Modal Verbs

Learn English modal verbs — can, could, must, should, may, might. Understand their meaning, how to use them correctly, and common mistakes to avoid.

  • المسار: اللغة الإنجليزية
  • القسم: القواعد
  • المستوى: B1
  • وقت القراءة: 1 دقيقة
  • آخر تحديث: 20 أغسطس 2026

الأفعال الناقصة (modal verbs) مثل can و must و should تأتي قبل الفعل الرئيسي في صيغته الأصلية بدون to. نستخدم can للقدرة والإمكانية، و must للضرورة القوية أو الالتزام، و should للنصيحة.

الأسئلة الشائعة

What is the difference between 'must' and 'have to'?
'Must' usually expresses an obligation the speaker imposes on themselves or others: 'I must study harder' (my own conclusion). 'Have to' usually expresses an external obligation: 'I have to renew my passport' (the law requires it). In negatives they mean very different things: 'You mustn't do that' = it is forbidden; 'You don't have to do that' = it is not necessary.
What is the difference between 'can' and 'may' for asking permission?
In formal contexts, 'may' is the correct choice for requesting or granting permission: 'May I leave early?' In everyday informal English, 'can' is widely accepted: 'Can I borrow your pen?' In academic writing or formal situations, prefer 'may'. Both are grammatically defensible — the choice is about register.
How do I express a past obligation using a modal verb?
Modal verbs do not have simple past tenses. Instead, use: must → had to (past obligation): 'I had to wait for two hours'; can → could or was able to (past ability): 'She could swim at age four'; should → should have + past participle (advice about the past): 'You should have called me'.