Modals of Permission, Obligation and Prohibition

A set of vocabulary flashcards to understand key concepts related to modals of permission, obligation, and prohibition.

Modals

Helping verbs used to express permission, obligation, and prohibition.

Permission

The act of allowing someone to do something.

Obligation

The act of responsibility, duty, or commitment.

Prohibition

The act of not allowing something to be used or done.

Must

A modal verb that expresses obligation.

Can

A modal verb that expresses permission or ability.

Should

A modal verb that suggests a recommendation or obligation.

Mustn't

A contraction of must not, indicating prohibition.

Might

A modal verb used to express a possibility.

May

A modal verb used to express permission or a possibility.

Could

A modal verb used to express a possible ability or permission.

Can't

A contraction of cannot, indicating prohibition.