Meanings associated with modals

be able to

to show ability: I am able to write English well.

can

to show ability: I can write English well.

to give permission: You can leave when you finish work.

to make requests: I asked my friend if she can help me revise for the examination.

could

to show ability: I could write English well when I was in secondary school, but now I am
out of practice.

to show possibility: It could rain today.

to give conditional permission: You could leave if you had finished your work.

to make requests: I asked my friend if she could help me revise for the examination.

had better

to offer advice: You had better work harder.

may

to show possibility: It may rain today.

to indicate probability: This may be the correct answer.

to give permission: You may leave when you finish the work.

might

to show possibility: It might rain today.

need

to ask if there is a reason to do something or explain that there is no reason: Need I

come? ... No, you need not come.
ought to

to offer advice: You ought to work harder.

shall

to indicate intention, make promises or predication: I shall return. (absolute promise or

certainty)

should

to offer advice: You should work harder.

used to

to show familiarity: I got used to his humour.

will

to make requests: I'll ask my friend if she will help me revise for the examination.

to indicate intention, make promises or predications: I will pass easily this test.

why don't

to make suggestions: why don't we go swimming.

would

to make requests: I asked my friend if she would help me revise for the examinations.

to show preference or desire: I'd like to miss this class. / I'd rather not have another
piece of cake.

to present an offer: Would you like to meet at the coffee shop?

You can learn more about modals by going to HKUST's English Grammar Guide.