Modal Verb

Can CouldMayMight
MustShallShould
Ought toWillWould

Can
Modal

CAN

Verb

Example

Uses

They can control their Ability /

own budgets.
Possibility
We cant fix it.
Can I smoke here?
Can you help me?

Inability /
Impossibility
Asking for
permission
Request

Could
Modal

Could

Verb

Example

Uses

Could I borrow your

dictionary?

Asking for
permission.

Could you say it again

more slowly?

Request

We could try to fix it

ourselves.
I think we could have
another Gulf War.

Suggestion
Suggestion

He gave up his old job so Ability in the past

he could work for us.

May
Modal
May

Verb

Example
Uses
May I have
Asking for
another cup of
permission
coffee?
China may
Future possibility
become a major
economic power.

Might
Modal

Might

Verb

Example

We'd better phone

tomorrow, they
might be eating their
dinner now.
They might give us a
10% discount.

Uses

Present
possibility

Future
possibility

Must
Modal

Must

Verb

Example

Uses

We must say goodNecessity /

bye now.
Obligation
They mustnt disrupt Prohibition
the work more than
necessary.

Ought to
Modal

Ought to

Verb

Example

Uses

We ought to employ a Saying whats

professional writer.
right or correct

Shall
Modal

Verb

Shall (More
common in
the UK than
the US)

Example

Shall I help you with

your luggage?

Uses

Offer

Shall we say 2.30 then? Suggestion

Shall I do that or will Asking what to
you?
do

Should
Modal

Should

Verb

Example

We should sort out this

problem at once.
I think we should check
everything again.
Profits should increase
next year.

Uses

Saying whats
right or correct
Recommending
action
Uncertain
prediction

Will
Modal

Will

Verb

Example

Uses

I cant see any taxis so Ill Instant decisions

walk.
I'll do that for you if you
like.
Ill get back to you first
thing on Monday.
Profits will increase next
year.

Offer

Promise
Certain
prediction

Would
Modal

Would

Verb

Example

Uses

Would you mind if I brought

a colleague with me?

Asking for
permission

Would you pass the salt

please?

Request

Would you mind waiting a

moment?

Request

"Would three o`clock suit

you?" - "Thatd be fine."

Making
arrangements

Would you like to play golf

this Friday?

Invitation

"Would you prefer tea or

coffee?" - "Id like tea please."

Preferences