TOEIC Part 5: Mastering Modal Verbs for Precision and Tone

Modal verbs are small, but they change everything — tone, meaning, and intention. In TOEIC Part 5, they’re used to test whether you can choose the form that matches the logic, formality, and context of the sentence.

🔹 What Are Modals?

Modals are auxiliary verbs that come before the base form of a main verb.
They never change form — no -s, -ed, or -ing endings.

Examples:

  • can go

  • should review

  • must attend

  • might be late

🔹 Modals of Ability — Can / Could

  • Can → present/future ability or possibility.
    I can finish the report by noon.
    We can meet after lunch.

  • Could → past ability or polite suggestion.
    She could speak three languages as a child.
    Could you send me the file?

TOEIC trap: using can for past events or mixing formality levels.

🔹 Modals of Obligation — Must / Have to / Should / Ought to

  • Must → strong, often internal obligation.
    You must wear your ID badge.

  • Have to → external requirement (rules/laws).
    Employees have to submit receipts.

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

TOEIC trap: mixing must (requirement) with should (advice).

🔹 Modals of Permission — Can / May

  • Can → informal permission.
    Can I leave early today?

  • May → more formal/polite.
    May I speak to Mr. Tanaka?

In formal business English, may is more likely to appear in TOEIC correct answers.

🔹 Modals of Possibility — May / Might / Could

All three express uncertainty, but differ in tone:

  • It may rain this afternoon.

  • We might need to revise the schedule.

  • She could be at lunch now.

TOEIC trap: all are possible, but the right choice matches the tone and context.

🔹 Modals in the Passive — Should be completed / Must be submitted

TOEIC loves to combine modals with passive voice:
modal + be + past participle

Examples:

  • All reports must be submitted by Friday.

  • The shipment should be delivered tomorrow.

📝 Sample Question

The documents ___ be signed by a supervisor before submission.

A) can
B) must ✅
C) should
D) may

Why B? The sentence describes a rule, not a suggestion or option.

Final Word

In Part 5, modals are about more than grammar — they’re about meaning, tone, and logic.
Once you know the difference between must vs should, can vs could, and how formality plays into can vs may, you’ll answer faster and with more certainty.

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

🔒 HIDDEN FAQ — MODALS (EN) Q1. What’s the difference between “must” and “have to”? A1. “Must” often expresses internal or personal obligation. “Have to” usually refers to external rules or laws. Q2. When should I use “should” instead of “must”? A2. Use “should” for advice or recommendations. Use “must” when something is necessary or required. Q3. Can I use “could” in the present tense? A3. Yes. “Could” is used for polite suggestions or possibilities in the present: “You could check with HR.” Q4. What’s the correct form after a modal verb? A4. Always use the base form of the main verb after a modal: “should go,” not “should goes” or “should went.” Q5. How do I know when to use “may” vs. “might”? A5. Both express possibility, but “may” is slightly stronger or more formal. TOEIC accepts either unless tone matters. Q6. Can modals be used in the passive voice? A6. Yes. The structure is: modal + be + past participle. Example: “The report must be submitted.” Q7. What’s the difference between “can” and “could” for ability? A7. “Can” is for present/future ability. “Could” is for past ability or more polite suggestions. Q8. Is “ought to” commonly used on TOEIC? A8. It appears occasionally, usually in Part 5, but “should” is much more common and acceptable. Q9. Are modals ever followed by “to”? A9. Most modals are not. But exceptions like “ought to,” “have to,” and “be supposed to” do require “to.” Q10. Do modal verbs change form for different subjects? A10. No. Modals are fixed — no -s, -ed, or -ing. You say “He can go,” not “He cans go.”