Modal Verbs: Can, Could, Should, Must — The Complete Guide
July 26, 2026 · Sourov · 1 min read
🎯 A2–B1
⏱️ 5 min
💬 From the classroom: A student once wrote “You must to go now.” The to after modal verbs is one of the most common errors at A2–B1. You can fix it in one rule.
Modal Verbs — The Golden Rule
Modal verb + base infinitive (NO “to”) → You must go. / She can swim.
| Modal | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | ability / permission | She can speak four languages. |
| could | past ability / polite request | Could you help me, please? |
| should | advice | You should sleep more. |
| must | strong obligation (internal) | I must call her today. |
| have to | obligation (external rule) | You have to wear a mask here. |
| might / may | possibility | It might rain later. |
🎯 Quick Practice — Fix the Mistake or Choose the Right Modal
- You must
to___ finish before 5pm. - She ___ (ability) play the piano when she was 5.
- “I have a headache.” “You ___ take a painkiller.”
- I’m not sure — it ___ be true or it ___ not.
Reveal Answers ▼
- must finish
- could
- should
- might / might not
✅ Takeaway: Modal + base verb. No “to” after can/could/should/must/might. “Have to” is the exception — but it is not a true modal.
Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.
Leave a Reply