QuickenBrain

Modal verbs: can, could, must, have to

VerbsRule 8 of 10

The rule

A modal verb takes the base verb, with no "to" and no -s: "She can swim", never "can to swim" or "cans swim". "Must" has no past form; for past obligation use "had to". "Don't have to" means something is not necessary.

Wrong and right

  1. Wrong I can to swim.

    Right I can swim.

  2. Wrong She cans speak French.

    Right She can speak French.

  3. Wrong He must to finish the report today.

    Right He must finish the report today.

  4. Wrong We must worked late yesterday.

    Right We had to work late yesterday.

  5. Wrong You don't must pay for the update.

    Right You don't have to pay for the update.

  6. Wrong He can plays the guitar.

    Right He can play the guitar.