CEFR A2Recommended grades: 6–8

Modal Verbs

01 · Quick explanation

Modal verbs add meaning to the main verb: ability, permission, obligation, advice or possibility.

02 · Full explanation

Can = ability or permission (I can swim; Can I go?). Could = past ability or a polite request. Must = strong obligation or rule (You must wear a seatbelt); mustn't = it is not allowed. Have to = obligation from outside; don't have to = it is not necessary. Should = advice (You should rest). May / might = possibility (It may rain); may is also formal permission. Modals do not change for he / she / it, are followed by the base verb without to, and form negatives and questions without do (She can't come. Can you help?).

Ability: can / couldPermission: can / mayObligation: must / have toAdvice: shouldPossibility: may / might

03 · Formula

+Subject + modal + V

−Subject + modal + not + V (can't, mustn't, shouldn't)

?Modal + subject + V?

04 · Affirmative

+ Subject + modal + V

She can play the dombra.
You should drink more water.

05 · Negative

− Subject + modal + not + V (can't, mustn't, shouldn't)

You mustn't use phones in class.
I can't swim.

06 · Question

? Modal + subject + V?

Can I open the window?
Should we call him?

07 · Examples

ENMy little brother can read.
KZІнім оқи алады.
RUМой младший брат умеет читать.
ENYou must stop at a red light.
KZҚызыл шамда тоқтау керек.
RUНа красный свет нужно остановиться.
ENYou should see a doctor.
KZДәрігерге көрінгенің жөн.
RUТебе стоит сходить к врачу.
ENIt might snow tonight.
KZБүгін түнде қар жаууы мүмкін.
RUСегодня ночью, возможно, пойдёт снег.
ENYou don't have to come early.
KZЕрте келудің қажеті жоқ.
RUТебе не обязательно приходить рано.
ENCan I borrow your pen?
KZҚаламыңды алып тұруыма бола ма?
RUМожно взять твою ручку?
ENPupils must not run in the corridor.
KZОқушыларға дәлізде жүгіруге болмайды.
RUУченикам нельзя бегать в коридоре.
ENI have to get up early on weekdays.
KZЖұмыс күндері ерте тұруым керек.
RUПо будням мне приходится рано вставать.
ENCould you speak more slowly, please?
KZБаяуырақ сөйлей аласыз ба?
RUНе могли бы вы говорить помедленнее?
ENWe shouldn't eat too much sugar.
KZҚантты тым көп жемеуіміз керек.
RUНам не стоит есть слишком много сахара.

08 · Signal words

abilitypermissionruleadvicepossibilitynecessity

09 · Common mistakes

✗ She cans swim.
✓ She can swim.
Modals never take -s.
✗ You must to go.
✓ You must go.
No to after must, can, should.
✗ Do you can help me?
✓ Can you help me?
Modal questions do not use do.

10 · Compare with similar grammar

mustn't vs don't have to

Mustn't = it is forbidden. Don't have to = it is not necessary, but you can if you want.

You mustn't smoke here.

You don't have to wear a uniform on Saturday.

You should study (advice).

You must study (strong obligation).

11 · Interactive exercises

Answer each task and press Check. Type answers in English.

0 / 10 · 0 checked

1. Choose the correct answer:
Birds ___ fly.
2. Choose the correct answer:
You look tired. You ___ go to bed early.
3. Choose the correct answer:
You ___ use your phone during the exam. It's forbidden.
4. Choose the correct answer:
Tomorrow is Sunday, so I ___ get up early.
5. Fill in the gap:
When I was five, I ___ swim. (past ability)
6. Fill in the gap:
Take an umbrella. It ___ rain later. (possibility; one word)
7. Fill in the gap:
She ___ (can / not) speak Chinese.
8. Choose the correct answer:
___ I come in?
9. Correct the sentence:
He musts wear a uniform.
10. Correct the sentence:
You should to read more.

12 · Mini test

Question 1 / 5

Which sentence is correct?

13 · Practice

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