The modal verbs
Modal
Example
Uses
Can They can control their own budgets.
We can’t fix it.
Can I smoke here?
Can you help me?
Ability / Possibility
Inability / Impossibility
Asking for permission
Request
Could Could I borrow your dictionary?
Could you say it again more slowly?
We could try to fix it ourselves.
I think we could have another Gulf War.
He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
Asking for permission.
Request
Suggestion
Future possibility
Ability in the past
May May I have another cup of coffee?
China may become a major economic power.
Asking for permission
Future possibility
Might
We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now.
They might give us a 10% discount.
Present possibility
Future possibility
Must We must say good-bye now.
They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary.
Necessity / Obligation
Prohibition
Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Saying what’s right or correct
Shall
(More common in the UK than the US)
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Shall we say 2.30 then?
Shall I do that or will you?
Offer
Suggestion
Asking what to do
Should We should sort out this problem at once.
I think we should check everything again.
Profits should increase next year.
Saying what’s right or correct
Recommending action
Uncertain prediction
Will I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.
I'll do that for you if you like.
I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday.
Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions
Offer
Promise
Certain prediction
Would Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?
Would you pass the salt please?
Would you mind waiting a moment?
"Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be fine."
Would you like to play golf this Friday?
"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea please."
Asking for permission
Request
Request
Making arrangements
Invitation
Preferences
