Modals

Modals are short helper verbs used with a main verb to show ability, permission, requests, offers, necessity, or possibility. They are followed by the base form of the verb, for example: can + swim, must + go.

Simple list of common modals and when to use them

• Can: ability or permission (informal)

  Ability: I can swim.
  Permission: Can I go outside?

• Could: polite request (beginner level)

  Could you help me, please?

• May: very polite permission (often in formal situations)

  May I come in?

• Must: strong necessity or rule.

  You must wear a helmet.

• Have to: need to (external obligation; used like a modal)

  I have to do my homework.

• Should: advice or recommendation

  You should drink water.

• Will: future actions or offers

  I will help you.
  It will rain.

• Would: polite offer or request

  Would you like some tea?

Easy rules to remember

• After a modal use the base verb: can + play, must + study.
• No -s with modals: He can, not he cans.
• Negatives: add not after the modal — cannot (can’t), should not (shouldn’t), will not (won’t).
• Questions: put the modal before the subject — Can you come? Should I call?

Short examples by function

• Ability:

  She can read.
  I could run fast when I was young.

• Permission:

  You can use my pen.
  May I sit here?

• Requests:

  Can you open the door?
  Could you pass the salt?

• Offers:

  I will carry your bag.
  Would you like some cake?

• Advice:

  You should study.
  You ought to rest (introduce “ought to” gently).

• Necessity:

  I must go now.
  I have to leave at five.

How to talk about the past (simple beginner forms)

• Use “could” for past ability: When I was five, I could climb trees.
• Use “had to” for past necessity:
  I had to finish my homework yesterday.
• Past-status question:
  Were you able to do it?

Negative and short answers

• Negative:

  I can’t swim. / You mustn’t touch that.

• Short answers:

  Can you swim? — Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.
  Will you help? — Yes, I will. / No, I won’t.

Mini practice (write answers)

Questions

1. (ability) ___ you speak English?
2. (permission) ___ I use your phone?
3. (advice) You ___ eat vegetables.
4. (necessity past) I ___ leave early yesterday.

Answers:

1. Can you speak English?
2. May/Can I use your phone?
3. You should eat vegetables.
4. I had to leave early yesterday.

Helpful tips

• Use can/could for everyday ability and polite requests.
• Use must or have to for rules and strong needs.
• Use should for friendly advice—not a strong order.
• Use will/would for simple future and polite offers.