A2 English GrammarModal Verbs
Express ability, permission, obligation, and possibility with can, could, must, should, may, might, and would. Essential for polite English.
1Can and Could (Ability & Permission)
'Can' expresses present ability and asks for/gives permission. 'Could' is the past of 'can' for ability, and is more polite for requests. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb (no 'to').
Can and Could
| Modal | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | present ability | I can swim. |
| can | permission (informal) | Can I use your phone? |
| could | past ability | I could run fast when I was young. |
| could | polite request | Could you help me? |
Examples
She can speak three languages.
She can speak three languages.
ability
Can I sit here?
Can I sit here?
permission
I couldn't sleep last night.
I couldn't sleep last night.
past inability
Could you open the window?
Could you open the window?
polite request
2Must, Have to, Should (Obligation & Advice)
'Must' expresses strong obligation or necessity (internal). 'Have to' expresses external obligation. 'Should' gives advice or recommendations. 'Must' has no past - use 'had to'.
Obligation Modals
| Modal | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| must | strong necessity | I must finish this today. |
| have to | external obligation | I have to wear a uniform. |
| should | advice/recommendation | You should see a doctor. |
| shouldn't | advice against | You shouldn't eat too much sugar. |
Examples
You must wear a seatbelt.
You must wear a seatbelt.
law/strong rule
I have to work tomorrow.
I have to work tomorrow.
external obligation
You should try the pasta here.
You should try the pasta here.
recommendation
She had to leave early yesterday.
She had to leave early yesterday.
past obligation (had to)
3May and Might (Possibility)
'May' and 'might' express possibility. 'Might' suggests lower probability than 'may'. 'May' is also formal for permission. Both are followed by base verb.
May and Might
| Modal | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| may | possibility (50%) | It may rain later. |
| may | formal permission | May I come in? |
| might | lower possibility (30%) | I might go to the party. |
Examples
She may be at home.
She may be at home.
possible
May I ask a question?
May I ask a question?
formal permission
It might snow tonight.
It might snow tonight.
less certain possibility
I might not come tomorrow.
I might not come tomorrow.
negative possibility
4Would (Requests & Conditionals)
'Would' is used for polite requests, offers, and in conditional sentences. 'Would like' is a polite way to say 'want'. 'Would' is followed by base verb.
Would
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Polite request | Would you help me? |
| Polite offer | Would you like some tea? |
| Conditional | I would go if I had time. |
| Past habit | We would visit grandma every summer. |
Examples
Would you please close the door?
Would you please close the door?
very polite request
I would like a coffee, please.
I would like a coffee, please.
polite 'want'
I would help you if I could.
I would help you if I could.
conditional
Would you like to dance?
Would you like to dance?
polite invitation