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This is “Modal Auxiliary Verbs”, section 1.8 (from appendix 1) from the book Writers' Handbook (v. 1.0). For details on it (including licensing), click here.








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21.8 Modal Auxiliary Verbs


Figure 21.3

The English language includes nine main modal auxiliary verbs that are used with other verbs. These modals, shown in the wheel in four pairs and a single, can refer to past, present, or future tense based on the verbs that are used with them. The modals themselves do not change form to change tense. As shown in the following table, you can use modals to express an attitude in regard to the action or general situation of the sentence.



Modal Function

Format for Present or Future Tense

Format for Past Tense


Advisability should or ought to + base verb should or ought to + have + past participle
You should take the time to visit Yellowstone. You ought to have taken the time to visit Yellowstone.
Capability can, am able to, is able to, or are able to + base verb could, was able to, were able to + base verb or past participle
Aisha can tell you who was at the party. Saul was able to walk on the beam without falling off.
Deduction must, has to + base verb must + have + past participle  
Hank must know Spanish and French. Lucy must have driven through the night.
Forbiddance must + not + base verb N/A
You must not take his food.
Expectation should + base verb should + have + past participle
The sun should set about 7:15 today. The boys should have finished their ball game by now.
Intention will or shall + base verb would + base verb
I will meet you at the theater. I said I would finish sometime today.
Necessity must or have to + base verb had to+ base verb
I must finish cleaning before they arrive. Greg had to get gas before we started the trip.
Past habit N/A would or used to + base verb
When I worked there, I used to eat at Marvy’s every day.
Permission request can, could, may, or might + base verb (in question format) might or could + base verb
Could I go with you? My parents said I could use their car next week.
Polite request could or would + base verb (in question format) N/A
Would you please hand me page 45?
Possibility/uncertainty may or might + base verb might + have + past participle
Alice might be at work by 6:00 a.m. I don’t remember, but I might have been the one sitting next to him that night.
Speculation could, might, or would + base verb could, might, or would + have + past participle
If he conditions enough, he could win his race. There could have been some real money in that deal we almost made.


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