Modal verbs

Can, Could, may, ETC...

Modal verbs

(Uses and examples)

Garza Cantu Axel AdrianEnglish Workshop Ricardo Flores Magon Cooperation High School 307

Can

Offers"I can help you with your homework if you’re stuck.""We can take care of your plants while you're on vacation.'' "I can make some tea if you'd like."

Ability Ex: ''I can speak English.'' ''I can play the piano.'' ''I can swim.''

PermissionEx: ''Can I use your phone?'' ''Can I go to the bathroom?'' ''Can we leave early today?''

Logical deductions"That can only mean one thing: the package has been delayed." "It can be very cold in the mountains during winter." "This can explain why the experiment didn’t work."

Request"Can you lend me a pen, please?" "Can you help me carry these boxes?" "Can I ask you something about the project?"

Could

Logical deductions

Ability

When I was young, I could run very fast. When I was a child, I could swim very well. She could play the piano when she was younger.

Request

"He could be at the library; he spends a lot of time there.""This could explain why the machine isn’t working." "She could have forgotten about the appointment."

Could I have a glass of water, please? Could you please help me with this task? Could you send me the report by tomorrow?

Suggestion

Permission

"You could try calling her again later." "We could go to the beach this weekend if the weather is nice." "You could take a short break to clear your mind."

"Could I borrow your car for the weekend?" "When we were kids, we could stay up late during holidays." "Could we use the conference room for our meeting?"

OFFERS"I may assist you with your bags if you need help." "We may provide additional resources for your project." "You may join us for dinner if you'd like."

May

Permission:Ex: May I come in? You may use my computer if you need it. You may sit here if you like..

LOGICAL DEDUCTIONS"She may be at the office; her car is parked outside." "This may explain why the test results were delayed." "It may rain later, so we should bring an umbrella."

REQUEST"May I ask you a question about the presentation?" "May I borrow your notebook for a moment?" "May we come in and have a word with you?"

MIGTH

LOGICAL DEDUCTION

SUGGESTION

"You might want to try restarting your computer to fix the issue." "We might consider taking a break before continuing with the meeting." "You might enjoy this book if you like mystery novels."

"She might be at the library; I saw her going in earlier." "The meeting is delayed, so it might take place tomorrow." "He might have forgotten to send the email; I haven’t received it yet."

Should

Advice:Ex: You should eat more vegetables. He should talk to his boss about the issue. I think you should take a break.

Suggestion ex:"You should try the new café down the street; their pastries are delicious." "We should take a walk after lunch to get some fresh air." "You should ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed with the project."

Must

Obligation: Expresses a strong, internal obligation. Ex: I must finish this report by tomorrow. You must wear a helmet when riding a bike. She must follow the company’s policies.

Suggestion"You must try the chocolate cake at that bakery; it’s the best in town." "We must go to the museum while we're here; it's a must-see." "You must watch this movie; it’s absolutely amazing."

Logical deduction: He must be tired. He's been working all day. She must be tired after such a long journey. It must be very cold outside.

HAVE TO

"I have to finish this report by the end of the day." "You have to wear a helmet when riding a bike." "We have to submit the application before the deadline."

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