English Grammar: Modal Verbs

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, usage rules, and specific functional meanings of modal verbs (can, will, may, must, should) from Primary 4 English Grammar Worksheet 2.

Modal Verbs

Verbs that are followed by an infinitive without 'to', remain the same in all singular and plural persons, and form interrogative and negative sentences without auxiliary verbs.

Can

A modal verb used to express ability, request, offer, possibility, and permission.

Can (Ability)

Expresses a person's capability to do something, e.g., 'Mary can fly a plane.'

Can (Request)

Expresses a request to someone, e.g., 'Can you open the door, please?'

Can (Offer)

Expresses an offer of help, e.g., 'Can I help you with that box?'

Can (Possibility)

Expresses that a situation or event is possible, e.g., 'Wild animals can be dangerous.'

Can (Permission)

Expresses asking for or giving permission, e.g., 'Can I go to the party, Mum? Yes, you can.'

Will

A modal verb used to express request, offer, promise, threat, and warning.

Will (Request)

Expresses asking someone to do something, e.g., 'Will you give me your sweater, please?'

Will (Offer)

Expresses an offer to do something, e.g., 'I will lend you some money.'

Will (Promise)

Expresses a pledge or commitment, e.g., 'I will wait for you.'

Will (Threat)

Expresses an intention to take hostile action or punish, e.g., 'Don’t kick my dog or I will kick you!'

Will (Warning)

Expresses a caution about a future outcome or danger, e.g., 'Mum, be careful with the iron! You will burn yourself.'

May

A modal verb used to express request, possibility, and permission. It is more polite than 'can'.

May (Request)

Expresses a polite request, e.g., 'May I have some more soup, please?'

May (Possibility)

Expresses likelihood or potential state, e.g., 'Where’s Tom? He may be at work.'

May (Permission)

Expresses asking for, granting, or denying permission politely, e.g., 'You may sit down if you like.' or 'You may not park your car here.'

May vs. Can

Both express request and permission, but 'may' is more polite than 'can'.

Must

A modal verb used to express obligation and prohibition.

Must (Obligation)

Expresses a strong necessity or duty, e.g., 'We must obey the law.'

Mustn't (Prohibition)

Expresses that something is strictly forbidden, e.g., 'You mustn’t smoke in this restaurant.'

Had to

The past tense form of the modal verb 'must', e.g., 'I had to do my homework yesterday so I could not come to the party.'

Should

A modal verb used to express recommendation and advice.

Should (Recommendation)

Expresses a suggestion for what is desirable or advisable, e.g., 'You should try the soup.'

Should (Advice)

Expresses guidance or counsel, e.g., 'You should sleep earlier.'

Must vs. Should

Both modal verbs are similar in meaning, but 'must' is a much stronger word than 'should'.