English grammar · lesson 23 of 30 · free

Modals: can, could, must, should, may, might — English grammar for kids

Modals are helping verbs that add meaning: can (ability), could (past ability or a polite request), must (a rule), should (advice), may and might (possibility or permission). They never take -s, -ed or “to”.

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The grammar rule

Modal + base form — “modals never change and are followed by the plain verb”

  1. After a modal use the base verb: she can swim (not “can swims”, not “can to swim”).
  2. Modals do not change with the subject: he can, they can.
  3. could is the past of can: When I was five, I could swim. “have to / has to” also shows a rule: she has to wear a uniform.

Use it for: Asking permission, giving advice and stating rules — in letters, notices and conversations.

Worked example: When Neel was five, he ___ swim in the pool. → could

  1. “When Neel was five” is in the past.
  2. Ability in the past uses could — the past of can.

Check: “When Neel was five, he can swim” mixes past and present, so could ✓

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🖨️ Modal Verbs Worksheet

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