This essential English grammar lesson for Tronc Commun students covers the core modal auxiliary verbs: can, could, must, have to, should, and may. It explains their communicative functions—ability, obligation, prohibition, advice, and permission—with practical exam exercises and full answer keys.
💡 Direct Grammar Summary : Modal Verbs Functions
- Ability & Possibility : Can (present ability : ‘I can speak English’), Could (past ability : ‘He could run fast’).
- Obligation & Necessity : Must (strong personal obligation or official rule : ‘You must wear a helmet’), Have to (external necessity imposed by others).
- Prohibition : Mustn’t (strictly forbidden : ‘You mustn’t take photos here’). Note that don’t have to means lack of obligation, NOT prohibition!
- Advice & Recommendation : Should / Ought to (‘You should revise your lessons regularly for the exam’).
- Permission : May / Can (‘May I leave the room, please?’).
1. Common Mistakes Moroccan Students Make with Modal Verbs
- Never add ‘to’ after a modal verb : Modals are always followed by the bare infinitive verb (*He can to speak* ❌ $\implies$ *He can speak* ✅).
- Never add third-person ‘-s’ : Modal verbs do not change form with he, she, or it (*She musts* ❌ $\implies$ *She must* ✅).
- Difference between ‘Mustn’t’ and ‘Don’t have to’ : Mustn’t means it is prohibited (danger/illegal). Don’t have to means it is optional (you can if you want, but it’s not necessary).
2. Documents et exercices à télécharger (PDF)
Consultez et téléchargez les ressources pédagogiques officielles ci-dessous :
| Titre du document | Nature de la ressource | Accès |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson PDF | Document PDF | Télécharger PDF |
| Exercises PDF | Document PDF | Télécharger PDF |
| Answer Key PDF | Document PDF | Télécharger PDF |
3. Questions fréquentes des élèves (FAQ)
Q : Can we use ‘can’ and ‘be able to’ interchangeably?
Yes, in the present tense both express ability. However, ‘be able to’ is used when we need future or perfect tenses (e.g., ‘I will be able to travel next year’).
Télécharger la ressource
Version PDF prête à consulter ou imprimer.