Modals in English Grammar

Modals and semi-modals are special verbs that express ability, necessity, possibility, and more. They help convey mood and nuance in English sentences.

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Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Modals

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Modal verbs are also known as modals and are used to give additional information about the main verb. Let us learn more about them.

Advanced

Can and Could

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Talent shows are a big thing now in our pop culture. If you want to participate in them, you should know how to talk about your abilities. Learn about it here!

Intermediate

Advanced

May and Might

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May and Might are modal verbs. Some people think they are interchangeable, especially in speech, but is there really no differences between these two?

Intermediate

Advanced

Will and Would

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These two modals are often confusing for learners, because they are used in quite similar situations. But they're different.

Intermediate

Advanced

Shall and Should

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'Shall' and 'Should' are like relatives, because 'Should' is the past tense of 'Shall', but they have different functions despite their similarities.

Intermediate

Advanced

Must and Have to

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'Have to' and 'must' have the same meaning and are used to express obligations. However, they are used in different situations and are not interchangeable.

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Can, May, Should

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Modal verbs like 'can', 'may', and 'should' express possibilities, abilities, and advice. They convey uncertainty, capability, and recommendations in English.

Beginner

Semi-modals

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Semi-modals are the subcategory of modal verbs. So it is good to learn the difference between modal verbs and semi-modal verbs to use them properly.

Advanced

Ought to and Had Better

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'Ought to' and 'Had Better' are used for giving advice and recommendations. These are used differently and they can have different meanings. Start learning!

Intermediate

Advanced

Dare and Need

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'Dare' and 'need' have characteristics of both modal verbs and main verbs. Because of this, they are called semi-modals. In this lesson, we'll learn about them.

Intermediate

Advanced

Used to

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One of the functions of this expression is to talk about repeated actions in the past which we don't do in the present.

Advanced

Talking about Prediction

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There are many ways to talk about prediction in English. In this article, we want to learn how to predict future events.

Advanced

Talking about Willingness

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In every language, there are ways to express your feelings. Let us learn how to express willingness in English.

Advanced

Talking about Abilities

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When you want to socialize with strangers, you can talk about your abilities. What does it mean? Should we use our abilities or talk about them? Learn more.

Advanced

Giving and Asking for Permission

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Asking permission is a social skill that is a need in any culture. On the other hand, being able to allow someone to do something is another skill. Read more.

Advanced

Talking about Possibilities

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There are different ways to talk about possibilities in English. Each way has its own function. We can also express our thoughts through possibilities.

Advanced

Talking about Necessity

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Some structures in English imply something that is not optional and there is a need to do them.

Advanced

Giving Advice

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'Giving advice' actually refers to expressing your opinion about a particular thing. In this case, you express something could happen in a better way.

Advanced

Talking about Deduction

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'Deduction' means to make guesses based on former information about something. In this article, we learn how to make deductions about events.

Advanced

Talking about Habits

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Habits are things that we do regularly, from the past to the present time. Sometimes we can use some modals and semi-modals to refer to habits.

Advanced

Making Offers

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There are some modal verbs that can be used to make offers in English. In this article, we will learn about them. Click here to read more.

Advanced

Making Requests

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You might know that there are two kinds of requests in English. Direct requests and indirect requests. In this article, we will focus on indirect requests.

Advanced

Talking about Assumptions

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The term assumption is derived from the verb assume. In this article, we will focus on the modal verbs to learn to talk about assumptions.

Advanced

Modal Expressions

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Modal expressions are not modal verbs. But they can imply the same concept as modal verbs do. These expressions are used to indicate a special mood. Read more.

Advanced

Modals in Indirect Speech

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Modal verbs change when they are used in indirect speech. In this lesson, we will learn about their structure and uses.

Advanced

Modals

Modals and Semi-modals with LanGeek

Understanding modals and semi-modals is essential for expressing ideas like necessity, ability, permission, and possibility in English. LanGeek's Modals and Semi-modals lessons are designed for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced, helping you navigate this crucial part of grammar.

What Are Modals and Semi-modals?

Modals are auxiliary verbs like can, must, and should that express meanings such as ability, obligation, and permission. Semi-modals, such as ought to and need to, function similarly but are often combined with other verbs. Mastering both allows you to convey more nuanced and natural sentences.

Lessons for All Levels

At LanGeek, we cater to learners of all levels with a structured series of lessons organized into three distinct categories:

Beginner Only

The following lesson is only presented at the beginner level:

Can, May, Should

Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced

The following lesson is presented at all three proficiency levels:

Must and Have to

Intermediate + Advanced

The following lessons are presented at intermediate and advanced levels:

Can and Could
May and Might
Will and Would
Shall and Should
Ought to and Had Better
Dare and Need

Advanced

The following lessons are only presented at the advanced level:

Modals
Semi-modals
Used to
Talking about Prediction
Talking about Willingness
Talking about Abilities
Giving and Asking for Permission
Talking about Possibilities
Talking about Necessity
Giving Advice
Talking about Deduction
Talking about Habits
Making Offers
Making Requests
Talking about Assumptions
Modal Expressions
Modals in Indirect Speech

Integrated Learning Features

LanGeek integrates vocabulary building, reading practice, and pronunciation exercises to reinforce your grammar lessons:

Vocabulary: Learn new words as you study modals and semi-modals.
Reading: Practice reading passages that demonstrate modals in real-world contexts.
Pronunciation: Improve your spoken English with pronunciation tips.

Start Learning with LanGeek

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, LanGeek's Modals and Semi-modals lessons offer a structured, engaging way to master these essential grammar points.

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Langeek

Modals in English Grammar

Modals

Can and Could

May and Might

Will and Would

Shall and Should

Must and Have to

Can, May, Should

Semi-modals

Ought to and Had Better

Dare and Need

Used to

Talking about Prediction

Talking about Willingness

Talking about Abilities

Giving and Asking for Permission

Talking about Possibilities

Talking about Necessity

Giving Advice

Talking about Deduction

Talking about Habits

Making Offers

Making Requests

Talking about Assumptions

Modal Expressions

Modals in Indirect Speech

Modals and Semi-modals with LanGeek

What Are Modals and Semi-modals?

Lessons for All Levels

Beginner Only

Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced

Intermediate + Advanced

Advanced

Integrated Learning Features

Start Learning with LanGeek