MODAL VERBS

Ability
1. We use can, be able to and could to show that someone has (or doesn't have) an ability to do something.
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb + complement
  2. Example
    1. I can play the piano
Permission
1. We use can to ask for and give permission, we use could to ask for permission (but not to give it) and may is the most formal way to ask for and give permission.
  1. Structure
    1. Modal verb + subject + verb + complement + ?
  2. Example
    1. May I see your passport, please?
Request
1. We use can, will, could, would, and may to ask for things, make offers, invite people, and order in a restaurant.
  1. Structure
    1. Modal verb + subject + verb + complement + ?
  2. Example
    1. Would you spell your name, sir?
Offers and Suggestions
1. We use the modals of suggestion could and might (want to) to give someone ideas about possible plans or actions.
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb + complement
  2. Example
    1. You might consider taking up meditation.
Obligation
1. We use have to and must to express something that someone has to do
  1. Structure
    1. Modal verb + subject + verb + complement
  2. Example
    1. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers.
Necessity
1. We use must, have to and have got to show that something is not optional, it is necessary
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb + complement
  2. Example
    1. I must study for the test
Prohibition
1. We use can't and mustn't to show that something is prohibited – it is not allowed.
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb + complement
  2. Example
    1. You must not smoke in this building
Possibility
1. We use can, might and could to talk about present or future possibility
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb present. p + complement
  2. Example
    1. He may be coming to see us tomorrow
Criticism
1. Can, could, might and should/shouldn't + infinitive are used to express criticism or disapproval with reference to present or future time
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb infinitive + complement
  2. Example
    1. You might be more polite.
Advice
1. We use should, ought to and had better to express that something is a good (or a bad) idea. Should is the most common way to give advice.
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb +complement
  2. Example
    1. You ought to call your mom more often
Deduction
1. We can use must, may, might, could and can't to express how sure we are about something happening in the present or the future.
  1. Structure
    1. Subject + modal verb + verb + complement
  2. Example
    1. It might rain

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MODAL VERBS

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	Created by Wendy Amores about 3 years ago