Search English modal verbs by verb, use (ability, permission, obligation...) or example
| Modal Verb | Use | Example |
|---|
No modal verbs match your search.
Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, plus semi-modals like ought to, need to, and had better) don't change form and are always followed by a base verb. What makes them tricky is that most of them cover several different meanings — the same word can express ability, permission, possibility, or obligation depending on context.
How to use it: type a modal verb, a use (like "obligation" or "permission"), or a word from the example into the search box — the table filters instantly as you type. It's a quick way to check which modal fits the meaning you're after.