Modal verbs are the secret sauce that adds flavor to your English sentences — they show possibility, ability, permission, or necessity without messing up the main verb. If you’ve ever wondered when to use can instead of could, or why must feels stronger than should, this list is your quick cheat sheet.
We’ve gathered around 10 essential modals you’ll hear in everyday chatter — from polite requests (would you mind?) to big dreams (I might travel the world). Each entry packs a plain-English meaning, a real-life example sentence, and easy-to-read US IPA so you pronounce everything right. Tap the play button next to any word to hear it spoken aloud — your ears will thank you.
Modal verbs can feel a little bossy at first, but once you get to know them, they’re wonderfully helpful little grammar sidekicks. Scroll to the bottom of the article to grab the free printable modal verbs in English vocabulary list PDF and the free downloadable printable modal verbs in English flashcards.
Lists are great, but real English lives in conversations. Our free chunk-based lessons let you practice whole phrases — not just single words — so you sound natural from day one. Start with our lesson overview or jump straight into Lesson 1 – First Greetings and get talking.
Quick Quiz
Think you’ve nailed your modals? Give our quick quiz a whirl — it’s a friendly way to see which words you already own and which ones need a little more love.
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Browse the Full List
| Word | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can | To be able to do something | I can speak two languages. | |
| could | past of "can"; able to | I could swim when I was five. | |
| May | Used to express possibility | It may rain tomorrow. | |
| Might | Used to express the possibility that something will happen or be done | I might go to the cinema tonight. | |
| Must | Used to show that it is necessary or very important that something happens in the present or future | I must go now. | |
| ought to | should; it is the right or expected thing | You ought to call your mother more often. | |
| Shall | Used for suggestions | Shall we go? | |
| Should | Used to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do | You should see a doctor. | |
| Will | Used to talk about the future | I will call you tomorrow. | |
| Would | Used to talk about a possible situation | I would like a cup of tea. |
Free Modal Verbs in English PDF and Flashcards to Download
Download the purple modal verbs in English vocabulary list button for your free PDF, or use the teal modal verbs in English flashcards button for the matching set. Both are 100% free and need no signup.
