Modal verbs

Modal verbs help express possibility, permission, advice, or obligation. Here's a brief explanation of each:

1. Can

Possibility: I can swim (I am able to swim).

Permission: Can I go out? (Am I allowed to go out?)

2. Could

Possibility in the past: I could run fast when I was younger (I was able to run fast when I was younger).

Polite permission: Could I borrow your pen? (Is it okay if I borrow your pen?)

3. May

Possibility: It may rain later (There is a possibility of rain later).

Permission: May I come in? (Am I allowed to come in?)

4. Might

Uncertain possibility: He might be at home (It’s possible that he is at home).

5. Must

Obligation: You must wear a helmet (You are required to wear a helmet).

Logical deduction: She must be tired (It’s highly likely that she is tired).

6. Should

Advice: You should see a doctor (It’s a good idea for you to see a doctor).

7. Ought to

Advice or obligation (similar to "should"): You ought to be careful (You should be careful).

8. Would

Polite requests or offers: Would you like some tea? (Do you want some tea?)

Hypothetical situations: I would go, but I'm busy (I would go, but I’m busy).

These verbs do not change based on the subject and are always used with the base form of the main verb (without to).