Modal verbs

Modal verbs

Uses and examples

Emiliano Guajardo Lara

November 20, 2024

FEDERAL HIGH SCHOOL BY RICARDO FLORES MAGON COOPERATION

Can

Offers: Used to offer something.

Ability: Used to express the capability to do something.

Permission: Used to ask for or give permission.

Request: Used to make a polite request.

Ex: Can I get you a drink? Can I help you with your bags? Can I give you a ride home?

Ex: She can swim very fast. She can speak three languages. They can solve complex problems easily.

Ex: Can you help me with this? Can I have a glass of water, please? Can you pass me the salt?

Ex: Can I leave early today? You can borrow my car if you need it. Can we open the window?

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Could

Offers: Used to offer something politely.

Request: Used to make a polite request.

Ability: Used to express the capability to do something in the past.

Permission: Used to ask for or give permission in a more formal or polite way.

Ex: She could swim when she was five. She could play the piano when she was a child. I could help you with that if you want.

Ex: Could I leave early today? You could stay over at my place if you need to Could we open the window?

Ex: Could you help me with this? Could I have a glass of water, please? Could you pass me the salt, please?

Ex: Could I get you a drink? Could I help you with your bags? Could I give you a ride home?

Ability: Although "may" is not commonly used to express ability, it can be used in very formal contexts to suggest a possibility. Ex: She may be able to solve the problem. She may be able to help you with that. You may find this book helpful.

May

Permission: Used to ask for or give permission in a formal way. Ex: May I leave early today? You may use my computer if you need it. May we open the window

Request: Used to make a polite request, though it is less common than "can" or "could". Ex: May I have a glass of water? May I ask you a question? May I have a moment of your time?

Offers: Not commonly used to offer something, but it can be used in very formal contexts. Ex: May I offer you some assistance? May I get you something to drink? May I assist you with your luggage

Ability: "Might" is not typically used to express ability. Instead, "can" or "could" are more appropriate for this purpose.

Logical deduction: Used to express a possibility or a weak probability. Example: "He might be at home; his car is parked outside."

Permission: "Might" is rarely used to ask for permission. "May" or "can" are more commonly used.

Migth

Possibility: Used to express a possibility or something that could happen. Example: "It might rain tomorrow."

Request: "Might" is not commonly used for making requests. "Could" or "can" are more suitable.

Offers: "Might" is not typically used to make offers. "Can" or "could" are more appropriate.

Ability: "Should" is not typically used to express ability. Instead, "can" or "could" are more appropriate for this purpose. Permission: "Should" is not commonly used to ask for permission. "May" or "can" are more suitable. Request: "Should" is not typically used for making requests. "Could" or "can" are more appropriate. Offers: "Should" is not commonly used to make offers. "Can" or "could" are more suitable. Logical deduction: Used to express a logical deduction or an expectation. Example: "He should be at home by now." Advice: Used to give advice or recommendations. Example: "You should see a doctor."

Should

Must

Have to

Ability: "Must" is not used to express ability. Instead, "can" or "could" are more appropriate for this purpose. Permission: "Must" is not commonly used to ask for permission. "May" or "can" are more suitable. Request: "Must" is not used for making requests. "Could" or "can" are more appropriate. Offers: "Must" is not commonly used to make offers. "Can" or "could" are more suitable. Logical deduction: Used to express a strong logical deduction or certainty. Example: "He must be at home; his car is parked outside." Obligation: Used to express a strong obligation or necessity. Example: "You must wear a seatbelt."

Ability: "Have to" is not used to express ability. Instead, "can" or "could" are more appropriate for this purpose. Permission: "Have to" is not commonly used to ask for permission. "May" or "can" are more suitable. Request: "Have to" is not used for making requests. "Could" or "can" are more appropriate. Offers: "Have to" is not commonly used to make offers. "Can" or "could" are more suitable. Logical deduction: "Have to" is not commonly used for making logical deductions. "Must" is more suitable for this purpose. Obligation: Used to express an obligation or necessity. Example: "I have to finish my homework." Example: "You have to wear a uniform at school."