Modal verbs can could may might

Front

What are modal verbs?

Back

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples include can, could, may, might, must.

Front

What does 'can' express?

Back

'Can' expresses ability or possibility. For example, 'I can swim' means I have the ability to swim.

Front

What does 'could' indicate?

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'Could' is the past tense of 'can' and indicates a past ability or a possibility. For example, 'I could swim when I was younger.'

Front

What does 'may' express?

Back

'May' expresses permission or a possibility. For example, 'You may leave the room' means you have permission to leave.

Front

What does 'might' suggest?

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'Might' suggests a lower possibility than 'may.' For example, 'It might rain tomorrow' indicates that there is a chance of rain.

Front

How do you use 'must'?

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'Must' expresses necessity or strong obligation. For example, 'You must finish your homework.'

Front

Can you give an example of 'can' in a question?

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Yes! An example is: 'Can you help me with my homework?'

Front

What is the difference between 'may' and 'might'?

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'May' suggests a higher possibility than 'might.' For example, 'It may rain' is more certain than 'It might rain.'

Front

How do you use 'could' in a sentence?

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You can use 'could' to express a past ability: 'I could ride a bike when I was five.'

Front

What is a common use of 'might'?

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A common use of 'might' is to suggest a possibility: 'We might go to the park later.'