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Modal Verbs (can't, couldn't, can, could, mustn't, must, would…
Modal Verbs
can't
couldn't
can
could
mustn't
must
would
have to
should
will
shall
don't have to
shouldn't
wouldn't
won't
shan't
Modals are different from normal verbs:
1: They don't use an 's' for the third person singular.
2: They make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?').
3: They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to').
Probability:
First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that something happened / is happening / will happen. We often call these 'modals of deduction' or 'speculation' or 'certainty' or 'probability'.
For example:
It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.
I don't know where John is. He could have missed the train.
This bill can't be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!
Ability
We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability.
She can speak six languages.
My grandfather could play golf very well.
I can't drive.
Examples:
Obligation and Advice
We can use verbs such as
'must' or 'should' to say
when something is
necessary or unnecessary,
or to give advice.
For example:
Children must do their homework.
We have to wear a uniform at work.
You should stop smoking.
Permission
We can use verbs such as
'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask
for and give permission. We also
use modal verbs to say
something is not allowed.
For example:
Could I leave early today, please?
You may not use the car tonight.
Can we swim in the lake?
Habits
We can use 'will' and 'would' to talk about habits or things we usually do, or did in the past.
When I lived in Italy, we would
often eat in the restaurant next to my flat.
John will always be late!
Past modals
The past modals 'could have + past participle', 'should have + past participle' and 'would have + past participle' can be confusing. I explain about them here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWLjWmgmgcE
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar-reference/modal-verbs
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/modal-verbs-of-probability-exercise-1.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skqj4jOSQU4
