English — Modal Verbs: Can, Could, Should, Must with Examples — 3rd Year Middle School — Algerian Curriculum

Modal Verbs: Can, Could, Should, Must with Examples

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express ability, permission, obligation, advice, and possibility. Can: ability (I can swim), permission (Can I go out?), possibility (It can be cold in winter). Could: past ability (I could run fast when I was young), polite request (Could you help me?), possibility (It could rain). Should: advice (You should see a doctor), expectation (He should arrive soon). Must: strong obligation (You must wear a seatbelt), deduction (She must be tired). Must not/Mustn’t: prohibition (You must not smoke here). Have to: external obligation (I have to finish my homework). Don’t have to: lack of obligation (You don’t have to come if you don’t want to). Structure: Subject + modal + base verb (without to). He can swim (NOT He can to swim). Negatives: cannot/can’t, could not/couldn’t, should not/shouldn’t, must not/mustn’t. Questions: Can you help me? Should I go? Must we leave now? Examples: You should study hard for the exam. He can speak three languages. They must arrive on time.