Modals
Grammar 2: Modals
Are you a 2ème Année Bac student in Morocco? Understanding modal verbs is key to scoring well in your English exam! Modals like can, could, may, might, must, should, will, and would help express ability, permission, obligation, advice, possibility, and more—without complicated conjugations.
What Are Modal Verbs?
- They are auxiliary (helping) verbs used before the base form of another verb.
- They never change form (no -s, -ed, or -ing).
- They are followed directly by the base verb (without “to”).
Example: She can swim. ✅
NOT: She can to swim or swims. ❌
Common Modals & Their Uses
| Modal | Main Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability / Permission (informal) | I can speak French. Can I borrow your pen? |
| Could | Past ability / Polite request / Possibility | She could run fast when she was young. Could you help me? It could rain later. |
| May | Permission (formal) / Possibility | May I leave early? He may be late. |
| Might | Weak possibility | They might come to the party. |
| Must | Obligation / Strong certainty | You must wear a uniform. She’s not here—she must be sick. |
| Should | Advice / Recommendation | You should study harder. We should respect our teachers. |
| Will | Future decisions / Promises | I will call you tomorrow. |
| Would | Hypothetical situations / Polite requests | If I had time, I would travel. Would you like some tea? |
Important Notes
- No “to” after modals: ✅ He must study. ❌ He must to study.
- No infinitive or -ing form**: ✅ They can play football. ❌ They can playing football.
- To express past modals, use have + past participle: - She must have forgotten the test. - They should have revised earlier.
Quick Practice (Bac Exam Style)
Fill in the blanks with the correct modal:
- You ______ wear a helmet when riding a bike. (obligation)
- ______ I use your dictionary, please? (polite permission)
- He ______ be at home—he’s not answering his phone. (logical conclusion)
✅ Answers: 1. must 2. Could / May 3. must
Final Tips for Bac Students
- Learn each modal’s main uses—don’t mix up may (possibility) and must (certainty)!
- Practice writing sentences using modals in context (letters, essays, dialogues).
- Review past Bac exams—they often test modals in grammar and writing sections!
Mastering modals will make your English sound more natural and accurate. Keep practicing—you’ve got this!