a grammar handout about modals practice for beginners, enjoy learning everyday!

1. •I may visit you tomorrow
Subject VERB
Modal

2. Modals
Must, May, Can, Can’t

3. Modal Verbs
must
may
shall
will
can
could
would
should
might

4. • I can open the door because I have the key.
It is used to talk about ability =
When we talk about something possible
We use “ ”:

5. • I can’t open the door because I don’t have the key.
For inability =
When we talk about something impossible
We use “ ”:

6. 1. You didn’t sleep last night. You must be really tired now.
2. His leg is broken! It must hurt really bad.
3. Students must come on time.
For certainty =
When we are sure/certain about something
We use “ ”:
It hurts!
To talk about obligation

7. •Teacher: Why is Ahmed absent?.
Student: I don’t know. He may have a fever.
To talk about uncertainty =
When we are not sure about something
We use “ ”:

8. Some Basic Rules
Modal verbs:
1- usually come before another verb:
I must go to the library now.
2- are used with the infinitive but without the ‘to’
He can read French.
And not :
He can to read French.

9. • Form:
You must be tired:
Subject + Modal + Verb (infinitive) + …
• Use:
1. Must: Certainty = When we are sure/certain about something
-> You didn’t eat your breakfast. You must be hungry
2. May: uncertainty = When we are not sure about something
-> I don’t know where he is. He may be in the Kitchen
3. Can: ability = When we talk about something possible
• -> I can open the door because I have the key.
• 3. Can’t: inability = When we talk about something impossible
• -> I can’t see without my glasses
Grammar Modals

10. Fill in the gap with “must”, “can”, “can’t” or “may”
1. He ________speak English very well now
2. I'm not sure, but he _________ be absent tomorrow
3. This restaurant ________ be a good one; it’s always empty.
4. He injured his leg while playing football; his parents _______ be worried
5. My brother is a mechanic, he _______ fix your car.
6. There are some clouds in the sky, it __________ rain tomorrow
7. I eat a whole chicken by myself, I’m full and I _______ eat anymore
8. You have been working all day long, You _____ be very tired
9. You ________ have a good mark in the exam without studying.
10. This jacket is good quality; it ______ be very expensive
can
may
Can’t
must
can
may
can
must
can’t
must