Definition / Explanation
Modal verbs help us talk about permission, rules, duty, and advice in a short and flexible way. At B1, the most important forms are can/may, must/have to, and should. These forms may look similar, but they do not all have the same strength or source of meaning. Some express permission, some express strong obligation, and some only give advice. Learning the difference helps you sound more accurate in both everyday and formal situations.
Key Rules
- Use can for permission in everyday speech: You can leave early.
- Use may for more formal permission: May I ask a question?
- Use must for strong obligation, often from the speaker.
- Use have to for obligation from outside rules or circumstances.
- Use should for advice, not for strong obligation.
- After a modal, use the base verb: must wear, can go, should speak.
Examples
- You must wear a helmet here.
- Students have to arrive on time.
- You can leave early today.
- May I use your phone for a moment?
- You should check the details again.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ You must to wear a helmet. -> ✅ You must wear a helmet.
- ❌ I can to leave now? -> ✅ Can I leave now?
- ❌ We should to call him. -> ✅ We should call him.