Welcome to our A2 level grammar lesson on Modal Verbs! When working in tourism or hospitality, you will often need to explain what guests are allowed to do, or politely help them with their requests.
We use the helper verbs can and could to express abilities, possibilities, and permission. Let's look at how these tiny words completely change the meaning of your sentences and make you sound more polite.
Welcome to A2 Modals! Working in tourism or business means you often need to explain what people are allowed to do, or politely help them with requests. We use the helper verbs can and could to express abilities, possibilities, and permission. Let's look at how these tiny words change the meaning of your sentences.
warning Common Mistake
In English, we NEVER put the word "to" after a modal verb. You must use the bare base verb. Say "I can speak English," NOT "I can to speak English."
Understanding Can & Could
Current Ability
Can
Used to show that someone has the skill or ability to do something right now.
Example: Sophea can ride a bicycle very well through the countryside.
Past Ability
Could
Used to show that someone had the ability to do something in the past.
Example: When Lisa was young, she could swim across the river easily.
General Truth
Can
Used to express a general truth or that something is generally possible.
Example: It can rain very heavily in the afternoon during the wet season.
Uncertainty
Could
Used to express a possibility when we are less sure. It means "maybe".
Example: Keep looking! We could see some monkeys on the mountain today.
Informal Permission
Can
Used to ask for or give permission in everyday, informal situations.
Example: Can I take a photo of this beautiful carving?
Polite Request
Could
Used to ask for permission or make a request very politely, especially with guests.
Example: Could you help me find my hotel on the map, please?
Knowledge Check
camera_alt The Polite Tourist
A guest wants to take a photo of a monk at the temple. What is the most polite way for them to ask?
(Hint: What is the most polite and formal way to ask for permission?)
pedal_bike Bike Rental Rules
You are explaining the rules at the bike rental shop. How do you tell the guest they are allowed to park the bike anywhere?
(Hint: We use the base verb without 'to' for giving permission.)
psychology Grammar Concept Check
Which of these sentences talks about an ability someone had in the PAST?
(Hint: Look for the modal verb that refers to past time.)
workspace_premium
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Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above.
Understanding Modals
- Can: Shows current ability, possibility, or informal permission. (e.g., "I can swim.")
- Could: Shows past ability, uncertain possibility, or polite requests. (e.g., "I could swim when I was ten.")
Using Modals Correctly
Remember the golden rule for all modal verbs (can, could, will, would, should, etc.):
- Always use the bare infinitive (base verb) after a modal.
- Do not add "to" after the modal verb.
- Do not add "-s" to the verb, even for "he", "she", or "it".
