How to Use English Modals: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Should

Description: English modal verbs express ability, possibility, obligation, and advice. Learn how to use can, could, may, might, must, and should correctly.

Introduction

Modal verbs are special: they don’t change form (no -s, -ed, -ing). They add meaning about ability, permission, obligation, or possibility. Let’s learn the most common ones.

Can / Could

• Can: present ability or permission. I can swim. Can I borrow this?
• Could: past ability or polite request. When I was 10, I could run fast. Could you help me?

May / Might

• May: formal permission or possibility. You may leave now. It may rain.
• Might: weaker possibility. We might go out later.

Must

• Strong obligation or logical conclusion.
  You must wear a seatbelt.
  He’s late. He must be stuck in traffic.

Should

• Advice or mild obligation.
  You should eat more vegetables.
  Students should submit homework on time.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ He cans swim. → ✔ He can swim.
• ❌ I must to go now. → ✔ I must go now.
• ❌ She shoulds study. → ✔ She should study.

Practice Plan

• Day 1: Write 5 can/could sentences.
• Day 2: Write 5 may/might sentences.
• Day 3: Write 5 must/should sentences.
• Day 4: Do a roleplay (asking permission, giving advice).
• Day 5: Mix all modals in a dialogue.

Conclusion

Modals are simple if you keep forms correct: no -s, no infinitive “to.” Learn their meanings and practice in daily speech.

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