Modal Verbs for Beginners

Elementary Grammar A2

In this article, Elementary Grammar A2 learners study modal verbs.

You will learn how to use modal verbs in clear English sentences.

The key question is: How can I use modal verbs correctly without guessing?

The main rule to remember is: Use modal verb plus the base verb without to, except for semi-modals such as ought to and have to.

Can and Could Explained

Elementary Grammar A2

In this article, Elementary Grammar A2 learners study can and could.

You will learn how can and could express ability, possibility, permission, and polite requests.

The key question is: Does the sentence talk about ability now, ability in the past, possibility, or politeness?

Shall and Should Explained

Elementary Grammar A2

In this article, Elementary Grammar A2 learners study shall and should.

You will learn how should gives advice and shall appears in offers, suggestions, and formal language.

The key question is: Is the sentence giving advice, making an offer, or sounding formal?

Will vs Would Explained

Elementary Grammar A2

In this article, Elementary Grammar A2 learners study will vs would.

You will learn how will and would differ in certainty, future meaning, politeness, habit, and imagined situations.

The key question is: Is the sentence real and future, polite, habitual in the past, or hypothetical?

Ought To Explained

Elementary Grammar A2

In this article, Elementary Grammar A2 learners study ought to.

You will learn how ought to gives advice, expectation, or moral recommendation.

The key question is: Is the speaker saying what is right, sensible, or expected?

The main rule to remember is: Use modal verb plus the base verb without to, except for semi-modals such as ought to and have to.

Adverbs of Frequency Explained

Beginner to Elementary Grammar A1

In this article, Beginner to Elementary Grammar A1 learners study adverbs of frequency.

You will learn where to place always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never.

The key question is: How often does the action happen?

The main rule to remember is: Place the adverb where it clearly connects to the word or idea it modifies.