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San José State University Writing Center www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter Written by Michael Wong Modal Verbs, Fall 2021. 1 of 4 Modal Verbs Modal verbs (modals) are verbs that add the meaning of logical possibility, ability, necessity, and permission to verbs, which have a degree of strength from stronger to weaker. Modals come before infinitive verbs and the “to” is removed. Modals do not need to match their subject in plural agreement, so there is no need to add an “-s” or “-es” ending to a modal. Modals will often be seen in sentences that are predicting a future possibility, describing an ability, giving advice, making requests, or asking for permission. The nine most common modals are can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, might, and must. Common Modals Use Modals Examples Logical Possibility Must (Most Certain) Will Would Should May Can Could Might (Least Certain) The dark clouds must mean rain today. Due to the news, the stock will go down. The chemical would help the experiment. The case should prevent cracking. This change may improve the results. Being careless can have bad consequences. The charm could protect you. I might be tired tomorrow. Ability Can (Stronger Abilit...