Modal verbs play a crucial role in English, helping us express abilities, possibilities, permissions, advice, and more with ease and clarity. Learning how to use modals such as ‘can,’ ‘could,’ and ‘should’ properly will significantly enhance your English communication. In this post, you’ll learn how to use modal verbs effectively through clear explanations and examples, making your sentences sound natural and precise. Whether you’re a learner or an educator, mastering these modals will boost your confidence in speaking and writing. How to Improve Your English
What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs work alongside main verbs to modify their meaning, adding shades of possibility, necessity, or permission.. They do not change their form based on tense or who the subject is and must always be followed by the verb’s base form, without ‘to’.The modal verbs can, could, and should are among the most common, each serving specific functions in different contexts.Understanding ‘Can’ How to Improve Your English
Expressing Ability
When referring to present or future ability, ‘can’ is the typical modal verb.
Example:
She can swim very well.
I can speak three languages.
Asking for and Giving Permission
Informally, ‘can’ serves to request or give permission.
Example:
Can I leave early today?
You can borrow my book.
Expressing Possibility
Sometimes, can shows that something is possible or allowed.
Example:
Accidents can happen anywhere.
It’s possible for it to get extremely cold here in the winter.
Understanding ‘Could’
Past Ability
To express what someone was capable of doing before, we use ‘could’ rather than ‘can’.
Example:
During my youth, I could run faster than I can now.
Polite Requests and Suggestions
Could is often used to make polite requests or suggestions, making your speech sound more respectful.
Example:
Could you please help me with this?
You could try restarting your computer. How to Improve Your English
Expressing Possibility in the Present or Future
The modal verb ‘could’ can express possibility, often showing a lower level of certainty compared to ‘can.’ How to Improve Your English
Example:
It could rain later today.
This plan might work as long as we try hard.
Understanding ‘Should’
How to Improve Your English
Giving Advice or Recommendations
Should is mainly used to give advice, recommendations, or express what is right or expected.
Example:
You should see a doctor if you feel sick.
We should leave early to avoid traffic.
Expressing Obligation or Duty
It can also express a mild obligation or duty.
Example:
Students should complete their assignments on time.
Expectation or Probability
Occasionally, it expresses that something is anticipated or probable. How to Improve Your English
Example:
The train should arrive at 7 pm.
Key Differences Between Can, Could, and Should
Modal Verb Main Use Example How to Improve Your English
“Use ‘can’ to show present ability or to ask for permission—like saying, ‘I can assist you right now.” Could Past ability, polite requests, and possibility. Could you open the window ?Should Advice, obligation, expectation: You should eat more vegetables. How to Improve Your English
Tips for Using Modal Verbs Correctly
After modal verbs, use the simple base form of the verb—never the ‘to’ infinitive.
Correct: She can go.
Incorrect: She can go.
No-s in third person: Modal verbs do not change according to the subject.
Correct: He can swim.
Incorrect: He can swim.
When forming questions, flip the subject and modal verb, and place ‘not’ right after the modal to make negatives.
Example Questions:
Can you help me?
Should we start now?
Example Negatives:
I cannot (can’t) believe it.
You should not (shouldn’t) do that.
Read More:
A Simple Guide to the Parts of Speech with Examples
Why Short Sentences Can Make You Sound Better
Practice Examples
Fill in the blank with the correct modal verb (can, could, or should): How to Improve Your English
You ___ reach out to me anytime whenever you need support.
When I was a child, I ___ climb trees easily.
___ you please pass the salt?
We ___ arrive by 6 pm if we start driving right away
You ___ apologize for being late.
Answers: 1. can, 2. could, 3. Could, 4. should, 5. should
How to Improve Your English
Conclusion
Knowing how to use modal verbs like can, could, and should correctly is vital for effective communication in English. They help express ability, possibility, permission, advice, and expectations in a clear, polite, and natural way .Remember these simple rules and practice regularly to make your sentences more fluent and accurate. Whether you’re learning English or teaching it, understanding these modal verbs will give you a strong foundation for everyday conversations and writing. Start using can, could, and should confidently today, and watch your English skills improve! How to Improve Your English