Modal verbs are verbs that go before other verbs.

They include can, could, may, must, needn’t, will,

shall. They do not take an –s, -ing, or –ed suffix.
They can not be used in all the tenses, for example
the modal verb must only appears in the present
simple.
Modal verbs are always followed by the root form
of another verb.
e.g. He can play basketball. ( NOT: He can plays
basketball.
The modal verb can in the present simple shows that someone
has the ability to do something.

In the past simple it becomes could and shows that someone

had the ability to do something in the past.

We form questions by putting can or could before the subject.

e.g. Can they run? / Could they run?

We form negations by putting the word not after can or could.

e.g. They cannot /can’t run fast.

They could not / couldn’t run fast.
 asking permission
request

ability

ability in the past

ability
 can
can’t

could

couldn’t

Can
couldn’t
couldn’t
Can
Could
 May

May Can
In the present simple the modal verb must shows that it’s
necessary for someone to do something. It expresses
necessity. It’s followed by the root form of the verb.

We form questions by putting must before the subject. e.g.

Must I go now?

We form negations by putting the word not after must. e.g.

You must not / mustn’t talk in class. Mustn’t shows that it is
wrong to do something. It expresses prohibition.

The modal verb needn’t shows that it isn’t necessary to do

something. It expresses a lack of necessity. It’s followed by the
root form of the verb. E.g. You needn’t buy any stamps. I’ve got
some.
needn’t
mustn’t must
needn’t mustn’t