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Lesson Plan June 26, 2026

Topic: Modal Verbs (1)

In this lesson we will learn about using modal verbs to talk about ability (what you can or are able to do), and obligation (what you must or have to do) in the past, present and future.

Section A: Introduction

Read the following conversation and then look at the chart below.

Tom: Hi Alex. did you have a good evening?
Alex: It was OK but I couldn’t go swimming because the pool was closed.
Tom: That’s a shame. Are you able to go another time?
Alex: Yes, but not today because I have to do my homework. what did you do?
Tom: I had to tidy my room and then I played with my new game. You must try it. It’s great.
Alex: I’d like that. Anyways I must go now. I mustn’t miss my bus.

Can

• Past Form

  • He couldn’t go swimming.

  • They couldn’t find him.

  • Could you see anything?

• Present Form

  • I can swim very well.

  • I can’t drive.

  • Can you buy me one?

• There is no Future Form of “can”

Be able to

• Past Form

  • They were able to buy one.

  • She wasn’t able to finish it.

  • Were you able to get a table?

• Present Form

  • They’re able to walk there.

  • I’m not able to see him.

  • Are you able to text me?

• Future Form

  • I’ll be bale to see you again.

  • I won’t be able to go.

  • Will he be able to finish it?

Must

• There is no Past Form of “must”

• Present Form

  • I must go now.

  • I mustn’t be late.

  • Must you do that?

• There is no Future form of “must”

Have to

• Past Form

  • I had to tidy my room yesterday.

  • I didn’t have to do any homework.

  • Did you have to leave early?

• Present Form

  • I have to do my homework.

  • You don’t have to come with us.

  • Do you have to go now?

• Future Form

  • I’ll have to go another time.

  • I won’t have to buy one.

  • Will they have to walk?

Section B: Must and have to

You can often choose between must and have to

• I’d like to go but I (have to / must) do some work.

If you are talking about something which someone has told you to do, you use have to.

• I have to be back by 10 p.m. (My parents have told me to do this.)

• In England, you have to drive on the left. (This is the law.)

The meaning of mustn’t and don’t have to is different

• We don’t have to bring any food to the party. (= it is not necessary)

• You mustn’t bring your own food to the restaurant. (= you cannot do this, it’s not allowed)

Section C: Can and be able to

You can use be able to instead of can to talk about ability

• He (can / is able to) run faster than me.

• He (couldn’t / wasn’t able to) eat all his dinner.

You also use be able to to talk about ability in the future.

• When I pass my driving test. I’ll be able to drive on my own.