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 |