2. Can – May - Should How do we use them?

3. Modal Verbs Can, may, and should are modal verbs. There are many other modal verbs, like may, must, and could. Modal verbs are always followed by a verb in the base form. For example: He can speak Russian. She may leave early today. You should eat your spinach.

4. Modal Verbs Each modal verb has a specific meaning: Can means you are able to do something. May means you aren’t sure if you will do something. Should means that it is a good idea to do something.

5. Note Modal verbs do not take –(e)s in present tense, -ing in present continuous, will in future, or –ed in past. For example: He cans do it. I am maying go now. You will should do more work. They shoulded do it yesterday.

6. Examples He can speak French. = He is able to speak French. You should study now. = It is a good idea to study every day. I may buy a new car next year. = I am not sure if I will buy a new car next year. (Note: All the blue verbs are in the base form.)

7. In summary Modal verbs are always followed by a verb in the base form. Each modal verb has a specific meaning. Modal verbs do not take –(e)s in present tense, -ing in present continuous, will in future, or –ed in past.