Modals - English Grammar: Use Examples
Modals - English Grammar: Use Examples
2) could
Use Examples
ability to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to
I could speak English.
be able to)
permission to do sth. in the past (substitute form:
I could go to the cinema.
to be allowed to)
polite question * Could I go to the cinema, please?
polite request * Could you wait a moment, please?
polite offer * I could lend you my car till tomorrow.
polite suggestion * Could we visit Grandma at the weekend?
possibility * It could get very hot in Montana.
3) may
Use Examples
possibility It may rain today.
permission to do sth. in the present (substitute
May I go to the cinema?
form: to be allowed to)
polite suggestion May I help you?
4) might
Use Examples
VALEN_ERIC CLASS( 3rd WEEK) AHMAD
5) must
Use Examples
force, necessity I must go to the supermarket today.
possibility You must be tired.
advice, recommendation You must see the new film with Brad Pitt.
7) need not
Use Examples
I needn't go to the supermarket, we're going to
not necessary
the restaurant tonight.
8) ought to
Use Examples
advice You ought to drive carefully in bad weather.
You ought to switch off the light when you
obligation
leave the room.
9) shall
instead of will in the 1st person
Use Examples
VALEN_ERIC CLASS( 3rd WEEK) AHMAD
10) should
Use Examples
advice You should drive carefully in bad weather.
You should switch off the light when you leave
obligation
the room.
11) will
Use Examples
wish, request, demand, order (less polite than
Will you please shut the door?
would)
prediction, assumption I think it will rain on Friday.
promise I will stop smoking.
spontaneous decision Can somebody drive me to the station? - I will.
habits She's strange, she'll sit for hours without talking.
12) would
Use Examples
wish, request (more polite than will) Would you shut the door, please?
habits in the past Sometimes he would bring me some flowers.