Grammar
Essential Grammar
Modal Verbs in English
Les verbes modaux en anglais (can, must, should, would) expriment la capacité, l'obligation et la probabilité.
Maîtrisez l'utilisation des modaux grâce à nos explications détaillées et nos exercices interactifs.
Master the modal verbs: can, could, must, should, would, may, might. Essential for expressing ability, obligation, permission, and possibility.
3 Golden Rules for Modals
Pas de -S à la 3ème personne
❌ He cans swim
✅ He can swim
Pas de TO après le modal
❌ I must to go
✅ I must go
Pas de DO dans les questions
❌ Do you can swim?
✅ Can you swim?
All Modal Verbs
CAN
A1Capacité, permission, possibilité
"I can swim. / Can I help you?"
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COULD
A2Capacité passée, politesse, possibilité
"I could swim when I was 5. / Could you help me?"
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MUST
A2Obligation, déduction logique
"You must wear a seatbelt. / She must be tired."
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SHOULD
A2Conseil, recommandation
"You should see a doctor."
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WOULD
B1Conditionnel, politesse, habitudes passées
"I would help if I could. / Would you like some tea?"
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MAY / MIGHT
B1Possibilité, permission formelle
"It may/might rain tomorrow."
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Quick Comparison
| Modal | Meaning | Strength | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAN | Ability, Permission | ⭐⭐⭐ | I can help. |
| MUST | Obligation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | You must go. |
| SHOULD | Advice | ⭐⭐⭐ | You should try. |
| MAY/MIGHT | Possibility | ⭐⭐ | It might rain. |
| WOULD | Conditional | - | I would go if... |
