Introduction

Modal verbs are essential in English for expressing ability, permission, necessity, and possibility. But did you know they can be used in both active and passive voice? Understanding active and passive modal verbs helps you communicate more effectively.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What modal verbs are
✔ The structure of active modal verbs
✔ The structure of passive modal verbs
✔ Key differences and examples

Let’s dive in!

What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb to express:

  • Ability (can, could)
  • Permission (may, might)
  • Obligation (must, should)
  • Possibility (might, could)

They never change form (no -s, -ing, -ed) and are followed by a base verb.

Active Modal Verbs (Subject Performs the Action)

Structure:
✅ Subject + Modal Verb + Base Verb + Object

Examples:

  1. She can solve the puzzle. (Ability)
  2. You must finish your homework. (Obligation)
  3. They might cancel the event. (Possibility)

🔹 Why Use Active Voice?

  • Emphasizes who is doing the action.
  • Makes sentences clearer and more direct.

👉 Read more about Active Modal Verbs

Passive Modal Verbs (Subject Receives the Action)

Structure:
✅ Subject + Modal Verb + Be + Past Participle (V3)

Examples:

  1. The puzzle can be solved. (Ability)
  2. Your homework must be finished. (Obligation)
  3. The event might be cancelled. (Possibility)

🔹 Why Use Passive Voice?

  • Focuses on the action rather than the doer.
  • Useful when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

👉 Read more about Passive Modal Verbs

Key Differences: Active vs. Passive Modal Verbs

FeatureActive Modal VerbsPassive Modal Verbs
StructureSubject + Modal + Base VerbSubject + Modal + Be + Past Participle
FocusOn the doer of the actionOn the action itself
ExampleThe teacher should explain the lesson.The lesson should be explained.

When to Use Active or Passive Modal Verbs?

✔ Use Active Voice → When the subject is important.

  • “The CEO must sign the contract.”
    ✔ Use Passive Voice → When the action is more important than who does it.
  • “The contract must be signed by tomorrow.”

Final Tips for Using Modal Verbs Correctly

  1. Don’t add “to” after modals (❌ She can to swim → ✅ She can swim).
  2. Passive voice always uses “be” + past participle.
  3. Use “must” for strong obligations, “should” for advice.

🔗 Want to master modal verbs? Check out:

Conclusion

Understanding active and passive modal verbs improves your grammar and makes your English more natural. Practice both forms to become fluent!

💬 Got questions? Ask in the comments!

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