Common Modal Verbs in British English - Ace English Club

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Get 20% Off Your First Month — Use Code EARLYBIRD20

Get 20% Off Your First Month — Use Code EARLYBIRD20

Get 20% Off Your First Month — Use Code EARLYBIRD20

Get 20% Off Your First Month — Use Code EARLYBIRD20

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Grammar
A1

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

1. I would like a piece of cake.

2. People must wear a seatbelt in a car.

3. 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.

Read more:

👉 A full guide to using modal verbs

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