Modal and Related Verbs

(prepared by Mr. Walid Yousef)

1. Understand

Modal verbs change or add meaning to the main verb in a sentence. Here is a guide to their functions:

Necessity & Prohibition

Necessity: Something you *must* do. (e.g., must, have to, need to)
Prohibition: Something you are *not allowed* to do. (e.g., mustn't)

No Necessity

Something is optional; you don't have to do it if you don't want to. (e.g., don't have to, needn't)

Duty and Advice

Saying what is the right or good thing to do. (e.g., should, shouldn't, ought to)

Ability & Permission

Ability: Having the physical or mental power to do something. (e.g., can, could, be able to)
Permission: Being allowed to do something. (e.g., can, may)

2. Practice

How to play: Click a word from the bank below to select it, then click the correct category in the table to place it. Get instant feedback!

Word Bank

Function
Verbs

3. Apply in Context

How to play: Read each sentence carefully and choose the correct modal verb from the dropdown menu to get instant feedback!