Lesson 10: Can, must, should

Some verbs help the main verb and add a meaning. They are called modal verbs. They are very common in English.

Modal verbs follow three easy rules. They have no -s for he, she or it. They are followed by the base verb. And they do not use “to” after them. Say “She can swim”, not “She cans to swim”.

Think of road signs. Each modal verb is a different sign.

Can and could

“Can” shows what you are able to do: “I can cook.” It also asks if something is OK: “Can I sit here?” The no form is “can’t”.

“Could” is more polite: “Could you help me, please?”

Should

“Should” is a friendly tip: “You should sleep more.” “He shouldn’t eat so fast.”

Must

“Must” is a strong rule or something you have to do: “You must stop at a red light.” “I must go now.”

Be careful with the no forms. “Mustn’t” means it is not allowed: “You mustn’t park here.” To say it is not needed, use “don’t have to”: “You don’t have to come.”

Questions

Put the modal verb first: “Can you swim?” “Should we go?”

Try it

Choose “can”, “should” or “must”:

1. You ___ wear a seat belt in a car. It is the law.
2. You look tired. You ___ rest.
3. ___ you help me, please? (be polite)

The answers are: must, should, Could.

Next time, we will learn the present perfect.