12 topics

Modality (Modal Verbs)

Modal and semi-modal verbs expressing ability, permission, obligation, possibility, deduction, and advice. Covers can, could, must, should, may, might, will, would, shall, and semi-modals.

A2 B1 B2 C1

Topics in this Category

  1. 1
    A2

    Can / Can't

    Learn Can and Can't to express ability, permission, and possibility in English, with clear A2 rules and common mistakes to avoid.
  2. 2
    A2

    Must / Mustn't

    Learn Must and Mustn't to express strong obligation and prohibition in English, and know exactly when something is required or forbidden.
  3. 3
    A2

    Should / Shouldn't

    Learn Should and Shouldn't to give advice, state moral duty, and share expectations in English — gentler than Must and essential daily.
  4. 4
    B1

    Might / May

    Learn Might and May to express possibility in English, form past possibility with Might/May Have, and use May for formal permission.
  5. 5
    B1

    Have To / Don't Have To

    Learn Have To and Don't Have To to express external obligation and lack of necessity in English, usable in every tense unlike Must.
  6. 6
    B1

    Could

    Learn Could for past ability, polite requests, present possibility, and conditionals in English, plus Could Have for missed chances.
  7. 7
    B1

    Shall

    Learn Shall for offers and suggestions in everyday British English, plus its use for binding obligations in formal and legal writing.
  8. 8
    B2

    Must / Can't for Logical Deduction

    Learn Must and Can't for logical deduction in English — Must for near-certain conclusions and Can't for near-certain impossibilities.
  9. 9
    B2

    Should Have / Could Have / Would Have

    Learn Should Have, Could Have, and Would Have to express regret and missed chances in English — essential for third conditionals.
  10. 10
    B2

    Needn't / Needn't Have

    Learn Needn't and Needn't Have to express unnecessary actions in English, and see the key contrast with Mustn't and Didn't Need To.
  11. 11
    C1

    Modal Perfect for Deduction (must have, can't have, might have)

    Master modal perfects for past deduction in English — Must Have, Can't Have, Might Have, Should Have, and modal perfect continuous.
  12. 12
    C1

    Semi-Modals (be about to, be supposed to, be bound to)

    Learn semi-modals like Be About To, Be Supposed To, and Be Bound To to express nuanced meanings core modal verbs in English cannot.