Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

1. Advice

   • Should
     • You should study more
     • You should go to a dentist. (Recommending action)
   • Ought to
     • You ought to go to dentist before you leave

2. Ability

   • Sorry, I can not undestand what you are saying

3. Permission

   • May(Formal)
     • May I smoke here? (Asking)
     • May I use your Umbrella? (Asking)
   • Could
     • Could I leave early today, please?
     • Could I leave now?
   • Can
     • Can I smoke here? (Asking)
     • Can I leave now?(Informal) (Asking)

4. Possibility

   • Can
     • They can control their own budgets.
     • She can arrive after dinner
   • Could
     • You could have called me
     • Could you do me a favor?
   • Might
     • It might rain this evening (Present)
     • He might come here tomorrow (Future)
   • May
     • It may rain today
     • He may be in the library?

5. Obligation

   • Must
     • You must drive carefully
     • You must stop smoking
   • Have to
     • I have to drive carefully. If not, I may involved in an accident