English — Grammar: Modal Verbs — Can, Must, Should, May, Might — 2nd Year Secondary — Literary Stream — Algerian Curriculum

Modal Verbs: Can, Must, Should, May, Might

1. Form

Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the main verb (no -s, no to, no -ing).

• Subject + modal + base verb : I can swim, He must go
• Negative : Subject + modal + not : I cannot swim, He must not go
• Question : Modal + subject + base verb? : Can you swim?

2. Meanings and Uses

Can / Could

• Ability : I can speak three languages.
• Permission : Can I open the window?
• Possibility : It can get very cold here in winter.
• Could : Past ability (I could swim at age 5) or polite request (Could you help me?)

Must

• Strong obligation : You must wear a seatbelt.
• Strong recommendation : You must see this film! It’s amazing.
• Must not = prohibition : You must not smoke in the hospital.

Should

• Advice / recommendation : You should study more if you want to pass.
• Moral obligation : We should help those in need.

May / Might

• Possibility : It may rain later. / It might rain (less certain).
• Permission (formal) : May I come in, please?

3. Exercises

Exercise : Fill in the blanks with can, must, should, may, might.

1. You _______ respect your parents. (obligation)
2. _______ I borrow your pen? (permission)
3. I _______ eat less sugar. (advice)
4. She _______ come to the party, but she is not sure. (weak possibility)
5. When I was young, I _______ run very fast. (past ability)

Answer Key

1. must · 2. Can/May · 3. should · 4. might/may · 5. could

See also Conditionals and Passive Voice.

📍 دروس مشابهة:

• English — Reading: A Letter to a Pen Friend — 2nd Year Middle School — Algerian Curriculum
• اللغة الإنجليزية – Direct and Indirect Speech: Rules and Transformations – 2nd Year Secondary (Literary Stream) – BAC – Algerian Curriculum
• English — Grammar: Modal Verbs (can, must, should, may, might) — 2nd Year Middle School — Algerian Curriculum