Your Super Guide to Modal Verbs: can, should, & might!

Hello! Welcome to your study notes on a special group of words called Modal Verbs. Don't worry if that sounds complicated – it's actually quite simple! Think of modal verbs as "power-ups" for your main verbs. They add extra meaning like ability, advice, or possibility to your sentences. By the end of this guide, you'll be using can, should, and might like a pro!


First Things First: What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are helper verbs. They can't work alone; they need a main verb to help. The most important rule to remember is how to build a sentence with them.

The Golden Rule of Modal Verbs

The structure is always the same, and it's super easy! Just follow this formula:

Subject + Modal Verb + Main Verb (in its basic form)

For example:

She can sing.
We should listen.
He might come.

Notice that the main verbs (sing, listen, come) are in their simple, base form. No "-ing", "-ed", or "-s" at the end. Easy, right? You've got this!


Let's Explore: The Amazing CAN

Can is one of the most common modal verbs. It has a few different jobs.

Job 1: Talking about Ability

This is when you talk about something you know how to do or are able to do.

  • I can swim very fast. (This shows my ability to swim)
  • My brother can speak three languages.
  • Birds can fly, but pigs can't.

Job 2: Asking for and Giving Permission

You use can when you want to ask if it's okay to do something. It's a friendly and common way to ask.

  • "Can I borrow your pen, please?"
  • "Can we go home now?" "Yes, you can."

Job 3: Showing Possibility

This is for talking about things that are possible or could happen.

  • It can get very cold here in winter. (It is possible for it to be cold)
  • Watching too much TV can be bad for your eyes.
Quick Review: CAN

Use CAN to talk about:

1. Ability (what you can do)
2. Permission (asking if it's okay)
3. Possibility (what might happen)


Next Up: The Helpful SHOULD

Think of should as the "good advice" verb. You use it to say what you think is the right or best thing to do.

Job: Giving Advice and Suggestions

When you want to help someone by giving them a suggestion, should is your best friend.

  • You look sick. You should see a doctor.
  • It's a great book. You should read it!
  • We should help our parents with the housework.

Using SHOULD in the Negative (shouldn't)

To give advice about what *not* to do, we use should not or the contraction shouldn't.

  • You shouldn't talk when the teacher is talking.
  • He shouldn't play video games all night.
Did you know?

Using "should" is a polite way to give your opinion or advice. It sounds much softer and friendlier than saying "You must do this!". This is great for speaking and writing in a friendly tone.

Quick Review: SHOULD

Use SHOULD to:

1. Give advice (what is a good idea)
2. Make suggestions

Use SHOULDN'T to advise against something.


Last but not Least: The Cautious MIGHT

Might is the verb for possibilities when you are not 100% sure. It's for guessing or talking about something that could happen, but maybe it won't.

Job: Expressing Possibility (when you're not sure)

If you're not certain about something, might is the perfect word to use.

  • Take an umbrella. It might rain later. (I'm not sure if it will rain, but it's possible)
  • She might join our team, but she hasn't decided yet.
  • "Where is David?" "I don't know, he might be in the library."

How is MIGHT different from CAN (for possibility)?

This can be a little tricky, but don't worry! Here's a simple way to think about it:

Can often talks about a general possibility.
i>Driving too fast can be dangerous. (This is a general truth).

Might talks about a specific, uncertain possibility.
i>Slow down! We might have an accident on this icy road. (This is a specific possibility right now).

Quick Review: MIGHT

Use MIGHT to:

1. Talk about an uncertain possibility (it could happen, but you're not sure)


Putting It All Together: Cheat Sheet!

Here’s a simple table to help you remember everything.

MODAL
CAN
SHOULD
MIGHT

MAIN JOB
Ability, Permission, Possibility
Advice or Suggestion
Uncertain Possibility

EXAMPLE
I can play basketball.
You should do your homework.
They might be late.


Common Mistakes to Avoid!

Even the best students make mistakes. Here are a few common ones to watch out for. Learning these will make you an expert!

1. Don't add 'to' after the modal verb.
WRONG: She can to dance.
RIGHT: She can dance.

2. Don't add '-s' for he/she/it. Modal verbs never change!
WRONG: He shoulds study.
RIGHT: He should study.

3. Always use the base form of the main verb.
WRONG: We might going to the cinema.
RIGHT: We might go to the cinema.


Key Takeaways

Congratulations! You've learned the basics of can, should, and might. Let's do a final recap:

  • Modal verbs are helper verbs that add meaning to the main verb.
  • Can is for ability, permission, and possibility.
  • Should is for giving friendly advice.
  • Might is for talking about possibilities you're not sure about.
  • The formula is always: Subject + Modal + Base Verb.

Keep practising, and soon you'll find yourself using these words naturally in your speaking and writing. Great job!