Modal Verbs — can, can't, must, mustn't

A1 Beginner
CAN

Use can to talk about ability — things you are able to do.

+I can swim.
+She can speak French.
✏️ Form: subject + can + verb (base form)
⚠️ Can is the same for all subjects. No –s in the third person!
CAN'T

Use can't (cannot) to talk about inability — things you are not able to do.

–I can't drive.
–He can't play the piano.
✏️ Form: subject + can't + verb (base form)
MUST

Use must to talk about rules and strong obligations — things that are necessary.

+You must wear a seatbelt.
+Students must arrive on time.
✏️ Form: subject + must + verb (base form)
MUSTN'T

Use mustn't (must not) for prohibition — things that are not allowed.

–You mustn't smoke here.
–Children mustn't run near the pool.
✏️ Form: subject + mustn't + verb (base form)
⚠️ Mustn't = it is forbidden. This is different from don't have to (not necessary).

Quick Summary

ModalMeaningExample
canabilityI can cook.
can'tinabilityShe can't sing.
mustobligation / ruleYou must pay.
mustn'tprohibitionYou mustn't cheat.

Exercise 1 — True or False?

Read each statement. Choose True or False.

Exercise 2 — Multiple Choice

Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence.

Exercise 3 — Matching

Match each sentence to the correct meaning.

Exercise 4 — Gap Fill

Choose the correct modal verb from the dropdown to complete each sentence.

Exercise 5 — Word Order

Click the words to build the sentence in the correct order. Click a word in the answer area to remove it.

Exercise 6 — Word Sort

Click each sentence to sort it into the correct category.

✅ Ability

❌ Inability

📋 Obligation

🚫 Prohibition

Exercise 7 — Complete the Conversation

Choose the correct modal verb to complete the conversation.

🏆 Your Scores

Exercise 1 — True / False–
Exercise 2 — Multiple Choice–
Exercise 3 — Matching–
Exercise 4 — Gap Fill–
Exercise 5 — Word Order–
Exercise 6 — Word Sort–
Exercise 7 — Conversation–