MODALS

MODAL USE EXAMPLE

 To say that someone
knows how to do I can run fast.
something

CAN  To say something is

Onions can make you
possible
(Present cry.
 To ask something
tense)
politely (informal) – Can I borrow your
permission / request
pen?

Cannot /
That cannot be true!
Can’t  Impossible You can’t go to school
(negative) now.

 To use in past She could swim like a

Could tense for ‘can’ fish when she was

younger.
(Past  To ask something Could you help me?
tense) more politely

He could be at home.
 Less than 50 %
sure of something
Could not That could not be
( couldn’t) Impossible true!
MODAL USE EXAMPLE
 To say that you are not I may visit my sister
sure that something tomorrow.
will happen

May  To tell a wish May you be happy

always.

 To ask (only with I or “May I use your

we) / give permission
phone?”
“Yes, you may.”
 To say that you are not
Might sure that something is
going to happen ( 80%
She might come to my
house today.
will not happen)
 To show future I will go fishing
Will actions (100 % tomorrow.
sure)
(Present
tense)  To show
I will study hard.
determination to do
something

 To show past tense He said he would go

of will fishing with me.

 To make a request Would you please open

Would or an offer the door for me?
politely Would you like some
(Past coffee?
Tense)  To tell your like/ I wish she would stop
want you want to talking loudly.
do I would like a
chocolate ice cream.
 MODAL USE EXAMPLE

Shall
 Polite question to give
an idea/ suggestion
Shall I open the
window?
(Present  Future with “I” or I shall arrive at nine.
“We”
tense)
Should
You should stop
(Past  To say that it is smoking.
Tense) / advisable to do or The children ought to
not to do something go to sleep now.
Ought to

 Strong need I must go to class

today.

 95% sure it is true Mary is not in class.

Must/ She must be sick.
Have to
I have to go to
school today.