Modal Verbs (Can, Must, Should) — 2ème Année Moyenne — Programme Algérien

Lesson: Modal Verbs (Can, Must, Should)

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express ability, necessity, permission, or advice.

1. Can (Ability and Permission)

Ability: Used to express what someone is able to do.

• I can swim very well.
• She can speak three languages.
• Can you play the guitar?

Permission: Used to ask for or give permission.

• Can I open the window?
• You can go now.

Negative: cannot (can’t)

• I cannot (can’t) drive a car.

2. Must (Obligation/Necessity)

Used to express strong obligation or necessity.

• You must wear a seatbelt.
• Students must do their homework.

Negative: must not (mustn’t) – prohibition

• You must not (mustn’t) smoke here.

3. Should (Advice/Recommendation)

Used to give advice or make recommendations.

• You should see a doctor.
• He should study harder.
• Should I call her?

Negative: should not (shouldn’t)

• You should not (shouldn’t) eat too much sugar.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with can, can’t, must, mustn’t, should, or shouldn’t.

1. You …… brush your teeth before bed. (advice)
2. I …… speak Arabic fluently. (ability)
3. You …… cross the street when the light is red. (prohibition)
4. You …… finish your homework before playing. (obligation)

For more lessons: Lesson on Present Simple and Lesson on Conditionals.

📍 دروس مشابهة:

• English — Grammar: Present Continuous Tense (affirmative, negative, questions) — 1st Year Middle School — Algerian Curriculum
• English — Writing a Short Story — 3rd Year Middle School — Algerian Curriculum
• English – Conditional Sentences: Type 1, 2, 3 and Mixed Conditionals – BAC