How modal verbs are the key to sounding polite, professional, and confident in English
Use modal verbs confidently in professional situations
Sound appropriately polite without being too weak or too strong
Understand the subtle differences that native speakers use instinctively
"I thought I would just revise some things. But I learnt so much - different cases of use, and even some categories of modal verbs I hadn't known before."
Olha, from Ukraine
Many students think they know modals - they learned the basics years ago. But they still hesitate when speaking.
Because knowing the basic rules isn't enough. You need to understand the subtle differences that make you sound confident and natural.
You've studied English for years and you know the basics well. You can have conversations, write emails, give presentations.
Your English is good.
But modal verbs are still tricky. They're one of the key things that makes the difference between "good English" and "confident, natural English."
Modal verbs aren't just about grammar. They're about small differences:
The problem is that most English courses don't teach them well. You got a few basic rules, and memorised some examples, but you didn't learn the subtle differences or advanced uses that really make the difference.
Modal verbs aren't just nine random words with disconnected rules.
They're a complete system that native speakers use hundreds of times per day.
When you understand how this system works, everything becomes clear:
This system explains all the uses of modal verbs, including the advanced patterns that appear in C1/C2 exams.
This printable PDF book takes you through all nine modal verbs and their uses, step by step.
1. Clear explanations of all nine modal verbs organised by function
I explain each modal verb category simply and clearly. You'll understand exactly when to use each modal and why.
2. Theory quizzes
Short quizzes after each explanation. These help you check you've understood before you move on.
3. Lots of practice
This is the most important part! You get hundreds of practice questions covering all modal verb uses.
Why so many? Because this is how you really learn. You need to practise a lot to feel confident.
All the exercises have answer keys so you can check your work.
4. Politeness levels and modern usage patterns
For each modal, I show you:
I learnt so much - different cases of use, and even some categories of modal verbs I hadn't known before.
I liked the absolute clarity and deepening about the topic.
I liked everything. It clarified many doubts that I had.
Well-structured, clear, interesting. As usual!
I've gained more self-confidence in speaking.
The explanations were just what I need, and are difficult to find in many books. I enjoyed it very much.
Hi, I'm Seonaid Beckwith.
I'm a British native speaker with a Master's degree (MPhil) from Cambridge University in English and Linguistics. Together with the Perfect English Grammar team, I've helped tens of millions of students improve their grammar.
I've been teaching English for many years, and I'm passionate about finding better ways to explain grammar - ways that actually make sense and are backed by research.
This book includes a lot of research into how modal verbs work. It goes much deeper than textbooks, with clear explanations of all the uses and nuances.
This book is perfect for advanced English learners (B2-C2) who:
If you don't discover at least one category of modal verb usage you never knew existed - just email us and we'll refund you immediately!
No questions asked.
No. This book goes far beyond the free lessons. It includes detailed explanations of all modal verb functions, politeness levels, modern usage patterns, and hundreds of practice exercises you won't find anywhere else.
This is for advanced learners (B2-C2). You should already know the basics of English grammar and be ready to learn sophisticated modal verb usage and subtle differences in meaning.
This is a digital PDF book that you can download immediately and read on any device. You can also print it if you prefer.
Most textbooks give you basic rules and a few examples. This book explains the complete system of how modal verbs work, including politeness levels, subtle differences in tone, modern usage patterns, and advanced structures. It's based on how native speakers actually use these words hundreds of times per day.
Yes! Advanced modal verb usage is important for high scores on these exams. This book covers all the sophisticated patterns examiners are looking for - including the subtle differences that separate B2 students from C1/C2 students.
The Modals Book is part of a series of four advanced grammar books:
Why not buy all four books and improve your grammar even more?
Includes:
The Modals Book only
136-page PDF
Download or print
Start immediately
Keep forever
Includes:
The Articles Book
The Conditionals Book
The Modals Book
The Tenses Book