Modal Verb Uses Example

Can Ability / Possibility They can control their own budgets.

Inability / Impossibility Im sorry. We cant fix it.
Asking for permission an I smoke here!
"e#uests an you help me!
Could Asking for permission. ould I borrow your dictionary!
"e#uests ould you say it again more slowly!
$uggestions We could try to fix it oursel%es.
&uture possibility I think we could ha%e another war.
Ability in the past 'e ga%e up his old (ob so he could work for us.
May Asking for permission )polite* +ay I ha%e another cup of coffee!
&uture possibility hina may become a ma(or economic power.
Might &uture possibility They might gi%e us a ,-. discount.
Must /ecessity We must say good0bye now.
1bligation 2ou must pay me back by next week.
Prohibition They mustnt disrupt the work more than necessary.
Ought to $aying whats right or correct We ought to employ a professional translator.
&uture probability )#uite certain* The football match ought to start on time.
Shall 1ffers $hall I help you with your luggage!
$uggestions $hall we say 3.4- then!
Asking what to do $hall I do that or will you!
Should $aying whats right or correct We should sort out this problem at once.
"ecommending action I think we should check e%erything again.
Will Predictions Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions I cant see any taxis so Ill walk.
Promises Ill get back to you first thing on +onday.
Would Asking for permission Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me!
+aking a re#uest Would you pass the salt please!
In%itation Would you mind waiting a moment!
$tating or asking preferences 5Would you prefer tea or coffee!5 0 5Id like tea please.5
+aking arrangements 5Would three oclock suit you!6