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Modal Verbs - Coggle Diagram
Modal Verbs
Can
To express ability
It can get cold there at night so take a jacket.
To express a possibility (in general)
Birds can fly.
To offer to do something for others
You don't need to walk home. I can take you there if you like.
To ask for or give permission / To request something
You can use my umbrella, I don't need it right now.
Can't: Something that is forbidden or not allowed
We cannot park the car next to this fire hydrant.
Can't: when you are sure that something isn't true or something is surprising
It can't be dark outside! It's only 4.30pm!
Could
To express ability in the past
I could ride a horse when I was younger but now I can't.
Polite word used to ask for permission or to request something (in the present)
Could I please use your bathroom?
General permission in the past
In high school, we couldn't leave the classroom without a pass.
A suggestion when asked what to do (choices and opportunities)
He could try and fix it himself.
Couldn't: Sure that something is untrue
That couldn't be my cat meowing outside, it was hit by a car last week.
Could + have + past participle: To express a possibility in the past
We were lucky because it could have rained but it didn't.
Could + have + past participle: Unrealised past ability
She could have married anyone she wanted to.
Could: A conditional form of Can
If we had some oranges I could make you some fresh juice.
Might
To express (future) a small possibility
It might rain later (= it is possible that it will rain)
I might go to the movies tonight. (Though I'm not sure)
May
To express (future) possibility
He's very good, in fact, I think he may win the competition.
To give permission
You may leave the table once you have finished your meal.
To ask for permission
May I sit next to you?
To talk about typical occurrences
Drivers may feel tired if they do not take a break every 2 hours.
Speculate about past actions (May + have + past participle)
She is late. I think she may have missed her plane.
To express wishes
May you both live a long and happy life together.
Should
To give advice, a recommendation or a suggestion
Does your tooth still hurt? You should make an appointment with the dentist.
Expresses that a situation is likely in the present
Mary should be at home by now. Give her a call.
Expresses that a situation is likely in the future (prediction)
They should win the game because they are a much better team.
Expresses an obligation that is not as strong as Must.
On hearing the fire alarm, hotel guests should leave their room immediately.
Was expected in the past but didn't happen (should + have + past participle)
You should have given your boss the report yesterday when he asked for it.
Not fulfilling an obligation (should + be + verb-ing)
You should be wearing your seatbelt. (The person isn't wearing one right now)
Will
For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)
I'll call a taxi for you.
When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)
The President will not be re-elected at the next election.
To make an offer, a promise or a threat.
You look tired. I'll finish the dishes for you.
For a habit that is a predictable behaviour
My daughter will fall asleep as soon as she is put into bed.
You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something
I told him to clean his room but he won't do it.
Would
Used as a polite invitation or to offer
Would you like to go to the movies with me tonight?
Describe a prediction (hypothetical situations)
It would be nice to have a barbecue.
To not sound impolite when disagreeing with someone
I would like to point out that you need to review those numbers.
To describe past habits
Before internet people would send letters to each other.
Future in the past
She promised she would send a postcard from Peru.
Wouldn't: To describe a past unwillingness (refusal)
He said he wouldn't help us.