Modals are verbs that modify other verbs. The most common modals are:

Can
Should
Must

Note that all subjects take the same form of the modal.

Positive

Subject + Modal + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples

He can play the piano.
I must leave soon.

Negative

Subject + Modal + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples

They can't visit next week.
You shouldn't go to that film.

Question

Modal + Subject + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples

Can you help me?
What should I do?

Giving Advice with Should

'Should' is used when asking for or giving advice. It is also used when asking for suggestions.

Examples

I think you should see a doctor.
What type of job should I get?

Expressing Ability with Can

'Can' is used to speak abilities.

Examples

He can speak Japanese.
Can you play golf?

Asking for Permission with May

'May' is used to ask for permission.

Examples

May I help you?
May I visit you this afternoon?

NOTE: In spoken English, 'Can I ...?' is often used instead of 'May I ...?'

Test your understanding with this short quiz.

future (will, going to)

The future with 'Will' is used in a variety of situations discussing the future. Use the following forms with 'will'. Notice that 'will' or 'won't' is used for ALL subjects.

Positive

Subject + will + base form of verb + object(s)

Negative

Subject + will + not + base form of verb + object(s)

Question

(Question Word) + will + subject + base form of verb?

Used for spontaneous decisions. Spontaneous decisions are decisions made AT the moment of speaking.

Examples

Jack's hungry. I'll make her a sandwich.
That's difficult! I'll help you with the problem.

Used for predictions:

Examples

It will snow tomorrow.
She won't win the game.

Used for scheduled public events

Examples

The concert will begin at 8 o'clock.
When will the train leave?
The class won't start next week.

Used for promises

Examples

Will you marry me?
I'll help you with your homework after class.

Future with 'Going to'

The future with 'going to' is used to speak about future intentions or plans made before the present moment. Use the following forms with 'going to'.

Positive

Subject + to be + going to + base form of verb + object(s)

Negative

Subject + to be + not + going to + base form of verb + object(s)

Question

(Question Word) + to be + subject + going to + base form of verb?

Examples We are going to study French next semester.
Where are you going to stay in France?
She isn't going to take a vacation this year.

Used for planned decisions. Planned decisions are decisions made BEFORE the moment of speaking.

Examples

I'm going to study Languages at university next year.
We're going to stay at the Hilton in New York next week.

Used for predicting an action that you see is about to happen:

Examples

Watch out! You're going to hit that car!
Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.

Used for future intentions:

Examples

I'm going to be a policeman when I grow up.
Katherine is going to study English when she goes to University.

Test your understanding with this short quiz.