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Modal Verbs: Functions and Examples

This document summarizes the different modal verbs in English including can, could, may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will, and would. It provides examples of how each modal verb is used, such as can is used to express ability or ask for permission, could is used for asking permission or making suggestions, and will is used for predictions or instant decisions.

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208 views1 page

Modal Verbs: Functions and Examples

This document summarizes the different modal verbs in English including can, could, may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will, and would. It provides examples of how each modal verb is used, such as can is used to express ability or ask for permission, could is used for asking permission or making suggestions, and will is used for predictions or instant decisions.

Uploaded by

joshykx
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODAL VERBS

Modal Verb Uses Example



Can
Ability / Possibility They can control their own budgets.
Inability / Impossibility Im sorry. We cant fix it.
Asking for permission Can I smoke here?
Requests Can you help me?


Could
Asking for permission. Could I borrow your dictionary?
Requests Could you say it again more slowly?
Suggestions We could try to fix it ourselves.
Future possibility I think we could have another war.
Ability in the past He gave up his old job so he could work for us.

May
Asking for permission (polite) May I have another cup of coffee?
Future possibility China may become a major economic power.
Might Future possibility They might give us a 10% discount.

Must
Necessity We must say good-bye now.
Obligation You must pay me back by next week.
Prohibition They mustnt disrupt the work more than necessary.

Ought to
Saying whats right or correct We ought to employ a professional translator.
Future probability (quite certain) The football match ought to start on time.

Shall
Offers Shall I help you with your luggage?
Suggestions Shall we say 2.30 then?
Asking what to do Shall I do that or will you?

Should
Saying whats right or correct We should sort out this problem at once.
Recommending action I think we should check everything again.

Will
Predictions Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions I cant see any taxis so Ill walk.
Promises Ill get back to you first thing on Monday.



Would
Asking for permission Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?
Making a request Would you pass the salt please?
Invitation Would you mind waiting a moment?
Stating or asking preferences "Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "Id like tea please."
Making arrangements "Would three oclock suit you?

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