• Ability

• or
• Possibility
I can swim.

I may go
swimming.
You can pass the
exam.

You may fail the

exam.
I can swim.

It may rain.
• Obligation,
• (Lack of) Necessity
• or
• Prohibition
You mustn’t make a noise, children. You have to be 18 to ride this.

It’s Sunday. You don’t have to get up. You must be home by 11 pm.
You must be home by 11 pm. You’re not allowed to do it

You have to be 18 to ride this. It’s not necessary to do it

It’s necessary to do it
You mustn’t make a noise, children. (because it’s a rule or law)

It’s necessary to do it
It’s Sunday. You don’t have to get up.
(because the speaker says so)
Permission
 Can I ask a
question, please?

Yes, you can (ask a question).

No, you can’t.

 Ability Possibility Necessity Obligation Permission

can/could (not) 

can (not) 

may/might (not) 

should/ought to

(not)

must/have to 

mustn’t 

not have to 