Modal Verbs: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Should
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express ability, permission, obligation, possibility, and advice. They are essential for effective communication in English. This lesson is for 2nd Year Secondary (Literary Stream) students following the Algerian Curriculum.
List of Main Modal Verbs
| Modal | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability, Permission | I can swim. Can I go out? |
| Could | Past ability, Polite request | I could run fast. Could you help me? |
| May | Permission, Possibility | May I come in? It may rain. |
| Might | Less certain possibility | I might visit you tomorrow. |
| Must | Obligation, Strong necessity | You must wear a seatbelt. |
| Should | Advice, Recommendation | You should study more. |
Key Rules
- Modal verbs do not change form (no -s for third person).
- They are followed by the base form of the verb.
- To form questions, invert the modal with the subject.
- To form negatives, add not after the modal.
Examples
She can speak three languages. May I borrow your pen? You must finish your homework. We should respect our parents. It might snow tonight.
Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the correct modal.
- You (must/should) stop at the red light. It is a rule.
- (Can/May) I open the window, please?
- When I was young, I (can/could) climb trees very well.
- You look tired. You (must/should) go to bed early.
Exercise 2: Rewrite using a modal verb.
- It is necessary for you to study for the exam.
- It is possible that she arrives late today.
- I am able to speak three languages fluently.
Answer Key
Exercise 1: 1. must, 2. Can/May, 3. could, 4. should
Exercise 2: 1. You must study for the exam. 2. She may arrive late today. 3. I can speak three languages.
Review Future Tenses and Past Simple for more grammar practice.
مدونة التربية و التعليم في الجزائر – دروس، فروض، نتائج امتحانات مدونة التربية والتعليم في الجزائر | تحضير الدروس، فروض واختبارات، نتائج البكالوريا وBEM، مسابقات التوظيف، والتوجيه المدرسي للطلاب وأولياء الأمور.