B1 Verb Moods 16 min read Moyen

Verbes Modaux Anglais: can, should, must

Maîtrise can, should, must pour exprimer clairement et avec assurance la capacité, le conseil et l'obligation forte.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Modal verbs like 'can', 'should', and 'must' change the mood of a sentence without ever changing their own form.

  • Never add -s, -ed, or -ing to a modal verb. Example: 'He can swim' NOT 'He cans swim'.
  • Always follow a modal with the base verb (no 'to'). Example: 'I must go' NOT 'I must to go'.
  • To make a question, just swap the subject and the modal. Example: 'Should I stay?'
👤 (Subject) + 🛠️ (can/should/must) + 🏃‍♂️ (Base Verb)

Overview

Avez-vous déjà eu l'impression que les verbes anglais demandaient trop de travail ? Vous devez vous rappeler si c'est he walks ou they walk. Vous vous inquiétez pour did et does.
Les verbes modaux sont vos nouveaux meilleurs amis. C'est le rêve de toute personne paresseuse. Ils ne changent pour personne.
Pas de -s, pas de -ed, pas de drame. Ils sont juste là et ajoutent du goût à vos phrases. Considérez-les comme des emojis pour vos verbes.
I go est un fait. I can go est une ambiance. Les modaux sont des verbes spéciaux comme can, should et must.
Ils expriment des choses comme la capacité, la permission ou la nécessité. Ce sont les raccourcis ultimes en anglais. Si les verbes étaient un jeu vidéo, les modaux seraient les codes de triche.
Ils rendent votre discours plus nuancé sans effort de conjugaison supplémentaire. Vous les utilisez probablement cent fois par jour sans vous en rendre compte.
Can you hear me ?
lors d'un appel Zoom est un moment modal classique.
Should I post this selfie ?
en est un autre. Ils sont partout dans la vie moderne. Des sous-titres Netflix aux discussions de groupe WhatsApp, les modaux font le gros du travail.
Ils vous aident à paraître poli, confiant ou même prudent. Les maîtriser, c'est comme débloquer un nouveau niveau de fluidité. Il s'agit moins de mémoriser des listes que de ressentir l'humeur.

How This Grammar Works

Les verbes modaux sont des verbes auxiliaires. Ils ne peuvent pas être seuls dans une phrase. Vous ne pouvez pas dire simplement I can.
Enfin, vous le pouvez si quelqu'un demande Qui peut aider ?, mais généralement, ils ont besoin d'un partenaire. Ce partenaire est le verbe d'action principal. Ils modifient le sens du verbe principal pour montrer différentes humeurs.
Considérez-les comme les filtres de vos photos Instagram. La photo (le verbe principal) reste la même. Le filtre (le modal) change la façon dont les gens la voient.
I eat est juste une déclaration de fait. I might eat donne l'impression que vous vérifiez encore le menu Uber Eats. I must eat donne l'impression que vous mourez de faim après une longue séance de sport.
Ces verbes suivent leur propre ensemble de règles. Ils ne se comportent pas comme des verbes normaux comme play ou eat. Ce sont des rebelles.
Ils n'utilisent pas le mot to avant le verbe principal. Ne dites jamais I can to swim. C'est un signal d'alarme pour les auditeurs.
Ils n'ont pas non plus de forme en -ing. Vous ne verrez jamais de musting ou de shoulding dans un dictionnaire. Ils sont fixes et stables, comme cet ami qui commande toujours le même burger.

Formation Pattern

1
Commencez par votre sujet. Cela peut être I, you, we ou même my cat.
2
Ajoutez le verbe modal. Choisissez parmi can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would ou must.
3
Ajoutez la forme de base du verbe principal. Cela signifie pas de -s, pas de -ed et pas de -ing.
4
Par exemple : She can speak English.
5
Remarquez qu'il n'y a pas de -s sur can, même si c'est she.
6
Remarquez qu'il n'y a pas de to avant speak.
7
Pour les négations, ajoutez simplement not après le modal.
8
I cannot (can't) go.
9
You should not (shouldn't) do that.
10
Pour les questions, inversez le sujet et le modal.
11
Can you help me ?
12
Should we start the meeting ?
13
N'utilisez jamais do, does ou did avec les verbes modaux.
14
✗ Do you can help ?
15
✓ Can you help ?
16
C'est vraiment aussi simple que cela. Les modaux sont autosuffisants. Ils n'ont pas besoin de la famille do pour les aider à poser des questions ou à faire des négations. Ce sont les influenceurs indépendants du monde de la grammaire.

When To Use It

  • Utilisez can pour une capacité générale.
    I can code in Python.
  • Utilisez can ou may pour la permission.
    Can I use your charger ?
  • Utilisez must pour une obligation forte.
    You must wear a seatbelt.
  • Utilisez should pour donner des conseils.
    You should watch that new Netflix show.
  • Utilisez might ou could pour la possibilité.
    It might rain later.
  • Utilisez would pour les demandes polies ou les situations hypothétiques.
  • Dans les SMS modernes, can est souvent utilisé pour tout. Cependant, utiliser may ou could vous fait paraître beaucoup plus professionnel. Imaginez que vous envoyez un e-mail à un professeur. Can I ask a question ? c'est bien. Could I ask a question ? donne l'impression que vous avez réellement fait la lecture. Si vous jouez en ligne, vous pourriez dire
    We should rush B !
    pour donner un conseil à votre équipe. Si vous faites des vlogs de voyage, vous pourriez dire
    You must visit this café !
    pour montrer votre enthousiasme. Chaque modal a un travail spécifique, comme les personnages d'un RPG.

Common Mistakes

  • Ajouter to après le modal. C'est l'erreur n°1. Ne dites jamais I must to study.
  • Ajouter -s pour la troisième personne. He cans est faux. C'est toujours He can.
  • Utiliser do dans les questions. Does he can ? fera pencher la tête aux gens.
  • Essayer d'utiliser deux modaux ensemble. I will can go est un grand non. Utilisez I will be able to go à la place.
  • Oublier que must est très fort. L'utiliser pour des conseils peut paraître autoritaire.
  • Confondre can et could dans les demandes polies. Could est toujours plus sûr avec les inconnus.
  • Utiliser mustn't quand vous voulez dire "don't have to". Mustn't signifie que c'est interdit. Don't have to signifie que c'est facultatif.
  • Si vous dites à votre ami "You mustn't come to the party", vous lui interdisez de venir !
  • Si vous dites "You don't have to come", vous êtes simplement gentil par rapport à son emploi du temps chargé.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

  • Must vs Have to : Must concerne souvent les sentiments personnels. Have to concerne les règles extérieures.
  • Should vs Ought to : Ils signifient la même chose. Should est juste beaucoup plus courant.
  • Can vs Be able to : Can est pour le présent. Be able to est pour le futur ou le passé.
  • May vs Might : May est légèrement plus probable que might.

Quick FAQ

Q : Les verbes modaux sont-ils toujours les mêmes ? A : Oui, ils ne changent jamais de forme.
Q : Puis-je utiliser can pour le passé ? A : Non, utilisez could pour une capacité passée.
Q : Est-ce que should est plus fort que must ? A : No, must est un ordre. Should est juste une suggestion.
Q : Ai-je besoin de to avec ought to ? A : Oui, ought to est le seul qui utilise to.
Q

Comment s'en souvenir ? A : Considérez-les comme des modificateurs d'humeur. Ils changent l'énergie de la phrase.

Modal Verb Conjugation (No Change!)

Subject Modal Base Verb Notes
I
can / should / must
work
No 'to'
You
can / should / must
work
Standard form
He / She / It
can / should / must
work
NO '-s' added
We
can / should / must
work
Standard form
They
can / should / must
work
Standard form

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction Usage
cannot
can't
Very common in speech
should not
shouldn't
Common for advice
must not
mustn't
Used for prohibitions
shall not
shan't
Very rare/British

Meanings

Modal verbs are a special category of auxiliary verbs used to express ability, possibility, permission, advice, or necessity. They function as 'mood setters' for the main verb that follows them.

1

Ability & Permission (Can)

Used to express physical or mental ability, or to ask for/give permission in informal settings.

“I can run a marathon in under four hours.”

“Can I borrow your pen for a second?”

2

Advice & Recommendation (Should)

Used to give suggestions, advice, or to talk about what is ideal or expected.

“You should try the pasta; it's delicious here.”

“We should leave now if we want to catch the train.”

3

Strong Obligation (Must)

Used to express a firm necessity, a rule, or a personal strong feeling that something is required.

“All passengers must wear a seatbelt.”

“I must remember to call my mother tonight.”

4

Logical Deduction (Must)

Used when you are almost 100% sure that something is true based on evidence.

“You've been working all day; you must be exhausted.”

“The lights are off; they must be asleep.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Verbes Modaux Anglais: can, should, must
Modal Signification Exemple (Positif) Exemple (Négatif)
can
Capacité / Permission / Possibilité
I `can` speak French.
I `can't` speak French.
should
Conseil / Recommandation / Attente
You `should` rest.
You `should't` worry.
must
Obligation Forte / Nécessité / Déduction
We `must` leave now.
You `must not` smoke here.
could
Capacité Passée / Demande Polie
I `could` sing well then.
`Could` you open the door?
have to
Obligation Externe / Nécessité
I `have to` work late.
I `don't have to` go.
mustn't
Interdiction
You `mustn't` touch that.

Spectre de formalité

Formel
May I please have some water?

May I please have some water? (Restaurant/Home)

Neutre
Can I have some water, please?

Can I have some water, please? (Restaurant/Home)

Informel
Can I get a water?

Can I get a water? (Restaurant/Home)

Argot
Gimme a water, yeah?

Gimme a water, yeah? (Restaurant/Home)

Verbes Modaux : Can, Should, Must

Verbes Modaux

Can

  • Capacité I can sing.
  • Permission You can leave.
  • Possibilité It can be cold.

Should

  • Conseil You should rest.
  • Recommandation We should go.
  • Attente They should arrive.

Must

  • Obligation You must study.
  • Nécessité We must hurry.
  • Déduction He must be tired.

`Must Not` vs `Don't Have To`

`Must Not` (Interdiction)
Interdiction You mustn't touch that.
Interdit Students mustn't cheat.
`Don't Have To` (Non Nécessaire)
Pas d'Obligation You don't have to come.
Pas Nécessaire I don't have to work.

Choisir le bon Modal (Can, Should, Must)

1

S'agit-il d'une capacité ou d'une permission ?

YES
Utilise `can`
NO
Passe à la question suivante.
2

Est-ce un conseil ou une recommandation ?

YES
Utilise `should`
NO
Passe à la question suivante.
3

Est-ce une obligation forte ou une certitude logique ?

YES
Utilise `must`
NO
Envisage d'autres modaux comme `have to` ou reformule.

Les Super-Pouvoirs des Verbes Modaux

💪

Exprimer la Capacité

  • • I can run fast.
  • • She can solve this problem.
🗣️

Donner des Conseils

  • • You should eat healthy.
  • • He should apologize.
✍️

Énoncer une Obligation

  • • We must follow rules.
  • • Students must study.
🤝

Demandes Polies

  • • Can you help me?
  • • Could you close the door?
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Exemples par niveau

1

I can play the guitar.

2

Can you help me?

3

She can speak English.

4

We can't come to the party.

1

You should eat more vegetables.

2

I must finish my homework.

3

Should we go to the park?

4

You mustn't touch that; it's hot!

1

You should try to arrive ten minutes early.

2

He must be the new manager; he's wearing a suit.

3

You don't have to pay now; you can pay later.

4

Can I suggest a different approach?

1

The government should have acted much sooner.

2

There must have been a misunderstanding at the front desk.

3

You can't have seen Mark; he's in Australia!

4

Must you make so much noise while I'm working?

1

One should always consider the ethical implications of such research.

2

The results can be interpreted in several different ways.

3

It must be noted that this study has several limitations.

4

Should you require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

1

The sheer audacity of the claim must surely give us pause.

2

One cannot but admire her dedication to the cause.

3

The policy should, in theory, alleviate the housing crisis.

4

That he should have failed after such effort is a tragedy.

Facile à confondre

English Modal Verbs: can, should, must vs Mustn't vs. Don't have to

Learners often think 'mustn't' is the negative of 'must' in terms of necessity, but it actually changes the meaning to prohibition.

English Modal Verbs: can, should, must vs Can vs. May

Both are used for permission, but 'can' is informal and 'may' is formal. Teachers often correct 'Can I...?' with 'I don't know, can you?' to emphasize ability.

English Modal Verbs: can, should, must vs Should vs. Ought to

They mean the same thing, but 'ought to' is much less common and requires 'to'.

Erreurs courantes

✗

I can to swim.

✓

I can swim.

Never use 'to' after a modal verb.
✗

He cans speak English.

✓

He can speak English.

Modal verbs do not take an 's' in the third person.
✗

I no can go.

✓

I can't go.

Use 'not' or 'n't' after the modal for negatives.
✗

Do you can help?

✓

Can you help?

Don't use 'do' to make questions with modals; just invert the subject and modal.
✗

You should to rest.

✓

You should rest.

Like 'can', 'should' is followed by the base verb.
✗

Must you to go?

✓

Must you go?

Questions with 'must' do not use 'to'.
✗

She shoulds study.

✓

She should study.

No 's' for 'should' in the third person.
✗

You mustn't pay; it's free.

✓

You don't have to pay; it's free.

'Mustn't' means it's forbidden. 'Don't have to' means it's optional.
✗

I musted work yesterday.

✓

I had to work yesterday.

'Must' has no past tense form; use 'had to' instead.
✗

It should be rain tomorrow.

✓

It should rain tomorrow.

Don't add 'be' unless the main verb is 'be'.
✗

I can't help but to wonder.

✓

I can't help but wonder.

The idiom 'can't help but' is followed by the base verb.
✗

He must has forgotten.

✓

He must have forgotten.

After a modal, always use 'have', never 'has', even for 'he/she/it'.
✗

Should I'll see him, I'll tell him.

✓

Should I see him, I'll tell him.

In formal 'should' inversion, do not use 'will'.

Structures de phrases

I can ___ but I can't ___.

If you are tired, you should ___.

To be a good student, you must ___.

He isn't answering his phone; he must be ___.

You shouldn't have ___ without ___.

Real World Usage

Job Interview very common

I can work under pressure and I should be able to start next month.

Texting a Friend constant

Can u come tonight? You should definitely be there!

Airport Signs common

Passengers must present their boarding pass.

Doctor's Appointment common

You should take this medicine twice a day.

Social Media (Instagram) very common

You MUST try this new brunch spot! 😍

Ordering Food constant

Can I get the burger without onions?

Work Email very common

We should schedule a meeting to discuss the budget.

Instruction Manuals common

The battery must be charged for 4 hours before use.

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💡

Modal + Verbe de base = Magie

N'oublie jamais cette règle d'or : les verbes modaux sont *toujours* suivis de la forme de base d'un autre verbe. Pas de 'to', pas de '-s', pas de '-ing' ! Ça simplifie tout. "Always remember this golden rule: modal verbs are *always* followed by the base form of another verb. No 'to', no '-s', no '-ing'! It keeps things simple and consistent."
⚠️

`Mustn't` vs. `Don't Have To`

Ces deux expressions se ressemblent mais sont des opposés ! Mustn't veut dire 'interdit' (ne le fais pas !), alors que don't have to signifie 'ce n'est pas nécessaire' (tu peux choisir de ne pas le faire). Ne les confonds pas en entretien d'embauche ! "These two sound similar but are complete opposites! Mustn't means 'forbidden' (do not do it!), while don't have to means 'it's not necessary' (you can choose not to). Don't mix them up in a job interview!"
🎯

Utilise `Could` pour la Politesse

Can demande la permission directement, could ajoute une touche de politesse. Au lieu de
Can I ask a question?
, essaie
Could I ask a question?
– ça sonne plus fluide et respectueux, surtout avec de nouveaux collègues ou professeurs. "While can asks for permission directly, could adds a touch of extra politeness. Instead of 'Can I ask a question?', try 'Could I ask a question?' – it sounds smoother and more respectful, especially with new colleagues or professors."
🌍

`Must` Britannique vs. Américain

En anglais britannique, must pour l'obligation est souvent un peu plus courant que have to dans certains contextes. L'anglais américain a tendance à utiliser davantage have to pour les obligations générales, réservant must aux nécessités plus fortes ou formelles, ou aux déductions.
In British English, must for obligation is often a bit more common than have to in certain contexts. American English tends to lean on have to more for general obligations, reserving must for stronger, more formal necessities or deductions.
💡

Les Modaux ne Changent Pas

Une chose de moins à te soucier ! Contrairement aux verbes réguliers, les verbes modaux comme can, should et must ne changent pas de forme en fonction du sujet. I can, she can, they can – toujours pareil ! "One less thing to worry about! Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs like 'can', 'should', and 'must' don't change their form based on the subject. 'I can,' 'she can,' 'they can' – always the same!"

Smart Tips

Stop! Imagine the modal verb is a 'to-eater'. It eats the 'to' before it can reach the main verb.

I must to go. → I must go.

Use 'might want to' or 'should perhaps' instead of just 'should' to sound more professional.

You should change the plan. → You might want to change the plan.

It's probably a logical guess, not an obligation. 'It must be raining' doesn't mean the rain is following a rule!

It must rain. (Rule) → It must be raining. (Guess)

Avoid contractions like 'can't' or 'shouldn't'. Use the full forms 'cannot' and 'should not'.

The results can't be ignored. → The results cannot be ignored.

Prononciation

/ʃʊd/

The Silent 'L'

In 'should', the 'l' is completely silent. It sounds like 'shood'.

/kən/ vs /kænt/

Can vs. Can't

In American English, 'can' is often reduced to 'kun', while 'can't' has a clear 'a' sound and a sharp 't' (or a glottal stop).

/ˈmʌs.ənt/

Mustn't

The first 't' in 'mustn't' is silent. It sounds like 'muss-unt'.

Polite Requests

Can you ↗ help me?

Rising intonation at the end makes the request sound more polite.

Strong Advice

You ↘ SHOULD go.

Stress on the modal verb 'should' emphasizes the importance of the advice.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Modals are 'Bare' and 'Fixed': they use the Bare infinitive and their form is Fixed (no -s).

Association visuelle

Imagine a 'Modal Shield' around the main verb. The shield blocks the 'to' and the 's' from ever touching the verb.

Rhyme

With can, should, and must, the 'to' you must bust; no 's' at the end, they're a learner's best friend.

Story

A king (Must) gives orders, a wise advisor (Should) gives suggestions, and a skilled knight (Can) shows what he is able to do. They all live in a castle where the word 'to' is forbidden.

Word Web

AbilityAdviceObligationNecessityPermissionDeductionBare Infinitive

Défi

Write three sentences about your job or hobby: one thing you CAN do, one thing you SHOULD do better, and one thing you MUST do every day.

Notes culturelles

British speakers often use 'should' in places where Americans might use 'would' or 'must', especially to sound more polite or indirect.

Americans rarely use 'mustn't' in casual speech, preferring 'can't' or 'not allowed to'. 'Mustn't' can sound very formal or old-fashioned.

Using 'should' instead of 'must' in a business meeting is a common 'hedging' strategy to avoid sounding too bossy to colleagues.

Modal verbs come from Old English 'pre-present' verbs, which were originally past tense forms that took on a present tense meaning.

Amorces de conversation

“

What is one skill you can do really well?

“

What should a tourist see in your hometown?

“

What are some things you must do before you turn 30?

“

If you could change one law in your country, what should it be?

“

What must have happened for the world to end up in its current state?

Sujets d'écriture

Write about three things you can do now that you couldn't do five years ago.
Give advice to someone who is always late for work.
Describe the rules of your favorite sport or game.
Reflect on a major decision you made. Should you have done anything differently?

Erreurs courantes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choisis la forme correcte

She ___ speak three languages fluently.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
Les verbes modaux comme 'can' ne changent pas de forme pour les sujets à la troisième personne du singulier et sont suivis de la forme de base du verbe sans 'to'.
Trouve et corrige l'erreur Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

You shouldn't to worry about the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You shouldn't worry about the exam.
Les verbes modaux sont toujours suivis directement de la forme de base du verbe principal, sans 'to'.
Quelle phrase est correcte ? Choix multiple

Choisis la phrase correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We must submit the report tomorrow.
Les verbes modaux sont suivis de la forme de base du verbe principal, et ils ne prennent pas de terminaison en '-s'.
Traduis en anglais : 'No debes usar tu teléfono durante el examen.' Traduction

Translate into English: 'No debes usar tu teléfono durante el examen.'

Answer starts with: ["Y...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["You must not use your phone during the exam.","You mustn't use your phone during the exam."]
'Must not' exprime une interdiction, ce qui est 'no debes' en espagnol. 'Don't have to' signifierait que ce n'est pas nécessaire, ce qui est incorrect ici.

Score: /4

Exercices pratiques

8 exercises
Choose the correct modal for giving a suggestion. Choix multiple

You ___ see the new Batman movie; it's great!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: should
'Should' is used for recommendations and advice.
Fill in the blank with the correct form (do not add 'to').

She can ___ (speak) three languages fluently.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: speak
Modals are followed by the base verb without 'to'.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

He musts finish his report by tomorrow.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: musts
Modal verbs never take an 's', even for 'he' or 'she'.
Change the sentence to a question. Sentence Transformation

I should call him. -> ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Should I call him?
Invert the subject and the modal to form a question.
Match the modal to its function. Match Pairs

1. Can, 2. Should, 3. Must

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Ability, 2-Advice, 3-Obligation
These are the primary functions of these three modals.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Is that the doorbell? B: Yes, it ___ be the pizza delivery guy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: must
Use 'must' for logical deductions when you are very sure.
Which sentence is grammatically CORRECT? Grammar Sorting

Select the right one:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We must leave now.
This follows the Subject + Modal + Base Verb rule.
True or False? True False Rule

The past tense of 'must' is 'musted'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
The past tense of 'must' is 'had to'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Choisis la forme correcte Texte trous

They ___ finish their project by Friday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: must
Trouve et corrige l'erreur Error Correction

He can to swim very well.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He can swim very well.
Quelle phrase est correcte ? Choix multiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She should study more.
Traduis en anglais : 'Debes estudiar para el examen.' Traduction

Translate into English: 'Debes estudiar para el examen.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["You must study for the exam.","You should study for the exam.","You have to study for the exam."]
Mets les mots dans l'ordre Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You must not talk loudly.
Associe chaque modal à son utilisation typique Match Pairs

Match the modals with their primary function:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choisis la forme correcte Texte trous

We ___ respect other cultures when traveling.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: should
Trouve et corrige l'erreur Error Correction

She must to be tired after that long flight.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She must be tired after that long flight.
Quelle phrase est correcte ? Choix multiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I can't go out tonight.
Traduis en anglais : '¿Puedes ayudarme con mi tarea?' Traduction

Translate into English: '¿Puedes ayudarme con mi tarea?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Can you help me with my homework?","Could you help me with my homework?"]
Mets les mots dans l'ordre Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You must always have your ID.

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

Yes, in informal situations. For example, `Can I use your phone?` is perfectly fine with friends. In formal settings, use `May I...` instead.

They mean the same thing. `Cannot` is the formal, written version, and `can't` is the everyday spoken version. Note that `cannot` is always one word.

Yes, much stronger. `Should` is a suggestion (you have a choice), while `must` is an obligation (you have no choice).

No. Modals cannot be used together. To express future ability, use `I will be able to`.

This is a common mistake made by native speakers because `should've` sounds like `should of`. It is always grammatically incorrect to write `should of`.

Use it for things that are strictly forbidden, like `You mustn't park here`. It is more common in British English than American English.

Yes! You can say `He should be here soon` if you expect him to arrive based on a schedule.

No. There is no such word as `canning`, `shoulding`, or `musting` in English grammar.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

poder / deber / tener que

Spanish modals are followed by an infinitive (with no 'to' equivalent), but they conjugate fully unlike English modals.

French moderate

pouvoir / devoir

French uses the conditional tense of 'devoir' (devrais) to express 'should', whereas English has a dedicated word.

German high

können / sollen / müssen

German modals still conjugate for person (ich kann, du kannst), while English ones are fixed.

Japanese low

~reru / ~nakereba naranai

Obligation in Japanese is often expressed as a double negative ('if you don't do it, it won't become').

Arabic partial

yumkin / yajib

The 'modal' part doesn't change, but the following verb must conjugate for the subject.

Chinese moderate

néng (能) / yīnggāi (应该) / bìxū (必须)

Chinese doesn't have the 'no-to' or 'no-s' problem because Chinese verbs never change form anyway.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Can: Exprimer la capacité (Can)

Continue With

B1 Requires

Voix Passive avec Verbes Modaux (peut être fait)

Overview Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé pourquoi vos applis disent `Your order can be tracked` au lieu de `We are tracking...
B1 Requires

Premier Conditionnel: Utilisation des Modaux (can, might, should)

### Overview Le **First Conditional** est bien plus qu'une simple règle de conjugaison ; c'est l'outil linguistique qui...
B1 Requires

Voix Passive avec les Modaux : Ça peut être fait

As-tu déjà remarqué que parfois, la personne qui fait l'action n'est tout simplement pas si importante ? Tu fais défiler...
B1 Builds On

Possibilité en Anglais : May et Might

Overview Avez-vous déjà regardé la batterie de votre téléphone en pensant : « This might die before I get home » ? Ou co...
A2 Requires

Must Not vs. Need Not (Interdiction vs. Choix)

### Overview Maîtriser les verbes modaux en anglais, c'est un peu comme apprendre à doser les épices dans un plat : c'e...
C1 Requires

Passif avec Modaux : Faire avancer les choses

### Overview Bienvenue dans cette exploration approfondie d'une structure qui va littéralement transformer ta façon de...
C1 Requires

Discours Indirect avec Modaux et Rapport Passif (C1)

Overview Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé pourquoi quelqu'un sur Reddit dit `It's rumored that he might have ghosted her` au...

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