MODALS

MODALS

1. CAN

   • Uses
     • Present ability and permission.
       • Example
         • I can sew a dress.
   • CAN'T
     • Uses
       • Present ability, probability, possibility and permission (negative).
         • Example
           • I can't do a pirouette.
     • MIGHT
       • Uses
         • Small probability
           • Example
             • Lightning might strike nearby.
       • COULD
         • Uses
           • Permission, unreal ability, past ability. Also probability, and possibility.
             • Example
               • When I was a child, I could drive a bicycle.
         • MAY
           • Uses
             • Permission and good probability.
               • Example
                 • May I go to the restroom?
           • MUST
             • Uses
               • Responsibility, assumption, probability. Also obligation and advice.
                 • Example
                   • Erick didn't come, he must be very tired.
             • HAVE TO
               • Uses
                 • Obligation and advice.
                   • Example
                     • You have to pay the bills.
               • SHALL
                 • Uses
                   • Contractual obligation and educated expression offer.
                     • Example
                       • Clients shall sign the contract.
                 • SHOULD
                   • Uses
                     • Recommendation
                       • Example
                         • You should put on a sweater.
                   • OUGHT TO
                     • Uses
                       • Formal recommendation
                         • Example
                           • Our children ought to have a savings account.
                     • WILL
                       • Uses
                         • Future
                           • Example
                             • Richard will participate in tomorrow's competition.
                       • HAD BETTER
                         • Uses
                           • Warning and advice
                             • Example
                               • You had better get a health check .
                         • WOULD
                           • Uses
                             • Past (used to), present unreal and offers.
                               • Example
                                 • I would go to the party, but I can't go.