Modal verbs: can vs must: How and When to Use in English

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Modal verbs: can vs must

Can and must are modal verbs. They have a single form, which we use with a verb in the infinitive.

Can I have a glass of wine, please?

You must return by midnight.

Use must Must, long and short forms to express:

  • obligations and orders.

We must be on time!

You must clean your room.

  • prohibitions, especially in the negative form.

You must not open that door.

You mustn't cross this line.

Use can to talk about: 

  • abilities or inabilities.

-Can you speak English? -No, I can't.

Timmy can swim but he cannot fly.

  • possibilities.

In winter, it can snow a lot.

We can go to the bar.

  • permissions, especially in questions.

-Can I help you? -Yes, please!

-Can I bring my dog to the party? -Of course you can!

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