Grammar‎ > ‎Modals and Modal Verbs‎ > ‎

Modal and Phrasal Verb Combinations

Modals can be combined in certain ways but not in others.


Will and can

Will and can can not be combined. Will can be combined with be able to.

  • I will be able to tell you tomorrow. - correct
  • Will I be able to tell you tomorrow? - correct
  • Will can I tell you tomorrow? - incorrect
  • I will can tell you tomorrow. - incorrect

Common combinations using be able to

  • Might not be able to
  • have to be able to
  • must not have been able to
  • must be able to
  • going to be able to

Common combinations using have to

  • be going to have to
  • shouldn't have to
  • should have to
  • must not have to
  • might have to

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