MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

1. CAN

   • ABILITY (present)
     • I can speak English
   • INFORMAL REQUEST
     • Can you help me?

2. COULD

   • FORMAL REQUEST
     • Could you help me?
   • ABILITY (past)
     • Bethoven could play the piano
   • POSSIBILITY
     • The story could be true!

3. MAY

   • VERY FORMAL REQUEST
     • May I go to the bathroom?
   • POSSIBILITY
     • Daniel may not get the job

4. MIGHT

   • POSSIBILITY
     • The man might be watching us
   • PERMISSION
     • Might I ask for a favor?

5. MUST

   • CERTAINTY
     • I was using my pencil a minute ago, it MUST be here
   • NECESSITY/ORDER
     • Doctor: you MUST exercise

6. HAVE TO

   • NECESSITY/ORDER
     • Patient: I HAVE TO exercise

7. SHOULD

   • ADVICE
     • You should stop smoking

8. WILL

   • PREDICTION/FUT
     • I will be tired tomorrow

9. WOULD

   • PREDICTION/PAST
     • She would be working.
   • INVITATION
     • Would you like to come with us?