MODAL VERBS USE
FORMATION ( AFFIRMATIVE,
INTERROGATIVE, NEGATIVE)
CAN
possibility, ability and permission in
the present or future.
neg. - logical impossibility
I can speak many languages.
Can I go to the party?
She can’t be at home, I saw her 10 minutes
ago.
COULD
ability, possibility and permission in
the past or in polite requests
He could swim when he was only four.
Could you help me, please?
I couldn’t understand him.
BE ABLE TO
ability and opportunity in the past,
present or future (specific occasion)
I am able to get all the work done.
Were you able to stop the car in time?
They won’t be able to stop it.
MAY
possible and probable actions in the
future; permissions and possible
conditions
You may telephone from here.
May I take a photo?
He may not go to the party. He’s sick.
MIGHT
possible actions in the future or
improbable events or situations.
I might be working late tomorrow.
He might not be at home.
What might happen?
MUST
obligation, necessity, deduction; in
the negative form - prohibition
You must take your medication regularly.
My glasses must be here somewhere.
He mustn’t tell anyone what I said.
HAVE TO
obligation I have to work on Sundays.
Do you have to get your passport?
She doesn’t have to go to the dentist.
WILL
facts in the future, predictions,
invitations, characteristic behaviour
I’ll wait for you if you like.
Will you have a cup of tea?
She’s on diet. She won’t eat at all.
WOULD past prediction, prediction about a
possible situation; politeness; past of
“will”
How about a cup of tea? That would be nice.
Would you go without me?
I wouldn’t go without you.
