B1 PRELIMINARY · GRAMMAR · READING PART 6 & WRITING
Modal verbs: can, must, have to, should
Ability (can), rules (must, have to), advice (should) and no obligation (don't have to).
Finn says
Modal verbs are short words with big meanings. They're very common in Reading Part 1 notices ('You must…', 'You don't have to…') – and the difference matters!
The main modal verbs
Modal + verb, with no "to" (except have to).
can / could
ability, permission, requests
I can swim. Could you help me?
must / have to
obligation
You must wear a helmet. I have to work on Saturdays.
should
advice
You should see a doctor.
Negatives with different meanings
mustn't
it's not allowed
You mustn't use your phone in the exam.
don't have to
it's not necessary
You don't have to bring food – lunch is included.
shouldn't
it's not a good idea
You shouldn't stay up so late.
How it comes up in Part 6
In Reading Part 6 you write one word in each gap. The missing words are often small grammar words like these.
You mustn't smoke in the hospital. It's not allowed.
Not allowed → mustn't.
I can speak three languages.
Ability → can.
You look tired. You should go to bed early tonight.
Advice → should.
Common mistakes
- ✗ You must to show your ticket.✓ You must show your ticket.No 'to' after must.
- ✗ He cans play the guitar.✓ He can play the guitar.Modal verbs never take -s.
- ✗ You mustn't pay – it's free.✓ You don't have to pay – it's free.Not necessary → don't have to.
Finn's exam tip
In Reading Part 1, read notices carefully: 'must' and 'mustn't' are rules, but 'don't have to' just means it's not necessary. Many wrong answers mix them up!
Quick check
Write one word in each gap.
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