MODAL VERBS

CAN
Ability – possibility in the present – asking for permission
I can read many books. Can I go to the bathroom?
She can read many books.
We can’t read many books.
Can you read many books?

COULD
Ability in the past – asking for permission (formal) – request
I could read many books.
We couldn’t read many books.

Could you give me my laptop, please?

Could I stay until the class is over?
Could I go to the bathroom?
BE ABLE TO
Ability – possibility – in different tenses
I am able to read many magazines.
She is able to read many magazines.
We are able to read many magazines.
I am able to be at the party at 10:00 PM.
I was able to sing Adele’s songs.

HAVE TO
External obligation – necessity
We have to use a mask.
We have to bring our books.
You have to bring a dictionary.
She has to bring a dictionary.
Do you have to write a book?
Does she have to write a book?
DON’T HAVE TO
Lack of necessity
I don’t have to read many books.
She doesn’t have to read many books.

HAD TO
Past obligation or necessity (past of must and have to)
I had to draw a horse.
She had to draw a horse.
We had to listen to music in English.

NEED TO
I need to go to the doctor.
I need to use glasses.
She needs to use glasses.

DON’T NEED TO
She doesn’t need to use glasses.
We don’t need to use glasses.
DARE
Challenge someone
I dare speak English.
I daren’t speak English.
Dare I speak English?

MAY – MIGHT
Possibility - Asking for permission
I may go to the party.
She may be late, it’s 7:30!
May I go to the bathroom?

MUST
Necessity / obligation / a rule - Strong advice – deduction

I must have a notebook.

You must be quiet.
You must go to the doctor.
She must have a problem.
SHOULD / OUGHT TO / HAD BETTER
Advice – Recommendation
We should study English.
We ought to study English.
We had better study English.

SHALL
Offer – suggestions – volunteering – asking for instructions
Shall I help you?
You shall read this book.
You shan’t read this book. (shall not)
Shall I carry tour laptop?
What shall we do?

WILL
Prediction – instant decisions – promise
It will rain. / I will take an umbrella. / I will help you.
WOULD
Asking for permission – request – offers and invitations
Would you allow me to take your car?
Would you give me my keys?
Would you like a lemonade?

USED TO
Something that happened regularly in the past
I used to read many books, now I don’t have time.