MODAL

FUNCTIONS EXAMPLES
S

asking Will you go to school?

Will possibility It will rain today.
suggestion You will not keep late hours at night before the exam.

Would requesting Would you give me a pen?

asking Shall I do the work?

Shall
possibility I hope I shall complete the project within a week.

suggestion You should walk a mile in the morning.

Should
seeking advice Should we go for a walk?

The boy can speak English fluently.

ability
Can We can hold a condolence meeting for his death this
possibility
Sunday.

ability He could do the sum.

Could
requesting Could you help me to solve the problem?

possibility He may come here today.

May permission May I come in?
offering May I get you a cup of tea?

possibility His statement might be true.

Might
suggestion You might just as well go.

obligation You must obey your teacher.

certainty Man must die one day.
Must
strong probability You must be tired after a long journey.
prohibition We must not waste our time.

have the courage He dare not say so. (not dares’)

challenge I dare you to prove that you’ve said so.
Dare
negative force He dare not follow you.
interrogation Who dares to enter the room?

prohibition You need not (needn’t) come here.

Need
interrogation Need he go there?

habitual action in the

Used to My father used to teach me English.
past

obligation You ought to work hard.

Ought to
strong likelihood The lawyer ought to be able to help you.