcoming day or week, like what you  will do, what you  should do, etc.
• FluentU is a language learning platform with a curated library of English videos.

This should help you express a range of ideas in English more fluently. Don’t forget to keep practicing!

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•    Modals – Definition, Examples, Types, and Usage

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Modals – definition, examples, types, and usage.

• Chloe Daniel
• Published On: June 29 ,2021

What Are Modals?

Modal verbs examples, types of modals.

• Don’t have to
• Doesn’t have to

Use of Modal Verbs and Example Sentences

• Possibility
• Lack of necessity
• Probability
• Prohibition
• Kristen must be her brother because they look so much like each other.
• I will probably visit the museum, but I can’t make any promises.
• The shop closes in 15 minutes. We should go there for groceries now.

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• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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English Grammar Here

10 examples of modals, Definition and Example Sentences

Here are English Modals Table and Example Sentences

Ability, doubt, astonishment, permission, Polite request

Example Sentences;

• I  can  play the football.
• Can I go out tonight?

Permission, if not prohibition, supposition with doubt

• It  may  rain tomorrow.
• May  I go to the bathroom?

Obligation, firm necessity, logical conclusion, probability

• He  must  be her brother.
• You must study today.

intention, supposition

• You  shall  pay on Saturday.
• Shall  I help you?

Wish, desire, will, confidence, in the future

• I will give you a gift.
• I have asked him but he will not come.

6. OUGHT TO

Moral duty, insistent advice, strict recommendation

• I ought not to go out today.
• You oughn’t to tell lies.

(un)necessity

• I need to talk to her.
• You needn’t buy a gift for me.

Obligation arising out of arrangement or agreement

Unwillingness, forced circumtances

Example Sentence;

• I  have   to  wait.

Wish (with “to like”), polite request, a habit of the past

• I  would   play the tennis when I was a child.
• How about going to the circus tonight? It  would  so funny.
• We are going to breakfast.  Would  you come? Yes, I would.

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Could Have V3 and Example Sentences

Modal Verbs Would, Example Sentences

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Essay – examples & model answers | B2 First (FCE)

FCE Essay Examples:  Topic (Environment) 

Example exam task:.

Example Answer (Grade: 3)

Example answer:.

I think that my country has problems with pollution to the environment like all other countries. This problem is normal for Russia. We have big problems with transport because there are too much cars in our country. And because of that we have problems with atmospeer, air in my city and in all Russia is really dirty and sometimes I can’t make a sigh because it smells around me and of course around that cars on the road. I’ve heard about tradition of one country. They don’t go anywhere by car one day a month or a year, they just use bycicle or their feet. I think it could be very good if we had a tradition like that.

So, what about the rivers and the seas? Yeah, there are some really good and clean rivers and seas where you can go, but there are not many of them. Once I saw the river OB in my city, it was about two years ago but I stil remember that in some places it was not blue, it was green or purple I didn’t really understand because it had different colours.

I don’t know what should we do. Maybe we should just open our eyes and look what we did. But Russian people don’t care about the world around them many people care only about themselves an that’s all.

So, the best idea is look around and try to do something good for our planet and for us and our children.

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice, write & improve, examiners comments & grade:.

Example Answer (Grade: 3-4)

To begin with pollution and damage to the environment is the most serious and difficult problem for countries of all over the world. Scientists of different countries predict a global ecocatastrophe if people won’t change their attitude to our planet.

First of all a huge damage to the environment brings a transport. People can’t imagine their living without cars, buses, trains, ships and planes. But it’s an open secret that one of disadvantage of these accustomed things is harmful exhaust. Needless to say that use of environment friendly engines helps us to save atmosphere from pollution.

In addition to this our rivers and seas are in not less danger situation. It’s a fact of common knowledge that numerous factories and plants pour off their waste to ponds. Obviously that cleaning manufacturing water helps to avoid extinction of ocean residents.

Apart from this I’m inclined to believe that every person can and must contribute to solving this important problem. Doing a little steps for protection our environment every day we will be able to save our Earth. And it’s a task of each of us.

Model Answer (Grade: 5)

DEVELOPMENT VS ENVIRONMENT

If we surf the web looking for pollution and environmental catastrophes, we will find out that every country in the world suffers them. This is a natural consequence of the struggle between development and environment.

If a country decided to live isolated from the rest of the world, living on what it can naturally grow and produce, it surely wouldn’t be highly polluted. But we all want exotic food and technological items from all over the world, so we have to pay the price.

Investing on electrical transport would benefit the environment a lot. Even more if this electricity came from a natural source of energy like wind, rivers and solar boards. It’s difficult to achieve this because petrol companies will fight against these actions.

We also have to take care of our rivers and seas. We all have heard about factories throwing highly toxic substances to rivers, without minimizing their poisoning effects. A really strict law should be applied to fine these factories and make them change their policy.

But what about ourselves? We also can do a lot! If, when possible, we bought larger packs of food, we would be producing less rubbish. And this is only an example!

FCE Essay Examples: Topic (Fashion) 

In today’s world, the fashion industry has a strong importance in people’s lives. The fashion industry say to the society what to wear and creates new types of clothes all the time.

Some people claim that the fashion industry has a bad effect on people’s lives, they say that the fashion industry creates clothes that the society has to wear. Furthermore, the clothes’ price is extremely high and people, who can’t afford it, should not be in the society.

In the other hand, the fashion industry guide the people to be in a good appearance, because, nowadays, the appearance of the person is more important than the person itself.

In my opinion, the fashion industry doesn’t has a bad influence on people’s lives. It’s something which was created to help people what to wear.

Example Answer (Grade: 4)

Fashion industry is very a discussed subject nowadays: they create and design new clothes everyday in order to satisfy some people needs.

There are many people who claim that the fashion industry is important and good for society. According to them, this industry design beautiful clothes and thanks to that every person can wear shirts, trousers or any acessory which is on today’s fashion.

On the other hand, the fashion industry in some people opinion, controls the market of clothes and because of that they can’t wear what they want to. In addition, the industry can increase the price of clothes, forcing people who don’t want to be “oldfashioned” to buy and pay a large amount of money to keep “beautiful”.

In my opinion, we can’t let the fashion industry decide what we must or musn’t wear. We shouldn’t judge people for its appearance,because that is not important. We must wear whatever we like, want and feel confortable with.

The society we live today is characterised by technology in constant development, fast speed processes, information travelling and getting to people at a blink of an eye and a complex web of social networking. In this context, the fashion industry is becoming increasingly important and having a more and more paramount role in our lives.

On one hand, the fashion industry is undeniably a source of profit and income. It hires millions of people all over the world and generates millions of dollars every year. Furthermore, such profitable business is also believed to be able to spread and make known the culture of a people, encouraging and enhancing a better understanding of each other.

Nevertheless, for those who are neither impressed nor motivated by numbers and figures, the fashion industry is seen as one which segregates people, isolating those who not fit their laws and commands. It is stated that people place too much importance on appearance and the material, world, sadly true, and the fashion industry just spurs on such situation. Moreover, not only are the costs of fashion item unrealistically high, it is thought to be a money better spent on more pressing issues, such as poverty and hunger.

I do believe that the fashion industry, as it is today, has a harmful effect, because it values a minority of people in detriment to the majority. However, it has such a wide reach that, it put into a good use, it can save lives.

FCE Essay Examples: Topic (Languages) 

“There are more reasons to learn a foreign language than to pass a test”

Everything around us revolves around language(s), it is the most important thing in our lives. Society would just not function without it. They are It is our future and I would personaly love to learn as many as I possibly can.

Not everything in life is done because it is necessary. Learning a new language can be a lot of fun. Many people only do it as a hoby, or their knowledge is something that brings them pride and pleasure.

Secondly, we have people who do it simply to challenge themselves. Truly I believe that having a great outcome that stems from your hard work and dedication to learn something new is a wonderful way to challenge prove your ability to yourself and others. Then there is travelling. It is very important to be able to understand and have a conversation with someone abroad, unless you would like to get lost or worse.

To conclude, I think that learning a new language is an amazing thing no matter why you do it. It is always better to do things out of enjoyment, but even if you do it for a test, that knowledge will always be useful.

Learning a a foreign languages is very important nowadays. English, in particular, is essential because it allows is spoken all over the world. That’s the reason why we start studying it from the age of six years old. Going abroad and being able to speak to native people is very satisfying and that’s why I want to improve my knowledge about foreign languages.

I decided to take this exam to know how high my level of English is, but also because I need this certification to go abroad next summer. I really want to come back to Cornwall, an amazing region in the South-West of England. I’ve been there twice with my family, but now I want to go alone. Only being there to England I can really improve my English comprehension and speaking skills.

Fortunately I can will have some English lessons which taught in English at university and I can’t wait for it because it will be an interesting challenge for me. Studying foreign languages is essential to live and to travel. It isn’t simple and I surely have to challenge myself everyday, but the result is so satisfying that we I can’t do without it.

FCE Essay Example: Topic (History) 

A very common topic that is being discussed nowadays is wether schools should teach subjects that some may consider useless later in life. A clear example is history, since it is quite difficult to learn and does not help us in day-to-day activities.

However, many people do not realize the importance of it or that it affects our lives today. For example, our political system would not be this way if it weren’t for the Ancient Greeks, numerous politicians and wars who helped shape democracy and our constitution. Yet it is still thought that it’s useless.

In addition, it is very important that we never forget about our past since we must know where we were standing years ago. Moreover, there are some things, such as World War II, that we have to remember to prevent them from happening again. We should also know where we we were standing a century ago: our origins, our identity. The more you learn about your ethnicity, the better.

All in all, I think that it is extremely important to learn about one’s own country’s history. Anyone who gets the chance to do this should not waste it, since they are very fortunate to have this opportunity

What is your level of English?