That’s were the modal verb step in. These special helping verbs—can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would—add layers of meaning to our sentences.

Modal verbs, in combination with other verbs, express several things, namely what one can do (ability), what is required of one (obligation), the chances of something happening (possibility) and ...

Using modal verbs - or modals - such as could, would, can and will help you make polite requests in English in a formal or informal setting.

Learning the correct modal verb to use in a given situation can make a big difference to your Swedish. Photo: Ali Lorestani/TT A common mistake for English speakers just starting out in their Swedish ...

For example, the modal verb können (to be able to or can) needs an infinitive to make clear what it is you can do. Ich kann spielen - I can play. Ich kann Klavier spielen - I can play the piano.