Example of Modals

Examples of Modals

Modal Verb			Example
must			I must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
			He must be very tired after such enormous work
must not			You must not smoke in the hospital.
can			I can swim
			Can I use your phone please?
			Smoking can cause cancer!
could			When I was younger I could stay up all night and not get tired…
			Excuse me, could I just say something?
			It could rain tomorrow!
may			May I use your phone please?
			It may rain tomorrow!
might			Might I use your phone please?
			I might come and visit you in America next year, if I can save enough money.
need			Need I say more?
need not			I need not buy any tomatoes. There are plenty in the fridge.
should/ought to			I should / ought to see a doctor. I have a terrible headache.
			You should / ought to revise your lessons
			He should / ought to be very tired after such enormous work
had better			You 'd better revise your lessons