• IELTS
Enhancing Language Proficiency: Mastering Modal Verbs for IELTS
2568 Reads
3 min Read
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency test and is one of the most popular exams accepted by most colleges worldwide. Although there is no dedicated section mainly to test grammar, good scores still depend on the candidates’ knowledge of the fundamentals of grammar. Read the blog to understand the significance of understanding modal verbs for the IELTS exam.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests the candidates' language abilities, so grammar plays a pivotal role. It is essential that the candidate appearing for the test must have a firm grasp of grammar and also understands the impact of modal verbs for IELTS.
Rules of Modal Verbs
Most Common modal verbs for IELTS
Modal Verb | Uses | Examples |
Will | Future Possibility | I will study hard for exams to improve my scores |
Would | Used for unreal situations | If i had more time, I would have travelled the whole world |
May | Permission Possibility | May i begin It may rain tommorow, so don't forget to carry an umbrella |
Might | Possibility | I might move to another city in the future |
Should | Advice | People should fight for their rights |
Must | Obligation | We must listen to expert advice |
Can | Ability Permission Possibility | I can't work today Can we work from home today? Smoking can cause health-related issues |
Could | Polite request | Could you explain that again, Please? |
Also read: IELTS Exam Pattern
Semi Modal Verbs
Semi-Modal Verbs | Explanation |
To be able to | Allows other tenses for modals can and could when talking about the ability. |
Have to/ Have got to | Obligations and necessity from someone else’s point of view |
Ought to | Similar in meaning to should. Native speakers use one or the other, to avoid repetition. |
Had better | Alternate to must and have to but it usually considered much stronger, a threat. Used to present, past or furture without change |
Used to | Overcomes the limitations that would can only be used for actions |
Dare | It is often used in a negative sentence. Dare is used as a main verb and a modal. It follows modal rules when used as a modal |
Need | Need can be used as a main or modal verb and usually follows main verb rules. It is considered a little old-fashioned and formal as a modal so isn’t commonly used. |
Modal Verbs Hedging
Modal Verbs for IELTS in Reading and Listening sections
It empowers individuals to effectively articulate their ideas, express varying degrees of certainty or possibility, and adeptly respond to questions involving modal verbs. They are instrumental in enhancing performance in the IELTS exam, as they allow for sophisticated expression of ideas and effective communication. By understanding the subtleties of modal verbs, candidates can convey their thoughts with precision, navigate varying degrees of certainty, and confidently tackle questions involving these verbs.
Also read: Tenses for IELTS achieve high score in grammar
FAQ
Get great articles direct to your inbox
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.
Popular Universities to Study Abroad
World class education waiting for you.


Red River College Polytechnic - The Roblin Centre
Manitoba, Canada • 11 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 13000-21500 / year

Mississippi State University - Starkville Main Campus
Mississippi, USA • 293 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 27000-28000 / year

SRH Universities - Hamm Campus
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany • 7 Programmes
Tuition Fee : EUR 9000-9000 / year

University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) - Prince George Campus
British Columbia, Canada • 105 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 25000-27000 / year


Northern College - Timmins Campus
Ontario, Canada • 37 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 15500-27500 / year

New York Film Academy - Los Angeles Campus
California, USA • 24 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 13300-15500 / year
Popular English Language Proficiency Exams
IELTS Online
- Live Classes
Blogs and Articles
Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.
Highest Paying Jobs in the World
Updated on • Jul 08,2025 01:40 PM IST • Study Abroad
MBA in Australia for Indian Students: Best Universities, Requirements, Scholarship, Courses, Jobs
Updated on • Jul 08,2025 01:35 PM IST • Australia
Updated on • Jul 08,2025 01:34 PM IST • Education
Canada vs Australia: Which Country is Better for Indian Students in 2025?
Updated on • Jul 07,2025 12:46 PM IST • Education
France vs Germany: Which Is Better for International Students?
Updated on • Jun 30,2025 05:15 PM IST • Education
Top 10 Agricultural Universities in USA
Updated on • Jun 27,2025 05:25 PM IST • USA
Most In-Demand Future Careers in 2025
Updated on • Jun 26,2025 04:41 PM IST • Education
How Much Do Nurses Make in the U.S.?
Updated on • Jun 23,2025 03:59 PM IST • USA
Updated on • Jun 21,2025 02:00 PM IST • USA
MBA in UK: Universities, Eligibility, Types, and Career Opportunities
Updated on • Jun 19,2025 04:09 PM IST • UK • study in the UK
Scholarships in France for Indian Students
Updated on • May 29,2025 05:22 PM IST • France
Intakes in Dubai for Indian Students
Updated on • May 27,2025 03:34 PM IST • Study in Dubai
France Student Visa 2025 – Requirements, Fees, Checklist & Application Process
Updated on • May 23,2025 03:36 PM IST • France
MBA in France for Indian Students in 2025
Updated on • May 22,2025 05:35 PM IST • France
PTE Accepted Universities in Australia
Updated on • May 22,2025 05:31 PM IST • PTE
PTE Accepting Universities In USA
Updated on • May 22,2025 05:24 PM IST • USA
MBBS in UK: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility and Scholarships
Updated on • May 22,2025 05:13 PM IST • UK
MBBS in Australia: Top Universities, Syllabus, Cost of Study, Eligibility, Scholarships & Jobs
Updated on • May 22,2025 04:53 PM IST • Australia
Updated on • May 22,2025 04:36 PM IST • Study in Germany
Updated on • May 22,2025 04:20 PM IST • USA
Related Blogs and Articles
A little effort to provide an authentic and reliable content for keen readers!!
Updated on • 11-04-2025 • IELTS
Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic
Updated on • 07-04-2025 • IELTS
PTE vs IELTS : Know the Difference and Which is Easier?
Updated on • 21-03-2025 • IELTS
IELTS Exam Dates 2025 in India
Updated on • 18-01-2025 • IELTS
IELTS Reading Practice Tests 2025: Reading Passage and Sample Questions
Updated on • 15-01-2025 • IELTS
IELTS Letter Writing Topics 2025
Updated on • 15-01-2025 • IELTS
Canada IELTS band requirements 2025
Updated on • 10-01-2025 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-11-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 21-11-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 02-11-2024 • IELTS
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Word List & Tips
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Test Report Form (TRF): Number, Tracking, Validity and Sample
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1 Practice
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS GT Writing Task 1/ IELTS Letter Writing
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS