Loading page…
Sunny Academy for Android
Practise English on your Android device.
Modal verbs help express abilities, permission, obligations, and advice in English. Understanding their correct use will make your communication clearer and more polite.
-s or -ed.have to changes for he/she/it (has to). Other modals do not change.Use can + base verb to show ability or ask/give permission. Example: She can swim. (ability) or Can I open the window? (permission).
Use could + base verb for past ability or more polite requests. Example: When I was young, I could run fast. (past ability), Could you help me? (request).
Use must + base verb when something is necessary or required by the speaker. Example: You must wear a seatbelt.
Use have to + base verb for general or external obligation. Example: I have to finish my homework.
Use should + base verb to give advice, recommendations, or mild obligations. Example: You should see a doctor.
The formula is always: modal verb + base verb. The main verb never takes -s, -ed, or -ing after a modal verb. For example: He can plays is incorrect; say He can play.
After modal verbs (can, could, must, should), use the base verb without to. Only use to with have to: You have to study.
Must and have to can both express obligation. Have to often emphasizes an external requirement, but this is a tendency, not an absolute rule. In negatives, mustn’t means prohibition, while don’t have to means absence of necessity: You mustn’t smoke here; You don’t have to come if you are busy.
Cans is incorrect; never add -s to modal verbs.to after modal verbs except with have to.to after mustn't. Use mustn't + base verb.has to for he/she/it and always use the base verb after to.Answer a question using what you just learned and receive a suggested correction.
Start speakingWrite a few English sentences using what you just learned. Get an estimated level for your sample, explanations of key errors and a suggested revision.
Write a short email (about 4–5 sentences) to your friend giving advice about staying healthy. Use at least three different modal verbs from this lesson. For example, you could talk about what your friend should do, what you have to do, and what you can or can't do during the week.
Check the textShare feedback to improve this topic. This is anonymous.
Take a short test to get your estimated grammar level (A1–C2). Sign in from the result page to save it. Certificate availability and requirements are shown there.
Start test