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Modal Verbs: Can, Could, Should, Must — B1 Grammar

July 20, 2026 · Sourov · 2 min read

function checkA(el,c,exp,q){
document.querySelectorAll(‘input[name=”q’+q+'”]’).forEach(function(r){r.disabled=true;});
var fb=document.getElementById(‘fb’+q);fb.style.display=’block’;
if(parseInt(el.value)===c){fb.style.background=’#c6f6d5′;fb.style.color=’#276749′;fb.innerHTML=’✓ Correct! ‘+exp;}
else{fb.style.background=’#fed7d7′;fb.style.color=’#9b2c2c’;fb.innerHTML=’✗ ‘+exp;}
}
function checkF(id,ans){
var v=document.getElementById(‘fi’+id).value.trim().toLowerCase();
var fb=document.getElementById(‘ff’+id);fb.style.display=’block’;
if(v===ans.toLowerCase()||v.replace(/s+/g,’ ‘)===ans.toLowerCase()){
fb.style.background=’#c6f6d5′;fb.style.color=’#276749’;fb.innerHTML=’✓ Correct: ‘+ans+’‘;}
else{fb.style.background=’#fed7d7′;fb.style.color=’#9b2c2c’;fb.innerHTML=’✗ Answer: ‘+ans+’‘;}
}

B1  ⏱ 5 min

🎯 Modal Verbs: Can, Could, Should, Must

Working at the Star Casino, I had to master the language of obligation and permission fast.

📖 Modal Verbs at a Glance

Modal Use Example
can ability / permission Can I take your order?
could polite request Could you repeat that?
should advice You should try the house wine.
must obligation Guests must present ID.
mustn't prohibition You mustn't enter without a pass.
don't have to no obligation You don't have to tip.

‘You ___ smoke in the dining area.’ (rule/prohibition)

More formal polite request: ‘___ I see the wine list?’

‘You ___ wash your hands before service.’ (strong obligation)

Guests ____________ enter the kitchen. (prohibition)

You ____________ come early — it is optional.

💬 Real-Life Practice

Write 3 rules for your home, school, or workplace using modal verbs. Example: You must remove your shoes at the door.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.

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