Modal Verbs — should, have to, could, might

A2 Elementary
SHOULD / SHOULDN'T

Use should to give advice or make a recommendation.

+You should drink more water.
+She should see a doctor.
–You shouldn't eat so much sugar.
✏️ Form: subject + should / shouldn't + verb (base form)
💡 Should is softer than must — it's advice, not a rule.
HAVE TO / DON'T HAVE TO

Use have to for external obligations — rules from outside.

+I have to work on Saturdays.
+She has to wear a uniform.
–We don't have to arrive early. (not necessary)
✏️ Form: subject + have to / has to + verb (base form)
⚠️ Use has to with he / she / it.
⚠️ Remember: don't have to = not necessary (you can choose!). This is DIFFERENT from mustn't = not allowed.
COULD

Use could for past ability, or to make polite requests.

+When I was young, I could run very fast. (past ability)
+Could you help me, please? (polite request)
✏️ Form: subject + could + verb (base form)
MIGHT

Use might to talk about possibility — something is maybe true or will maybe happen.

+It might rain later.
+I might go to the party.
✏️ Form: subject + might + verb (base form)
💡 Might = maybe / perhaps. It is not certain.

Quick Summary

ModalMeaningExample
shouldadviceYou should sleep more.
shouldn'tnegative adviceYou shouldn't smoke.
have toobligation (external)I have to wear a uniform.
don't have tonot necessaryYou don't have to come.
couldpast ability / polite requestCould you help me?
mightpossibilityIt might snow tonight.

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 a category box first, then click the sentence to place it there. Click a placed sentence to remove it.

💡 Advice

📋 Obligation

🕐 Past Ability / Request

❓ Possibility

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–