Modals are small words which come before the verb. They carry different meanings in different situations, The modals covered in this lesson are can, could, must, may, might, should, will, would, and ought to.
Can and Could
The modals can and could have different meanings when used in different situations.
Example
Meaning
I can speak Japanese.
present tense, is able to
When she was young she could swim for hours.
past tense, was able to
Can/Could you carry the bag, please?
polite request
Can/Could I get you a drink?
offer
It could be broken.
possibility
We could walk instead of drive.
suggestion
Must
The modal must has the following meanings.
Example
Meaning
We must tell the truth.
We must keep our place clean.
obligation or need to do something
He fell asleep in the chair.
He must be tired.
probability/certainty
Must I finish my vegetables?
Must you make so much noise?
When a question begins with must, it means “Is it necessary?” The question is usually a form of protest
May and Might
The modal may and might has the following meanings.
Example
Meaning
May we use the room?
Might I ask you another question?
To ask for permission. (May is more commonly used here than might)
You may leave now.
You may not be allowed to enter the room.
To give or refuse permission in formal English. (May is used here but not might)
She may be late.
He might come tonight.
To indicate possibility. (Might is used when there is a smaller probability of something happening.).
You may want to try that question again.
You might want to get your eyes tested.
To indicate suggestion.
Will
The modal will has the following meanings.
Example
Meaning
We will not tolerate injustice.
show determination
She will be leaving for London next week.
show future action
Would
The modal would has the following meanings.
Example
Meaning
John said that he would buy the car.
the past form of will in reported speech
If I had won a million dollars, I would travel around the world.
in imaginary conditions
She would always play the piano after everyone else was in bed.
to talk about past habits
Would you like to help me?
polite request
Should and Ought to
Ought to has similar functions and meanings as should.
The modal should and ought to have the following meanings.
Example
Meaning
We should sell this house.
We ought to sell this car.
to make a suggestion
We should be able to move next week.
It ought to sell fast.
to indicate expectation.
They should have come earlier.
We ought to have spent less.
to indicate regret
Videos
This English grammar lesson looks at how to use "can", "could", and "be able to", when talking about ability. I explain which term is appropriate, depending on if you're talking about the past, present, or future.
Should & Ought To
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