MODALS

ability in present or future

ABILITY
CAN expresses physical ability
Tom is strong. He can lift that heavy
box.
BE ABLE TO Maria can play the piano. She’s been
expresses an acquired skill taking lessons for many years.
COULD past ability I could run fast when I was younger.
quite formal and polite; is used much less
MIGHT I Might I ask you a personal question?
frequently than may I or could I
MAY I May I borrow your pen, please?
are used to request permission;
COULD I are equally polite Could I use your cell phone?
POLITE REQUESTS

CAN I is quite informal Can I borrow your pencil?

WOULD YOU Would you pass the salt, please?

polite request;
COULD YOU are equally polite Could you, please, open the door?

WILL YOU is considered a little bit less polite Will you, please, do me a favor?

CAN YOU is used informally Can you help me with this task?
asking
IF I DID SMTH Would you mind if I closed the door?
permission
WOULD YOU MIND asking Would you mind repeating that?
someone to DOING SMTH FOR ME
do something
You had better take care of that cut
is usually stronger; implies a warning or a
HAD BETTER
ADVICE

on your hand soon, or it will get

threat of possible bad consequences infected.
SHOULD You should study harder.
express advisability;
OUGHT TO have the same meaning Drivers ought to obey the speed limit.

is stronger, indicates urgency, or stresses All applicants must take an entrance

MUST exam.
NECESSITY

importance
HAVE TO is used more commonly I have to be home by eight.

HAVE GOT TO is informal; is used primarily in spoken English I’ve got to go now.

MUSTN’T prohibition; “DON’T DO THIS!” You mustn’t tell anyone my secret!

Tomorrow is a holiday. We don’t have
DON’T HAVE TO lack of necessity; “It’s not necessary.” to go to class.
DEGREES OF CERTAINTY
PRESENT TIME; POSITIVE PRESENT TIME; NEGATIVE
COULDN’T
95% SURE MUST 99% SURE
CAN’T
MAY 95% SURE MUSTN’T
<50% SURE MIGHT MAY NOT
<50% SURE
COULD MIGHT NOT
POSSIBILITY

PART TIME; POSITIVE PAST TIME; NEGATIVE

COULDN’T
95% SURE MUST 99% SURE
CAN’T
MAY 95% SURE MUSTN’T
<50% SURE MIGHT MAY NOT
<50% SURE
COULD MIGHT NOT
FUTURE TIME; POSITIVE
SHOULD
90% SURE
OUGHT TO
MAY
<50% SURE MIGHT
COULD