CAN
Ability & permission
I can work remotely.
Can I use your charger?
MALU TEACHER / UPWARD ENGLISHA2+/B1 • STUDENT VERSION
REAL-LIFE GRAMMAR
Can. Should.
Must. Would.
Four modal verbs for ability, advice, rules and polite choices. First understand the pattern; then practise it in situations you might actually experience.
START HERE
Quick review
SHOULD
Advice & recommendations
You should save a copy of your files.
MUST
Strong rules & obligations
All visitors must show ID at reception.
WOULD
Polite requests, offers & preferences
Would you send me the link?
I would like some tea.
The pattern
| Affirmative | Subject + modal + base verb | She can speak English. |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Subject + modal + not + base verb | You should not skip meals. |
| Question | Modal + subject + base verb? | Would you like some water? |
No to after the modal. No -s on modal verbs. No do/does in modal questions.
TWO IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES
Mustn't = prohibited: You mustn't park here.
Don't have to = not necessary: You don't have to print the ticket.
Would like + to + verb: I would like to book a table.
01 / RECOGNISE
What does the speaker mean?
Choose the correct function. Use each one once.
Ability · Permission · Advice · Obligation · Offer · Preference · Prohibition · Polite request
02 / CHOOSE
Choose the best modal
Read the situation. Choose the most appropriate word.
03 / NOTICE
Find and fix the mistake
Every sentence contains one grammar mistake. Write the corrected sentence.
04 / MEANING MATTERS
Advice, rules or no obligation?
Choose should, must, mustn't or don't have to. Use the clue in brackets.
05 / STRUCTURE
Put the words in order
Make complete sentences and questions. Remember modal + base verb.
06 / TRANSFORM
Say it another way
Rewrite the idea using the word in capitals. Compare your answer with the sample after you try.
07 / REAL SITUATIONS
Complete the mini-dialogues
Complete each gap with a suitable modal. Then practise the dialogues aloud.
08 / YOUR LIFE
Complete about you
Finish the sentences with true information about yourself.
09 / COMMUNICATE
Longer personal answers
Give complete answers. Add a reason, an example or one more detail.
EXAMPLE
What can you do well?
Short: I can cook.
Stronger: I can cook simple meals, and I usually make dinner on weekdays.
10 / SPEAKING
Plan a weekend trip
Work with a partner or write a short conversation. You are planning a weekend trip together.
USE ALL FOUR:
CAN: possibilities · SHOULD: suggestions
MUST: requirements · WOULD: polite requests or preferences
CAN: possibilities · SHOULD: suggestions
MUST: requirements · WOULD: polite requests or preferences
Final check: modal + base verb · clear meaning · at least one reason · a polite question.