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Modal Verbs: Can, Must, Should
Learn modal verbs can, must and should with a song.
Lesson
Modal verbs: can, must, should
Modal verbs are small helpers that add meaning: ability, obligation, advice. They never change form and are always followed by the base verb.
The three modals of the song
| Modal | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | ability / permission | I can swim. Can I go out? |
| must | strong obligation | You must stop at a red light. |
| should | advice | You should sleep more. |
The rules
- No -s with he/she/it: She can sing, never "she cans".
- No to after the modal: I must go, never "I must to go".
- Negatives: can't, mustn't, shouldn't.
- Questions: Can you swim? Should I call her?
mustn't vs don't have to
- You mustn't smoke here = it is forbidden.
- You don't have to come = it is not necessary. Very different!
Pronunciation
Can is usually weak: "I can (kən) swim." Strong CAN sounds like a correction: "Yes, I CAN swim!"
Exercises (3)
Exercise 1 · Fill the gaps
Fill the gaps
I play the guitar, but I play the piano. You wear a seatbelt — it's the law. You see a doctor about that cough. you swim? You park here; it's forbidden.
Exercise 2 · Multiple choice
Multiple choice
1. She ___ speak three languages.
2. 'You mustn't smoke here' means...
3. You look tired. You ___ sleep more.
4. ___ I open the window?
Exercise 3 · Matching
Matching
Click a word on the left, then its meaning on the right.
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