🔍 Mastering Modal Verbs for TOEIC Success: Can, Could, Might & More

Modal verbs are short, but they carry big weight. In TOEIC Part 5, they’re often used to test whether you can choose the exact word that matches the meaning, tone, and urgency of the sentence.

📌 What Are Modal Verbs?

Modals (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) modify the meaning of the main verb.
They:

  • Never take -s, -ed, or -ing endings.

  • Are always followed by the base form of the verb (can go, should attend, might improve).

In TOEIC, they often appear in grammar traps testing tense consistency, formality, or nuance.

📈 Why They Matter

Compare:

  • You must submit the report by Friday. ✅ Strong obligation.

  • You should submit the report by Friday. ✅ Suggestion.

That change in tone can be the difference between the correct answer and a lost point.

🔹 Common Modal Uses in TOEIC

  • Can / Could → Ability or possibility.
    I can meet tomorrow.
    He could finish it by noon if needed.

  • May / Might → Permission or uncertainty.
    You may leave early today.
    It might rain later.

  • Must / Have to → Necessity or strong obligation.
    Staff must wear ID badges.
    Employees have to submit receipts.

  • Should / Ought to → Advice or weaker obligation.
    You should double-check the figures.
    We ought to leave soon.

  • Would → Hypotheticals and polite offers.
    I would recommend the newer model.

⚠️ Classic TOEIC Pitfalls

  1. Tense mix-ups
    ❌ He must submitted the form.
    ✅ He must have submitted the form.

  2. Incorrect base form
    ❌ She should to leave.
    ✅ She should leave.

  3. Misreading tone/strength
    Choosing can when must is required changes the meaning from optional to mandatory.

📝 Sample Question

Employees ___ attend the training to comply with company policy.

A) can
B) must ✅
C) should
D) may

Why B? The sentence states a requirement, not a suggestion or permission.

Final Word

Modals aren’t just about grammar rules — they’re about intention.
When you see one in TOEIC, ask: Is this about permission, obligation, advice, or possibility?
That single question will help you choose the correct answer faster.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC grammar nuance, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in modal precision today.

🔒 Hidden FAQs — Modal Verbs (English) What is the main function of modal verbs? Modal verbs modify the meaning of the main verb, expressing ability, permission, obligation, or possibility. Do modal verbs take “-s” in third person singular? No. Modals never change form based on subject. We say “She can go,” not “She cans go.” Can you use 'must' in the past tense? No direct past form exists, but “must have + past participle” expresses past certainty. Example: “She must have forgotten.” What's the difference between 'can' and 'could'? 'Can' is for present or general ability. 'Could' can mean past ability or a more polite suggestion. Is 'should' the same as 'must'? No. 'Should' is advice; 'must' expresses obligation or strong necessity. Why is 'may' more formal than 'can'? 'May' is often used in formal settings to express permission. Example: “You may leave early.” Can I say 'should to' or 'must to'? No. Modals are always followed by the base form: “should go,” “must finish,” etc. What does 'might have' mean? It shows possibility in the past. Example: “He might have missed the train.” What is the negative form of 'must'? 'Must not' means prohibition. Example: “You must not smoke here.” Is 'have to' a modal verb? Not technically—it behaves like one and often replaces 'must' in spoken English. What is the polite form of 'can'? 'Could' is used for polite requests or offers. Example: “Could you help me with this?” Why is 'would' used for hypothetical situations? 'Would' shows imagined or unlikely conditions. Example: “I would travel more if I had time.” Can modal verbs be used in passive voice? Yes. Example: “The report must be submitted by noon.” What is the difference between 'shall' and 'will'? 'Shall' is formal or legalistic; 'will' is standard for future intentions. Is 'ought to' commonly used in TOEIC? Less commonly than 'should', but it appears in reading sections occasionally. What’s the meaning of 'must have been'? It implies past certainty. Example: “He must have been tired.” How are modals tested in TOEIC Listening? You may hear requests, obligations, or suggestions—listen for modal clues like “could” or “should.” Can two modals appear together? Not normally. Say “should go,” not “should must go.” What is a modal trap in TOEIC grammar? A distractor that uses incorrect tense or form, like “can to speak” instead of “can speak.” Why do TOEIC questions often mix modal verbs with deadlines? To test whether you understand tone, formality, and level of urgency in business settings.