Modal and Other Verbs

used as the past tense of ‘can’

When I was younger, I could run faster.

used to show the possibility of something happening or being the case

It may rain later this afternoon, so don't forget your umbrella.

used to show that something is very important and needs to happen

Students must submit their applications before the deadline.

used for forming future tenses

I will finish my homework before dinner.

to be able to do somehing, make something, etc.

With his carpentry skills, he can craft intricate wooden furniture.

used to show the possibility of something happening or being the case

It may rain later this afternoon, so don't forget your umbrella.

used for forming future tenses

I will finish my homework before dinner.

used to ask advice, questions, or making suggestions using the pronoun I or we

Shall we go to the movies tonight?

used to say that something happened frequently or constantly in the past but not anymore

I used to play soccer every weekend when I was younger.

to have a particular meaning or represent something

His silence meant that he was not interested in the conversation.

to keep something bad under control in order to prevent deterioration or to slow down its spread or development

He wrapped a bandage tightly around his sprained ankle to check the swelling.

to hold someone or something and take them from one place to another

She used a backpack to carry her books to school.

to have or continue to have something

Do you need this document back, or can I keep it for my records?

to not leave until a person or thing is ready or present or something happens

We're patiently waiting for the rain to stop.

to examine or look for the differences between of two or more objects

She literally took an hour comparing prices before making a purchase.

to make a person or thing better

Regular exercise can improve your overall health.

to make an effort or attempt to do or have something

He tried to lift the heavy box but it was too heavy.

to want or choose one person or thing instead of another because of liking them more

She prefers the blue dress for the party because it's her favorite color.

to complete an action more than one time

The teacher regularly repeats important concepts to ensure understanding.

to move or travel behind someone or something

The team followed their leader up the mountain.

to let someone or something do a particular thing

She allowed her children to play in the park.

to move or do something very quickly, particularly because of a lack of time

Realizing he was late for the meeting, John hurried to the conference room.

to make a person or thing different

Online shopping has changed the way people shop for goods and services.

to bring something to an end by making it whole

She completes her assignments before the deadline.

to choose someone or something out of a group of people or things

She carefully picked a ripe apple from the tree.

to let or make something fall to the ground

Supplies are being dropped for the refugees.

to make something smaller in amount, degree, price, etc.

The company decided to reduce the prices of its products to attract more customers.

to not stop something, such as a task or activity, and keep doing it

They will continue practicing the piano to improve their skills.

to remain in a particular place

The weather is too unpredictable, so it's better to stay indoors.

the most important thing that is said or done which highlights the purpose of something

The professor made a crucial point about the importance of environmental conservation.

to come or go into a place

She enters the room with a smile on her face.

to say or show one's unwillingness to do something that someone has asked

The student had to refuse the invitation to join the extracurricular club due to time constraints.

to go or come back to a person or place

After a long vacation, it's time to return home.

used to indicate an obligation or to emphasize the necessity of something happening

I have to finish this report by the end of the day.

to separate something into more pieces, often in a sudden way

Be careful not to break the glass when you wash the dishes.

to look after or manage someone or something, ensuring their needs are met

My neighbor has agreed to take care of my dog while I'm on vacation.

to become less desirable, easy, or tolerable

His health condition began to worsen after he stopped taking his medication.