Modal verbs – CAN, MUST, MAY and others! Test for the use of modal verbs can, must, may, have to Test modal verbs may must.

Why are modal verbs needed in English? Which modal verbs are worth remembering and which are not? How to construct phrases with modal verbs correctly? You will find answers and many examples of English sentences with modal verbs in this article.

What is a modal verb?

Modal verbs are unusual in that they are never used by themselves. A modal verb is always used in pairs with another semantic verb. It is the semantic verb that shows what action we are talking about. And the role of the modal verb is to show the speaker’s attitude towards this action.

The easiest way to understand the purpose of modal verbs is with examples. Take a look at the offer:

I play football.
I'm play soccer.

Now, let's add the modal verbs can, must, may to this sentence and see how the meaning changes:

I can play football.
I can play football.

I must play football.
I have to play football.

I may play football.
I'm allowed to play football.

All three sentences contain the same semantic verb - play. But look how different in meaning the sentences we got by using different modal verbs.

Thus, modal verbs should be used when talking about:

• ability/impossibility to perform an action;
• presence/absence of the need to perform an action;
• advice/order/recommendation to perform an action;
• assessing the probability of performing an action.

This is not a complete list of what modal verbs are used for in English. Next, we will take a closer look at the 10 main English modal verbs, what their meanings are and how to use them correctly. Let's start with the three most common modal verbs.

Three MAIN modal verbs.

For most situations it will be enough to know 3 modal verbs - can, must and may. These are the most commonly used modal verbs in the English language. The verb can is generally one of the ten most commonly used words in English, and not a single conversation is complete without it. The main meanings of these verbs are given in the table:

Examples of using:

He can swim fast.
He can swim fast.

I must be strong.
I must be strong.

You may call me tomorrow.
You can call me tomorrow.

She may be right.
Perhaps she's right.

In fact, each of these modal verbs has many meanings. Here I give the most common translation of them. You can learn in detail about all the meanings of the Big Three verbs using the following links:

But to use modal verbs in your speech, it is not enough to know their translation. You also need to learn how to correctly construct sentences with modal verbs.

Modal verbs in English: RULES of use.

Modal verbs in English behave differently than most regular verbs. To correctly construct sentences with modal verbs, you need to know several rules. Here are the basic rules for using modal verbs:

1. As already mentioned, a modal verb is always used in pairs with a semantic verb.

Moreover, the semantic verb is always taken in an indefinite form and the particle to is not placed before it. The combination of a modal and a semantic verb is called a modal predicate. In an affirmative sentence, the modal predicate is placed in the place of the usual predicate, that is, immediately after the subject.

Right:

I can speak Spanish.
I can speak Spanish.

You must help me.
You have to help me.

Wrong:

I can speak Spanish. You must help me.

2. Modal verbs do not change according to persons. The ending "-s" in the third person is not added to them.

Right:

She can speak English.
She can speak English.

He must help me.
He must help me.

Wrong:

She can speak English.
He must help me.

3. Modal verbs do not form the future tense.

If a sentence containing a modal verb refers to the future tense, this is usually clear from the context.

For example:

You must pass your exam later.
You must take the exam later.

I can go for a walk only tomorrow.
I can only go for a walk tomorrow.

4. Of all the modal verbs in the English language, only two have past tense forms. These forms are shown in the table:

To get a question from an affirmative sentence, you just need to take the modal verb out of the first place.

You can drive. - Can you drive?
Can you drive a car?

I must go. - Must I go?
I have to go?

6. Negative sentences are also formed without the auxiliary verb to do.

Just a negative particle not is placed immediately after the modal verb. At the same time, with the modal verb can the particle not is written together - cannot. The negative form of modal verbs in English is often shortened:

In the negative form, many modal verbs take on the meaning of prohibition. Moreover, the severity of the prohibition depends on which modal verb is used:

may not - a softer form - “impossible”

cannot - the mildest possible prohibition - “you can’t”, “not desirable”

Examples:

You must not smoke in this room!
You are not allowed to smoke in this room!

Children may not go for a walk without parents.
Children should not go for walks without their parents.

You cannot call her. Wait 15 minutes.
Don't call her, wait 15 minutes.

There is an exception to the last two rules. The modal verb have to requires the auxiliary verb do in interrogative and negative sentences.

It would probably be useful to remind you that modal verbs have to And ought to require to particles after themselves. Which is also an exception to the rule common to all modal verbs in the English language.

How often do you have to work on Sunday?
How often should you work on Saturdays?

Modal verbs in English - Complete list.

Are the three most common modal verbs not enough for you? It's time to dig deeper! Let's consider in order all the main modal verbs of the English language.

Modal verb can (could)

In affirmative sentences it is used to talk about physical/mental ability or ability to do something.

She can play piano.
She can play the piano.

Interrogative sentences express a request:

Can you repeat your questions?
Could you please repeat your questions?

In negative sentences, the modal verb can, in addition to the obvious meaning "can't/can't/can't" sometimes has the meaning of prohibition.

You can't lift this bag.
You can't lift this bag. (because it's too heavy)

You can't drive so fast.
You can't go that fast. (you are not allowed)

The modal verb can has a past tense form - could. In addition to the actual past tense, could is used in interrogative sentences to express a polite request.

I could play the violin.
I knew how to play the violin. (past tense)

Could you pass me pepper?
Could you pass me the pepper? (polite request)

Modal verb may (might)

If you look in the dictionary, you will find that the modal verb may is translated in the same way as the verb can - I can/can/can/can. But there is a difference between may and can, and it is significant. Unlike the verb can, the modal verb may does not express physical or mental ability, but permission to perform an action received from someone.

She may do what she wants.
She can do whatever she wants. (She's allowed to do what she wants)

The second meaning of the modal verb may - it allows make a guess(maybe I will, maybe I will).

I may visit you tomorrow.
I may visit you tomorrow.

In such sentences, may can be replaced with might. Using might instead of may does not speak of the past tense, as one might think, but of the speaker’s less confidence in the assumption being made.

Modal verb must

We use this modal verb to say that action must be performed. That is, when it comes to a sense of duty.

We must help our parents.
We must help our parents.

The modal verb must can also be used to make a guess. In this sense it is similar to the modal verb may. Using must instead of may indicates greater confidence in what the speaker is saying.

She must be student.
She's probably a student.

Modal verb have to

The verb have to is similar in meaning to the modal verb must. He also talks about duty, necessity or obligation. The modal verbs must and have to differ in that:

• have to expresses an obligation related to external circumstances;
• must expresses an obligation associated with an internal need, a sense of duty or the personal opinion of the speaker.

Examples of sentences with the modal verb have to:

You have to work more.
You have to work harder.

Modal verb should

The modal verb should can be used to:
1. Give advice

You are ill. You should go to the clinic.
Are you ill. You need to go to the clinic.

2. Communicate an obligation or duty. In this meaning, the modal verbs should and must are similar, but should sounds softer or with a tinge of doubt that the action will be performed.

Your company should send us a report today.
Your company should send us a report today.

3. Talk about an expected action or an action that is possible with high probability.

It is night now. He shouldn't be at home.
It's night now. He must be home.

Modal verb ought to

Just like must, the modal verb ought to communicates that an action must be performed. But at the same time, a sentence with ought to sounds less categorical than a similar sentence with must and contains a hint of friendly recommendation or advice.

Modal verb need

Unlike other modal verbs in English, the verb need can serve not only as a modal verb, but also as a semantic verb.

The semantic verb need is translated as need. Use the semantic verb need when you say that you need something.

I need a good car.
I need a good car.

As a modal verb, need is only used in the negative form "need not" and is similar in meaning to "must not". The difference between the modal verbs need not and must not is as follows:

• must not speaks of a strict prohibition on performing an action;
• need not indicates that the action is not necessary.

For example:

You need not account to me.
You don't have to report to me.

Modal verb shall

This modal verb has several meanings. It can express:

• Promise
• warning
• threat

For example:

He shall do his work.
She will do her job. (Promise)

Don't give her my book. She shall lose it.
Don't give her my book. She will lose it. (warning)

Modal verb will (would)

The main meaning of the modal verb will in English is to express consent to perform some action.

I will pay off my debts.
I will pay my debts.

will has other meanings.

Synonyms of modal verbs.

Some modal verbs in English have synonyms. Synonyms of modal verbs are phrases that have the same meaning as a modal verb, but are conjugated and form tenses according to general rules.

As you remember, modal verbs cannot be used in the future tense. Therefore, in the future tense, the modal verb is replaced by the corresponding synonym. For example:

You will be able to understand Chinese.
You will be able to understand Chinese.

Modal verbs in English - exercises with answers.

If you have read this far, then you probably already know a lot about modal verbs. It's time to consolidate your knowledge by completing some practical exercises. You can find more exercises at this link.

EXERCISE 1. Place the correct verb in place of the ellipsis. To check the correct answer, click the “Correct Answer” button.

EXERCISE 2. Translate the sentences into English.

EXERCISE 3. Correct the mistake in the English sentences.

This test will allow you to check how well you have mastered English modal verbs. In each question, only one answer is correct.

1. _____ you help me with my homework?

A)Are
B) May
C) Can
D)Need

2. You _____ enter without a tie.

A) aren't
B) can't
C) ought not
D) weren't

3. We _____ leave now or we’ll be late.

A) has to
B) must
C) can
D) will

4. If you had video, you _____ record it yourself tonight.

A) could
B) can
C) must
D) may

5. A: My car has been stolen.
B: _____.

A) You should ring the police.
B) Will you phone the police?
C) Could you ring the police?
D) You are phoning the police.

6. A: She can’t sing.
B: Neither_____.

A) do I
B) could I
C) am I
D) can I

7. If you don’t feel better you _____ go to bed.

A) ought
B)should
C) don't have to
D) needn't

8. You _____ get the 8.45 train. It doesn't stop at Yorkshire.

A) had better
B) mustn't
C) should
D) don't have to

9. His illness got worse and worse. In the end he _____ go into hospital for an operation.

A) will have to
B) must
C) had to
D) ought to have

10. You _____ any more aspirins; you've had four already.

A) mustn't take
B) needn't have taken
C) shouldn't have taken
D) had better not take

11. You _____ spanked her. She didn't deserve it.

A) shouldn't have
B) needn't have
C) mustn't have
D) couldn't have

12. A: I wonder who took my alarm clock.
B: It _____ Julia. She _____ supposed to get up early.

A) might be/is
B) could be / is
C) had to be / was
D) must have been/was

13. In a hundred years’ time we _____ out of water to drink.

A) must have run
B) might have been/run
C) should have run
D) may have run

14. A: Did you enjoy the concert?
B: It was OK, but I ___ to the theater.

A) needn't have gone
B) must have gone
C) had better go
D) would rather have gone

15. When I was a child, I _____ a flashlight to bed with me so that I _____ read comic books without my parents’ knowing them.

A) used to take/could
B) was used to take / could
C) would take/can
D) would have taken / was able to

Answers.

1 – C, 2 – B, 3 – B, 4 – A, 5 – A, 6 – D, 7 – B, 8 – B, 9 – C, 10 – A, 11 – A, 12 – D, 13 – D, 14 – D, 15 – A.

Test for the use of modal verbs can, must, may, haveto

1Choose the appropriate modal verb in brackets:

1. You... (don’t have to/must not) go to school if you have a high temperature.

2. The exam is next week. So you… (must/can) study hard.

3. I will cook everything for the birthday party, so you … (don’t have to/mustn’t) bring any food.

4. Women… (may/have to) cover their heads in a church.

5. I … (can’t/can) speak German very well because I didn’t learn it at school.

2. PutmodalVerbshave to, has toorhad to.

1. I can’t see you quite well. I... put on my glasses.

2. In London we… drive on the left side.

3. Jack...wear a suit and a tie to school.

4. Yesterday I… stay at work till midnight.

5. She... go now or she’ll miss the train.

6. If I lose my job, I will… sell my flat.

7. She doesn’t… buy an expensive present.

3.Translate into English using modal verbsmust, mayor san.

1. He should be in his office now. You can talk to him.

2. Can I come in? - Please.

4. Can he complete this task?

5. Can I borrow your book?

Answers :

1.

1. must not

2. must

Modal verbs are widely used in the English language, so if you want to speak English easily and fluently, bypass learning this modal...

From Masterweb

Modal verbs are widely used in the English language, so if you want to speak English easily and fluently, there is no way to avoid studying this topic. True, at first it may seem somewhat confusing. Many modal verbs have very similar meanings, so they are difficult to distinguish and very easy to confuse. To prevent this from happening, in this article we will study the features of using the modal verbs can, may, must and should.

Definition

First, let's figure out what modal verbs are. Firstly, they are not used independently. In a sentence, they are necessarily combined with a semantic verb, i.e. the modal verb itself cannot denote any specific actions, it can only indicate the possibility, probability, necessity of an action expressed by a semantic one. In addition, it expresses the speaker’s attitude towards any action.

Modal verbs may (might)

These verbs are often difficult to use. They can be either interchangeable or multifunctional. The first and most important meaning that both of these verbs express is probability and uncertainty. However, it is worth remembering that may will still express a greater degree of confidence than might.

With the help of modal verbs we can express any assumptions with a degree of uncertainty about their accuracy.

Example: He may be at the concert - He may be at the concert.

The verbs may/might can be used when talking about some plans and intentions.

Example: I may be going to the cinema - Maybe I’ll go to the cinema.

In interrogative sentences, the verbs may/might can mean a polite form of address.

Example: May I show you my painting? - Can I show you my paintings?

Although in everyday colloquial speech, the verbs may/might in this function are increasingly being replaced by the verb can.

The enable or disable function uses may.

Example: You may eat only one candy at a time - You can eat only one candy at a time.

May can also be used when expressing any wishes. It is worth giving preference to might if we are talking about polite advice.

Example: You might like to try this dish - You might want to try this dish.

Might is also used when talking about some very unlikely situation.

Must

In no case should the modal verbs may/might and must be confused, since must expresses necessity, obligation, obligation, i.e. it has a much stronger meaning.

Example: We must finish this work by autumn - We must finish this work before autumn.

Must can also express some conscious necessity, which is caused not by external circumstances, but by an internal understanding of one’s duty.

Example: We must take care of parents - We must take care of our parents.

You can also use must to express a prohibition or an order.

Can

Like the modal verbs may and must, can is also very often used in speech, so it is important to know the features of its use.

Can is used when you need to talk about the physical or mental ability to do something, i.e. this verb is used when they say that they can do something.

Examples: I can swim - I can swim.

I can run fast - I can run fast.

I can drive a car - I can drive a car.

This verb can also denote theoretical and general possibilities.

Example: She can do anything right now - She can do anything right now.

Can indicates the legal possibility of doing something.

In interrogative sentences, can can mean a request to do something or surprise. Also, this verb in some functions indicates prohibition, distrust or permission.

Example: She cannot be so young! - She can't be that young! (An example of a sentence expressing distrust).

Should

This modal verb most often acts as an advice or recommendation that does not have to be followed.

Should can be used when talking about moral duty.

Example: We should think about our environment more often - We should think about the surrounding nature more often.

This modal verb can express regret about something or even reproach for some action or inaction.

Example: You should solve this problem - You should solve this problem.

Temporal forms of modal verbs

Modal verbs are called insufficient verbs. They received this name because they do not have ordinary verb forms, including tense forms. But how then to construct sentences? The main semantic verb takes on the entire load.

Let's look at a few examples. The present tense is formed quite simply. You just need to follow the formula “modal verb + semantic infinitive”: I can swim.

Some modal verbs have the past tense form (can – could), but in the future tense, can is replaced by the construction will be able to.

For comparison, consider the modal verb must. It has only the present tense form. The formation of all other forms is taken over by the semantic verb. Let's look at examples.

He must send this letter - He must send this letter.

He had to send this letter - He had to send this letter.

He will have to send this letter - He will have to send this letter.

Interrogative and negative sentences

In interrogative sentences, the modal verb is placed either first, if it is a general question, or before the question word, if a special question is used.

Example: Can I see the boss? -Can I see the boss?

There is no question word here, so the modal verb comes first.

When can he go to the cinema? - When can he go to the cinema?

In this example there is a question word “when”, so the modal verb comes after it, i.e. in second place.

Negation and modal verbs

Negation of modal verbs is formed using the negative particle not.

Example: You should not watch this film - You should not watch this film.

However, not all so simple. Some modal verbs can merge with the particle not (cannot) or form a contraction (should not = shouldn’t). But some verbs cannot form a short form or merge with a particle, for example, may is such a verb. The negative form of this verb will look like may not.

Exercises

To test yourself, do exercises on the modal verbs may, might, can, must, should.

Fill in the gaps with suitable modal verbs and translate the sentences.

1. Take your umbrella. It... rain.

Take your umbrella. It can start raining.

This sentence expresses some assumption (it may rain). Therefore we can use may.

2. You ... finish your project as soon as possible.

You must finish your project as soon as possible.

Answer: must

This phrase can be heard, for example, from a boss. This is practically an order (a call to do your job, your duties). Therefore, you can use must.

3. I...swim very well! But unfortinately, I... play the guitar.

I can swim very well. But, unfortunately, I can't play the guitar.

Answer: can / cannot

We are talking about some skills here. That's why can is used.

4. Don't wait for us. We... be late.

Don't wait for us. We might be late.

Answer: might

An assumption made with some uncertainty. You can use might.

5. You are so tired. You ... stay at home and have a rest.

You're so tired. You should stay home and rest.

Answer: Should

Polite advice that does not require mandatory and unconditional execution.

Modal verbs are used very often, so it is extremely important to pay enough attention to them and work out the features of their use in practice. You should definitely pay attention to the meaning of the sentence; it will tell you which verb will be appropriate in a given situation.

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Modal verbs 1 Name______________________

1. I think you might/ought to see a doctor.
2. Should/May I borrow your book, please?
3. I have to/could
4. You must/ought
5. Could/Should do you pass me some sugar? I like sweet tea.
6. You must be/can't be
7. You must be/should be
8. She mustn't/shouldn't
9. It's very late. The children must/can't be sleeping.

1. Guess what! Our team has just won the game. No way!

You………. be joking!

1. Excuse me, sir. You……… park here. It's forbidden.
2. ………finish my homework.
3. Look! It's Jane! No, it……….
4. ………..
5. ……….. I have your name, please.
6. I think it……….. be warm soon.
7. ………..
8. The streets………..
9. You………..

Task #1 Choose the correct word.

1. I think you might/ ought to see a doctor.
2. Should/ May I borrow your book, please?
3. I have to/could go to the grocery store. My refrigerator is empty.
4. You must/ought to be very hungry. Would you like an apple.
5. Could/Should you pass me some sugar. I like sweet tea.
6. You must be/can't be very proud of your son he is a champion.
7. You must be/should be exhausted after all your hard work.
8. She mustn’t/shouldn’t stay in bed all day unless she is ill.
9. It's very late. The children must/can't be sleeping.
10. Susan has broken her leg. She can't/have to walk now.

1. Guess what! Our team has just won the game. No way! You must be joking!
2. Excuse me, sir. You mustn't park here. It's forbidden.
3. How about to watch a movie? Sorry, but I have to finish my homework.
4. Look! It's Jane! No, it can't be. She is in Paris on business.
5. Could I turn the light off, please.
6. May I have your name, please.
7. I think it might be warm soon.
8. Could can you help me please? I think I got lost.
9. The streets can get very slippery when it rains.
10. You must be very thirsty, it’s hot outside.

Modal verbs 2 Name______________________________

Task #1 Choose the correct word.

1. I can/could
2. She can't/needn't
3. You mustn't/shouldn't
4. You shouldn't/mustn't
5. You should/must
6. Should/May I borrow your pen, please?
7. You don't/have to
8. I think you ought to/might take your dog to a vet.
9. May/must I call you next week, please?
10. It might/should

Task #2 Fill in: .

1. You………..
2. Excuse me sir, you……….. smoke here, it's forbidden.
3. I can’t go to the movie theater with you today, I………..work.
4. You………..
5. You………...
6. We don’t………..go to school in August.
7. I………..
8. I………..
9. You………..

10… ……… I borrow your car for a weekend, please?

Task #1 Choose the correct word.

1. I can/could speak English but I can't write it very well.
2. She can't/ needn't spend 3 weeks in Rome, she has to come back to work.
3. You mustn't/shouldn't park your car on double yellow lines.
4. You shouldn't/mustn't be so rude with Mary, she is very sensitive.
5. You should/must obey the laws, or you will get in jail.
6. Should/ May I borrow your pen, please?
7. You don't /have to buy any cat food. We've got plenty.
8. I think you ought to /might take your dog to a vet.
9. May /must I call you next week, please?
10. It might/should rain tomorrow. You should take an umbrella with you.

Task #2 Fill in: should(2), shouldn’t, must, mustn’t, have to(2), can, can’t, may.

1. You should turn your TV off when not watching it.
2. Excuse me sir, you mustn’t smoke here, it's forbidden.
3. I can't go to the movie theater with you, I have to work.
4. You must obey your parents until you are 18.
5. You shouldn't smoke it’s very bad for your health.
6. We don’t have to go to school in August.
7. I can cook a very delicious chocolate cake with walnuts.
8. I can't speak Spanish, but I would like to learn it.
9. You should be honest and sincere with your friends.