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Intermediate

Modal Verbs

Can could must should may might

Modals do not add -s in third person

He can not He cans — the verb stays the same.

📊 Modal verbs and meanings
Modal Main use Example
can ability I can drive
could past ability / polite request Could you help?
must strong obligation You must stop
should advice You should rest
may/might possibility It might rain
💬 Examples
She can swim.
can stays the same for she — no s added
📝 can — no -s
He must leave now.
must stays the same for he — no s added
📝 must — no -s
Modal + base verb — no 'to' needed

After a modal the next verb is always in base form.

💬 Examples
You should go. ✓ / You should to go. ✗
never use to directly after a modal
📝 no 'to' after should
He can play guitar.
modal + base form — no to needed
📝 can + base verb
Use 'could' and 'might' for weaker possibility

They express less certainty than 'can' and 'may'.

💬 Examples
It might snow tonight.
possible but not certain
📝 might = weak possibility
Could you open the window?
polite request — softer than can
📝 could = polite request