modal verbs

Do you know when and how to use may? And what about might? Try the latest exercise in our Basics series —  you might know more than you think!

To say something is a good thing to do, or the right thing to do, you can use ought to. Find out how to use this phrase correctly, then test yourself, in our latest Basics exercise.

When should you use should and when shouldn't you use should? Find out in the latest exercise in our Basics series.

"Shall" is a modal auxiliary verb. It is used with "I" or "we" to talk about the future.
– I shall be very sad here without you.
– We shall bring you back something nice from Paris.
Find out more about the modal verb "shall".

Would is the past form of will. It's a modal auxiliary verb: "It would be lovely to have a bit more time."

Can and could are modal verbs and are both used to talk about ability: "I could walk for miles when I was younger, but I can't these days."