Direct answer. Modal verbs show ability, permission, advice, obligation or probability. In exercises, check the meaning first, then choose the modal verb: can for ability, must for strong obligation, should for advice, may or might for possibility.
This page gives a compact rule, examples with translation, practice tasks and answers. The exercises are written for learners who want to stop choosing modal verbs by guesswork.
Quick rule
| Modal verb | Main meaning | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| can | ability or informal permission | I can swim. | Я умею плавать. |
| must | strong obligation | You must wear a seat belt. | Вы должны пристегнуть ремень. |
| should | advice | You should rest. | Вам следует отдохнуть. |
| have to | external necessity | I have to work tomorrow. | Мне нужно работать завтра. |
| may | permission or possibility | You may leave now. | Вы можете уйти сейчас. |
| might | weak possibility | It might rain. | Возможно, пойдет дождь. |
How to choose the right modal verb
Ask one question before you answer: what is the speaker trying to express? If the sentence is about skill, use can. If it is about a rule or duty, use must or have to. If it is advice, use should.
Compare: You must call the doctor. (Ты должен позвонить врачу.) This sounds strong. You should call the doctor. (Тебе стоит позвонить врачу.) This sounds like advice.
Exercise 1 choose the modal verb
Choose can, must, should, have to, may or might.
- You ___ stop at a red light.
- She ___ speak three languages.
- I ___ finish this report today because my manager needs it.
- It ___ snow tonight, but I am not sure.
- You ___ try this exercise again.
- ___ I open the window?
- Children ___ not play near the road.
- He ___ be at home. The lights are off.
- We ___ buy tickets before Friday.
- You ___ use my phone if yours is dead.
Exercise 2 rewrite the sentence
Rewrite each sentence using the modal verb in brackets.
- It is necessary for me to leave early. (have to)
- It is a good idea to drink more water. (should)
- She is able to read fast. (can)
- Perhaps they are late. (might)
- You are not allowed to park here. (must not)
- Is it okay if I ask a question? (may)
- It is very important that he tells the truth. (must)
- Maybe this answer is correct. (may)
Answers
Show answers to Exercise 1
- must
- can
- have to
- might
- should
- May
- must
- might
- have to
- can
Show answers to Exercise 2
- I have to leave early.
- You should drink more water.
- She can read fast.
- They might be late.
- You must not park here.
- May I ask a question?
- He must tell the truth.
- This answer may be correct.
Typical mistakes
| Mistake | Why it is wrong | Correct sentence |
|---|---|---|
| He can to drive. | Use infinitive without to after can. | He can drive. (Он умеет водить.) |
| She musts go. | Modal verbs do not take s in the third person. | She must go. (Она должна идти.) |
| Do you can help me? | Use the modal verb before the subject in questions. | Can you help me? (Ты можешь мне помочь?) |
| I should to call him. | Should is followed by the base verb. | I should call him. (Мне стоит ему позвонить.) |
Mini test
- I ___ not hear you. The room is too noisy.
- You ___ eat so much sugar.
- Students ___ bring their passports to the exam.
- She ___ come later. She has not decided yet.
Mini test answers
1. can, 2. should not, 3. must or have to, 4. may or might.
Practice notes for Russian speakers
Russian learners often translate должен as must every time. This is not always correct. If the sentence describes a schedule, a rule from work or a real life necessity, have to may sound more natural: I have to get up early. (Мне нужно рано вставать.) If the speaker gives a strong personal order, must is better: You must listen carefully. (Ты должен слушать внимательно.)
Another common problem is using can where English needs may or might. Can often means ability: She can drive. (Она умеет водить.) Might means weak possibility: She might drive today. (Возможно, она сегодня поедет за рулем.)
Extra examples
- You should check the answer. (Тебе стоит проверить ответ.)
- You must not touch this wire. (Нельзя трогать этот провод.)
- We have to change trains in London. (Нам нужно сделать пересадку в Лондоне.)
- May I sit here? (Можно я сяду здесь?)
- This plan might work. (Возможно, этот план сработает.)
- He cannot come today. (Он не может прийти сегодня.)
Related grammar practice
After modal verbs, practise nearby topics: English conjunctions exercises, linking words practice, quantifiers exercises and the main English tests section.
FAQ
What is the difference between must and have to?
Must often sounds like a strong personal rule or order. Have to often describes an outside requirement: I have to work. (Мне нужно работать.)
Can I say must to?
No. Use the base verb after must: You must go. (Ты должен идти.)
Is should weaker than must?
Yes. Should gives advice. Must expresses strong obligation.
What is the negative of can?
The usual negative form is cannot or can’t: I can’t hear you. (Я тебя не слышу.)
