Modal verb + continuous form
Definition
A modal continuous form uses modal + be + verb-ing to present an action or situation as ongoing, temporary or developing while also expressing possibility, prediction, deduction, willingness or another modal meaning.
subject + modal + be + verb-ing
Examples
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She may be working from home.
The speaker considers an ongoing present situation possible.
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They will be travelling all day.
The action is presented as in progress during a future period.
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He must be joking.
The speaker makes a strong deduction about an ongoing action.
Modal simple vs. modal continuous
Mina may work from home.
This can refer to a general possibility, permission or future action.
Mina may be working from home.
This presents the work as possibly in progress.
The continuous form focuses on an action or situation viewed from inside its duration.
Perfect and continuous meanings can combine
For an ongoing situation before a reference point, English can use modal + have been + verb-ing.
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She may have been waiting for hours.
The speaker considers a past ongoing situation possible.
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They must have been working overnight.
The speaker makes a strong deduction about an earlier ongoing activity.
Common mistakes
She may working from home.
She may be working from home.
The modal continuous requires be before the -ing form.
They must be work overnight.
They must be working overnight.
After modal + be, use the -ing form.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a modal continuous form?
The pattern is modal + be + verb-ing.Which sentence expresses a strong deduction about an ongoing action?
Must be waiting expresses a deduction about an action in progress.Which perfect continuous modal form is correct?
The complete pattern is modal + have been + verb-ing.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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