CAN= +TO BE ABLE

-it expresses: -mental or physical ability: I can write, jump, …

-permission (less politely): Can I go?

-present continuous: I can see a plane now.

e.g. I can write. I can not/ cannot/ can’t

I could/ was able to write.

I will be able to write…

MAY= TO BE ALLOWED TO, TO BE PERMITTED TO

-permission: May I leave now? May not

-possibility: It may rain today.

!!!! MIGHT –SLIGHT POSSIBILITY: He might be there (but I don’t think so).

e.g. I may go now.

I was permitted to join you last year.

I will be allowed to go…

MUST=HAVE TO mustn’t =/=don’t have to

e.g.

I must run.

I had to run.

I will have to run.

SHOULD= OUGHT TO