Common Modal Verbs in British English
Modal verbs help the main verbs in the sentences.
Modal verbs have a job of their own to do.
In this lesson, you’ll learn when to use each modal verb and practise using them.
What are the modal verbs?
Can/Can’t
- Show ability
- Ask for permission
Do/does/don’t/doesn’t
- Question word
- Used in negative sentences
Could
- Past tense for ‘can’
- An action is possible
Must
- An action is mandatory (has to be done)
Should
- An action is a good idea to do
- To make a suggestion
Would
- To show a desire/want for something
A main verb should never change form after a modal verb. All verbs stay the same.
Examples
I would like a piece of cake.
People must wear a seatbelt in a car.
We could go to the cinema later.
Remember: don’t change the form of the verb after the modal verb.
Practise
Fill in the modal verbs in the correct sentences.
Common mistakes learners make
- Changing the form of the verb after a modal verb
- Using ‘do’ with another modal verb
- Confusing meaning of modal verbs
Common mistakes learners make
- Changing the form of the verb after a modal verb
- Using ‘do’ with another modal verb
- Confusing meaning of modal verbs
Watch: Modal verbs explained by a British tutor
In this video, Claire explains the main verbs of ‘can’ and ‘do’ with examples.
