Modal Verbs — should, have to, could, might

A2 Elementary · Lesson 2
SHOULD / SHOULDN'T

Use should to give advice or make a recommendation.

+You should get more sleep — you look exhausted.
–You shouldn't skip breakfast. It's the most important meal.
✏️ Form: subject + should / shouldn't + verb (base form)
💡 Should is softer than must — it is advice, not a rule.
HAVE TO / DON'T HAVE TO

Use have to for obligations that come from outside — rules, jobs, situations.

+I have to take three buses to get to work.
–You don't have to bring anything — we have everything ready.
✏️ Use has to with he / she / it.
⚠️ Don't have to = not necessary. Very different from mustn't = forbidden.
COULD

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

+When I was young, I could climb trees easily.
+Could you pass the salt, please?
✏️ Form: subject + could + verb (base form)
MIGHT

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

+Take an umbrella — it might rain this afternoon.
+She might be at the office — I'm not sure.
✏️ Form: subject + might + verb (base form)
💡 Might = perhaps / maybe. It is not certain.

Quick Summary

ModalMeaningExample
shouldadviceYou should rest.
shouldn'tnegative adviceYou shouldn't rush.
have toobligationShe has to wear a uniform.
don't have tonot necessaryYou don't have to stay.
couldpast ability / polite requestCould you help me?
mightpossibilityIt might be closed.

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 placed word to remove it.

Exercise 6 — Word Sort

Read each sentence carefully. Click a category box first, then click the sentence to place it there.

💡 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–