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Grammar • Level 1 (Beginner)

Lesson 06: Modal Verbs of Ability & Permission



Mastering Can, Could & May — Rules, Sentence Formulas & Practice Exercises

📌 1. What are Modal Verbs (Can, Could, May)?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs used alongside a main verb to express ability, permission, polite requests, or possibility. They stay unchanged regardless of the subject and do not take "-s" or "-ed".

Modal Verb Primary Functions Real-Life Examples
CAN 1. Present Ability
2. Informal Permission
3. Informal Request		 • I can speak English fluently.
• You can use my laptop.
• Can you help me?
COULD 1. Past Ability
2. Polite / Formal Request
3. Weak Possibility		 • She could read at age 4.
• Could you please open the window?
• It could rain later today.
MAY 1. Formal Permission
2. Possibility (50% chance)		 • May I ask a question, Professor?
• She may join us tonight.

📊 2. Sentence Structures & Formulas

Form Formula Real-Life Example
Affirmative (+) Subject + Modal (can / could / may) + Base Verb (V1) He can play the piano exceptionally well.
Negative (-) Subject + Modal + NOT (can't / couldn't / may not) + Base Verb We cannot / can't attend the meeting today.
Question (?) Modal (Can / Could / May) + Subject + Base Verb (V1)...? Could you pass the salt, please?
⚠️ GOLDEN RULES FOR MODAL VERBS:
1. Never add "to" after modal verbs: Modal verbs are followed directly by the Base Verb.
• Correct: I can swim. ✅ | Incorrect: I can to swim. ❌
2. No "-s" for third-person singular (he/she/it):
• Correct: She can speak French. ✅ | Incorrect: She cans speak French. ❌

📝 3. Practice Exercises

Exercise A: Choose the correct modal verb (Can, Could, or May):

  1. _________ I please ask a question, Professor? (Formal permission)
  2. When he was young, he _________ run 10 kilometers easily. (Past ability)
  3. Sarah _________ speak three languages fluently. (Present ability)
  4. Excuse me, _________ you tell me the time, please? (Polite request)
  5. You _________ not park your car here; it is private property. (Negative permission)

Exercise B: Spot and correct the mistake:

  1. She cans swim very fast. ❌
  2. May I to open the window? ❌
  3. He couldn't played football yesterday. ❌
💡 Click here to view Answer Key & Explanations

Exercise A Answers:

1. May (Formal request to a professor)
2. Could (Past ability)
3. Can (Present ability)
4. Could (Polite request)
5. May not / Cannot (Prohibition)

Exercise B Answers:

1. She can swim... (No '-s' on modal verbs)
2. May I open... (Do not put 'to' after modal verbs)
3. He couldn't play... (Use base verb V1 after modal verb)

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