MODAL VERB CHART

CAN (present) I can speak 3 languages. When

ABILITY COULD (past) I was 5 I couldn’t swim. When
BE ABLE TO (other tenses) I am 20, I will be able to
drive
PERMISSION CAN (informal) Could I use the computer,
REQUEST COULD (polite) please?
WILL (neutral) Can you give me a lift to the
WOULD (polite) station?
MAY (formal) Could you pass me the salt,
please?
May I have your attention?
ADVICE SHOULD You look tired, you should have a holiday.
OUGHT TO (formal) What do you think I should do?
POSSIBILITY MAY, MIGHT It may rain later, it’s getting cloudy.
DEDUCTION (weaker The phone is ringing.It must be Mary,she said she would call at 5. It
possibility) can’t be her.She’s left her phone here!
MUST (sure)
CAN’T (impossible)
OBLIGATION MUST (present,sense You must be on time for the lessons
of duty) I had to get up early for the trip on Sunday
HAVE TO (external Did you have to work yesterday?
authority, other tenses)
LACK OF DON’T On Sat you don’t have to get up early
OBLIGATION HAVE TO You needn’t take an umbrella, it is not raining
NEEDN’T

MUSTN’T (sense of You mustn’t drink beer, you are too young.
PROHIBITION duty) CAN’T (external You can’t take photos in this museum.
authority)