Modal Verbs Lesson: Can, Must, Should, May Explained.

---

Modal Verbs – English Lesson

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are special verbs used to show:

• ability

• possibility

• permission

• obligation

• advice

They are always used before the main verb.

---

Common Modal Verbs

Modal Verb	Use
can	ability, permission
could	past ability, polite request
may	permission, possibility
might	weak possibility
must	strong obligation
have to	obligation
should	advice
will	future, decision
would	polite request, imaginary situation

---

How to Use Modal Verbs

Structure:

Subject + Modal Verb + Base Verb

✅ I can speak English.
❌ I can to speak English.

---

Examples and Uses

1. Can / Could

• Ability:

  • I can drive a car.

  • I could swim when I was young.

• Permission:

  • Can I use your phone?

---

2. May / Might

• Possibility:

  • It may rain today.

  • She might come later.

• Permission (formal):

  • May I come in?

---

3. Must / Have to

• Obligation:

  • You must wear a seatbelt.

  • I have to study for the exam.

---

4. Should

• Advice:

  • You should drink more water.

  • He should sleep early.

---

5. Will / Would

• Future:

  • I will call you tomorrow.

• Polite request:

  • Would you help me, please?

---

Important Notes

• Modal verbs do not change with the subject

  • ❌ He cans

  • ✅ He can

• No “to” after modal verbs

  • ❌ must to go

  • ✅ must go

---

Practice

Fill in the blanks:

1. I ___ speak English very well.

2. You ___ study harder.

3. ___ I open the window?

(Answers: can / should / May)

---

😊

Edit This Article