Modal Verbs Can Could May Might: Ultimate Guide with 100 Examples

Master modal verbs can, could, may, might with this complete guide! Learn their uses for ability, permission, possibility, and more through 100 clear examples. Perfect for students, competitive exams like SSC, and English learners. Boost your grammar skills today and speak confidently.

Introduction to Modal Verbs Can Could May Might

Modal verbs can, could, may, might form the backbone of English grammar for expressing ability, permission, possibility, and polite requests. These auxiliary verbs add nuance to sentences without changing form for tense or subject. Whether you’re a student prepping for competitive exams or improving daily communication, mastering modal verbs can, could, may, might unlocks clearer expression. This guide breaks them down with rules, 100 examples, tips, and FAQs.

Key Uses of Modal Verbs Can, Could, May, Might

These modals express specific ideas:

• Can: Present/future ability, permission, possibility.
• Could: Past ability, polite requests, conditional possibility.
• May: Formal permission, possibility.
• Might: Slight possibility, past of may (less certain than could).

Modal	Primary Uses	Example Sentence
Can	Ability, permission	I can swim well.
Could	Past ability, polite request	Could you help me?
May	Permission, possibility	May I leave early?
Might	Weak possibility	It might rain later.

100 Examples of Modal Verbs Can, Could, May, Might

Here are 100 practical sentences grouped by modal for easy study:

25 Examples with “Can” (Ability/Permission)

1. She can speak three languages fluently.
2. Can you pass the salt?
3. I can run a marathon.
4. They can fix the computer quickly.
5. Can we start the meeting now?
6. He can play guitar beautifully.
7. Birds can fly long distances.
8. Can I borrow your book?
9. You can visit anytime.
10. Dogs can hear high pitches.
11. She can solve math problems fast.
12. Can they join us for dinner?
13. I can cook Italian food.
14. Children can learn quickly.
15. Can you drive a manual car?
16. We can finish by noon.
17. He can lift heavy weights.
18. Plants can grow without soil.
19. Can I use your phone?
20. Experts can predict trends.
21. You can trust her advice.
22. Elephants can remember faces.
23. Can we reschedule the call?
24. I can help with homework.
25. Teams can win with strategy.

25 Examples with “Could” (Past/Polite)

26. I could swim when I was five.
27. Could you open the window?
28. She could dance professionally.
29. We could travel last summer.
30. Could I have some water?
31. He could read at age three.
32. They could win the game.
33. Could you repeat that?
34. I could hear the music clearly.
35. You could try harder.
36. She could paint portraits.
37. Could we meet tomorrow?
38. He could fix bikes easily.
39. We could see the stars.
40. Could I call you later?
41. Children could play outside.
42. It could happen anytime.
43. Could you lend me a pen?
44. She could speak French.
45. We could visit Paris.
46. You could improve your score.
47. He could run fast once.
48. Could they attend the event?
49. I could finish early.
50. Teams could compete well.

25 Examples with “May” (Permission/Possibility)

51. May I enter the room?
52. It may rain this afternoon.
53. You may leave now.
54. May we use the kitchen?
55. She may arrive late.
56. He may win the prize.
57. May I ask a question?
58. Prices may increase soon.
59. They may cancel the show.
60. May you succeed always.
61. I may join the club.
62. It may work out.
63. May I sit here?
64. We may travel soon.
65. She may call back.
66. He may need help.
67. May the best team win.
68. Events may change.
69. You may proceed.
70. It may snow tonight.
71. May I offer advice?
72. They may agree.
73. I may forget.
74. She may improve.
75. We may celebrate.

25 Examples with “Might” (Weak Possibility)

76. It might snow tomorrow.
77. She might come to the party.
78. He might fail the test.
79. We might go hiking.
80. You might like this book.
81. It might break easily.
82. They might win.
83. I might try sushi.
84. She might quit her job.
85. He might call soon.
86. Prices might rise.
87. We might lose.
88. You might understand later.
89. It might hurt.
90. They might arrive early.
91. I might sleep late.
92. She might agree.
93. He might change his mind.
94. We might cancel.
95. You might regret it.
96. It might improve.
97. They might help.
98. I might win.
99. She might learn.
100. He might succeed.

Important Tips for Modal Verbs Can, Could, May, Might (Exam-Focused)

These tips help students and competitive exam candidates (SSC, banking, IELTS):

• Negative Forms: Add “not” – cannot/can’t, could not/couldn’t, may not, might not.
• No “to” Infinitive: Use “can go” (not “can to go”).
• Past Tense: Could/might for past; can/may don’t backshift directly.
• Politeness Scale: Might < Could < Can < May (most formal).
• Common Exam Traps: Distinguish “can” (general ability) vs. “could” (specific past); “may/might” for probability (may=50%, might=30%).
• Practice Hack: Rewrite sentences swapping modals, e.g., “I can go” → “I might go.”

FAQs on Modal Verbs Can, Could, May, Might

1. What’s the difference between “may” and “might”?

“May” suggests higher possibility or formal permission (e.g., “It may rain”). “Might” indicates lower certainty (e.g., “It might rain”). Users often search this for probability rules.

2. Can “could” replace “can” in polite requests?

Yes, “could” is politer (e.g., “Can you help?” vs. “Could you help?”). Common query for business English or exams.

3. How do modal verbs can, could, may, might work in questions?

Invert subject-verb: “Can she sing?” “Might it rain?” No “do/does” needed—key for grammar tests.

Conclusion

Mastering modal verbs can, could, may, might elevates your English from basic to fluent. With 100 examples, exam tips, and FAQs, you’re set for success in competitive exams or conversations. Practice daily to internalize them!

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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Examples are simplified; consult official syllabi for exams.

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