Modal Verbs: Can, Could, May, Must and Should - English Grammar Lesson
This lesson explains modal verbs: can, could, may, must and should in simple English, with rules and examples for students and exam preparation.
Rule
Modal verbs express ability, permission, possibility and obligation. They are followed by the base verb.
Examples
- She can swim.
- You must stop.
- It may rain.
Common Mistake
| Incorrect | He can to swim |
|---|---|
| Correct | He can swim |
Practice Tip
Write three original sentences about this topic, then check each one against the rule above.
Related: Parts of Speech and English Tenses.