Modal Verbs

1
MODAL VERBS
2
Guessing - Deduction

• He must be a Christian. He wears a crucifix
  around his neck.
• He cant be a Christian, his crucifix is upside
  down.
• He might use it just like that because he is not
  paying attention to it.

3
Possibilities

• It may be possible that I like online classes.
• We might never find out if we dont try.
• You could be right about that.

4
Impossibilities

• -Are you drunk?
• -I cant be drunk. Im underaged. I dont do
  this kind of thing.

5
Advice/Duty or correctness

• You should study more.
• We ought to stay home to prevent Coronavirus.

6
Permission

• May I go to the restroom?
• We can talk now. Im not busy anymore.
• Could we have your English book for a few days?

7
Requests

• Can you change this light bulb for me?
• Could you buy me some medicine?
• Will you please reserve a table in the
  non-smoking area for us?
• Would you like to introduce us?

8
Wishes (formal)

• May the Lord protect us all from this disease.

9
Abilities (The quality of being able to do
something.)Skills (It is gained by observing,
practicing, or experiencing.)

• I can sing very well.
• Bruce Lee could hit his opponents like a
  lightning.

10
Obligation - necessity

• When you fight a virus, you must take all the
  necessary precautions.

11
Prohibition

• Olympics athletes must not take drugs.
• Drivers cant cross the red lights.

12
Offering

• Would you like to have a cup of coffee?

13
Offering help

• The telephone is ringing. Shall I answer it?

14
Suggestion

• You should visit Jamaica if you ever get the
  chance.
• Shall we visit Bob? He is very sick.