En

Modal verbs (must, should, have to, may)

A2 (Pre-Intermediate)

Rule details

Modal verbs (must, should, have to, may)

A2 (Pre-Intermediate)

1. How they are formed

General pattern:

Subject + modal verb + main verb (bare infinitive)
Subject + have to + main verb

Examples: must go, should study, may enter, have to work

2. When to use

  • Must for strong obligation or necessity.
  • Should for advice and recommendations.
  • Have to for external rules/requirements.
  • May for possibility or permission.

3. Examples

Must (obligation):

You must wear a seat belt.

Should (advice):

You should drink more water.

Have to (external necessity):

I have to finish this report today.

May (possibility/permission):

You may leave early if you finish your work.

4. Differences and notes

Must vs Have to

Must is often internal/personal obligation; have to is usually external requirement.

Should vs Must

Should is recommendation; must is stronger and mandatory.

May vs Must

May indicates possibility; must indicates necessity or strong certainty (in context).

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