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What Are 'Can', 'May', and 'Should'?
Can, may, and should are modal verbs that are grammatically similar but express different meanings.
Can
'Can' is used to talk about ability. It has the same form for all persons and is always used with the base form of the verb. Look at the examples:
I can ride a bicycle.
'Can' is used to talk about ability.
She can paint beautiful pictures.
'Can' has the same form for all subjects.
They can drive.
May
'May' expresses possibility. Like 'can', it has the same form for all persons and is always used with the base form of the verb. Here are some examples:
It may rain this afternoon.
She may arrive soon.
Should
'Should' shows obligation and duty and it has the same form for all persons and is always used with the base form of the verb.
You should stay here.
Students should complete their homework on time.
Question
To form questions using these modals, they move to the beginning of the sentence, and the subject and the base form of the main verb come after them. For example:
Can you drive?
Should I call the doctor?
Negation
To make negative sentences using these modals, simply add 'not' after them and then add the main verb. Here are some examples:
I cannot run that fast.
I may not see you tomorrow.
You should not do that.
Warning!
Modals cannot be used with 'do/does/did' or 'to be' verbs in the same sentence.
They do may come to the party.
I am can run very fast.
She does should sit down.
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses the modal verb 'may'?
She may to arrive soon.
It may rain this evening.
They may goes home now.
We may not can attend.
Which sentence shows an obligation?
Can I borrow your book?
I may not come to the meeting.
You should visit your parents.
She can dance gracefully.
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb.
He
speak three languages.
He
be at the party later, but we are not sure.
You
go to bed early if you want to feel better tomorrow.
They
finish their homework before going out to play.
you help me with this task?
Complete the table with the correct modal verb based on the meaning of the sentences.
| Sentence | Modal |
|---|---|
I speak French fluently. | |
I drive a car. | |
Respect your parents. | |
Possibility of rain at night. | |
Study more for the test. |
Which sentence is the correct negative form of "She may leave early"?
She may not leave early.
She not may leave early.
She not may leaves early.
She may leave not early.
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