What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are helper words that go before the main verb to add meaning about ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or advice. In SPM English, they appear everywhere — in grammar questions, essay writing, comprehension, and speaking tests.
The main modals: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must
Two critical rules that apply to ALL modals:
- Never add “s” to a modal: “She can swim” NOT “She cans swim”
- The verb after a modal is always base form: “He must go” NOT “He must goes” or “He must to go”
The Core Modals and Their Uses
Can — Ability and Permission (Present)
Ability: “I can speak three languages.” Permission (informal): “Can I go to the toilet?” Possibility: “It can get very hot in April.”
Could — Past Ability, Polite Requests, Possibility
Past ability: “When I was young, I could run very fast.” Polite request: “Could you help me with this question?” (More polite than “can”) Possibility: “It could rain later.” (Less certain than “may”)
May — Permission (Formal) and Possibility
Permission (formal): “May I borrow your dictionary?” Possibility: “She may come to the party.” (About 50% likely)
SPM tip: In formal writing (letters, reports), use “may” for permission instead of “can.”
Might — Weak Possibility
Weak possibility: “He might be late.” (Less likely than “may”) Uncertain suggestion: “You might want to check your answers.”
Should — Advice and Expectation
Advice: “You should study every day.” Expectation: “The bus should arrive at 8 a.m.” Mild obligation: “Students should wear the school uniform.”
Must — Strong Obligation and Logical Conclusion
Strong obligation: “You must submit your homework by Friday.” Logical conclusion: “She scored A for every test. She must be very hardworking.” Prohibition (must not): “You must not use your phone during the exam.”
Will — Future and Willingness
Future: “I will take SPM next year.” Willingness: “I will help you with your essay.” Promise: “I will never give up.”
Would — Polite Requests and Hypothetical
Polite request: “Would you mind closing the window?” Hypothetical: “If I had more time, I would read more books.” Past habit: “When we were kids, we would play in the park every evening.”
Shall — Suggestions and Formal Future
Suggestions: “Shall we start the discussion?” Formal future: “I shall return the book tomorrow.”
Note: “Shall” is mainly used with “I” and “we.” It’s less common in modern English but still appears in SPM.
Comparing Similar Modals
Must vs Should vs Have To
| Modal | Strength | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Must | Very strong (compulsory) | “You must wear a helmet.” |
| Should | Medium (advisable) | “You should wear a helmet.” |
| Have to | Strong (external rule) | “You have to wear a helmet.” |
Key difference: “Must” comes from the speaker’s authority. “Have to” comes from external rules. In essays, use “must” for strong recommendations and “should” for general advice.
Can vs May vs Could
| Modal | Use | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability / Informal permission | Casual |
| May | Formal permission / Possibility | Formal |
| Could | Past ability / Polite request | Polite |
For SPM formal writing: prefer “may” for permission and “could” for polite requests.
Common SPM Mistakes with Modals
1. Adding “to” After Modals
Wrong: “She must to study harder.” Right: “She must study harder.”
Exception: “ought to” and “have to” do use “to” — but “ought” and “have” are semi-modals.
2. Adding “-s” to the Verb After a Modal
Wrong: “He can speaks English well.” Right: “He can speak English well.”
3. Double Modals
Wrong: “She will can come tomorrow.” Right: “She will be able to come tomorrow.”
You cannot stack two modals together. Use alternatives:
- can → be able to
- must → have to
- should → ought to
4. Confusing “Must Not” and “Don’t Have To”
“Must not” = prohibited (cannot do it): “You must not cheat.” “Don’t have to” = not necessary (choice): “You don’t have to wear a tie.”
This is a classic SPM trap. “Must not” is about prohibition; “don’t have to” is about freedom.
5. Using “Can” Instead of “Could” for Past
Wrong: “Last year, I can barely speak English.” Right: “Last year, I could barely speak English.”
How Modals Appear in SPM Papers
Paper 1: Cloze Passage
You’ll choose the correct modal from options. The context tells you whether the answer is about ability, permission, obligation, or possibility.
Paper 1: Grammar Section
Direct questions testing modal usage, often with tricky options like “must” vs “should.”
Paper 2: Essay Writing
Using modals correctly in essays shows grammar range. Instead of always writing “We need to study,” vary it: “We should study,” “We must prioritise,” “Students could benefit from…”
Speaking Test
Modals help you express opinions politely: “I think we should…” “This could help…” “Students might find it useful…”
Practice Exercise
Choose the correct modal:
- She _____ (can/may) play the piano. She learned when she was five.
- _____ (May/Can) I use your phone? (Formal situation)
- You _____ (must/should) stop at a red light. (It’s the law)
- He _____ (might/will) come to the party, but he’s not sure yet.
- When I was a child, I _____ (can/could) climb trees easily.
Answers:
- can (ability)
- May (formal permission)
- must (legal obligation)
- might (uncertain possibility)
- could (past ability)
Build Your Grammar Confidence
Modal verbs show up in every section of SPM English. At SPMEnglish.com.my, we practise modals in context — not just isolated exercises, but within essay writing, comprehension answers, and speaking practice. WhatsApp us to strengthen your grammar across all SPM papers.
Related Resources
- Grammar & Sentence Structure — Full grammar programme
- Tenses Guide — Another essential grammar topic
- Complex Sentences — Use modals in complex structures
- Essay Writing Tips — Apply modals in your writing