Modal Auxiliaries | can, may, must

Front

What are modal auxiliaries?

Back

Modal auxiliaries are special verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples include can, may, and 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 'may' express?

Back

'May' expresses permission or a possibility. For example, 'May I go outside?' asks for permission.

Front

What does 'must' express?

Back

'Must' expresses necessity or obligation. For example, 'You must finish your homework' means it is necessary to finish it.

Front

Complete the sentence: Iñigo __________ join us if the entire group agrees.

Back

can

Front

Complete the sentence: __________ you leave the school right away?

Back

can

Front

Complete the sentence: __________ I borrow your copy of Mythology book?

Back

may

Front

Complete the sentence: We __________ help in the research work.

Back

must

Front

Complete the sentence: Steph and Sophia __________ bring you home if we end our meeting late.

Back

must

Front

When do we use 'can'?

Back

We use 'can' to talk about abilities or to ask for permission informally.