Modal Verbs: Can, Must, Should, May – BAC Literary Stream

Modal Verbs: Can, Must, Should, May – BAC Literary Stream

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They are essential for the BAC exam.

1. Can / Could

Can: Expresses ability (present) or permission.

Examples: I can swim. / Can I borrow your book?

Could: Expresses ability (past), polite requests, or possibility.

Examples: I could swim when I was five. / Could you help me? / It could rain later.

2. Must / Have to

Must: Expresses strong necessity/obligation (from the speakers perspective).

Example: You must wear a seatbelt. (the law requires it)

Have to: Expresses external obligation.

Example: I have to finish my homework. (the teacher requires it)

Mustnt: Prohibition (not allowed). Example: You mustnt smoke here.

Dont have to: No necessity (optional). Example: You dont have to come if you dont want to.

3. Should / Ought to

Express advice, recommendation, or moral obligation.

Examples: You should study harder. / You ought to see a doctor.

4. May / Might

May: Expresses permission or possibility (more formal).

Examples: May I come in? / It may rain today.

Might: Expresses less certain possibility.

Example: It might rain later. (less certain than may)

5. BAC Examples

Example 1 (BAC 2022): Choose: You ____ (must/should) respect the rules. (must)

Example 2 (BAC 2021): Complete: You ____ (not) park here. Its forbidden. (mustnt)

Example 3 (BAC 2020): Rewrite using should: I advise you to see a doctor. Answer: You should see a doctor.

For more English lessons, check English Grammar and BAC Preparation.

📍 دروس مشابهة

• Conditional Sentences (If-Clauses): Types 0, 1, 2, 3 with BAC Exercises — English — Second Year Secondary — Algerian Curriculum
• English — Modal Verbs — Ability, Obligation — 3rd Year
• English – Expressing Purpose and Result – 3rd Year Literary Stream