Would

Modal Verbs List The verb “would” is used to express:

Asking for permission
Will
Example:
The verb “will” is used to express:
Would you mind if I opened the
Promise window?
Example:
Request
Don’t worry, I will be here.
Example:
Instant decision Would you make dinner?
Example:
Making arrangements
I will take these books with me.
Would you be available at 6 pm
Invitation/Offer tonight?
Example: Invitation
Will you give me a chance? Example:

Certain prediction Would you like to go out sometimes?

Example: Preferences
John Smith will be the next President. Example:

Future tense auxiliary Would you prefer the window seat or

the aisle?
Example:
Should
Tomorrow I will be in New York.
The verb “should” is used to express:
Shall
Advice
The verb “shall” is used to express:
Example:
Asking what to do
You should visit your dentist at least
Example: twice a year.
Shall I get the phone? Or will you? Recommending action
Offer Example:
Example: You really should go to the new
Shall I call a cab? museum on Main Street.

Suggestion
Example:
Shall I call again on Thursday? Uncertain prediction
Example:
I posted the cheque yesterday so
it should arrive this week.
Logical deduction The verb “may” is used to express:
Example: Possibility
I’ve revised so I should be ready for Example:
the test.
Richard may be coming to see us
Ought to tomorrow.
The verb “ought to” is used to Ask for permission
express:
Example:
Advice May I borrow your dictionary?
Example:
Might
You ought to have come to the
The verb “might” is used to express:
meeting. It was interesting.
Slight possibility
Logical deduction
Example:
Example:
It looks nice, but it might be very
30$ ought to be enough for the taxi.
expensive.
Must
Past form of “may” in reported speech
The verb “must” is used to express:
Example:
Obligation/ Necessity The President said he might come.
Example:
Can
I must memorize all of these rules
The verb “can” is used to express:
about tenses.
Ability
Deduction
Example:
Example:
David can speak three languages.
She lied to the police. She must be
the murderer. Permission (informal)
Mustn’t Example:
The verb “musn’t” (must not) is used Can I sit in that chair please?
to express:
Offers
Example:
Can I carry the luggage for you?
Could
Prohibition The verb “could” is used to express:
Example:
Request
You mustn’t smoke in this restaurant. Example:
It’s forbidden
Could I borrow your dictionary?
May
Suggestion
Example:
Could you say it again more slowly?
Ability in the past
Example:
I think we could have another Gulf
War.
Asking for permission
Example:
Could I open the window?
Have to/ Has to
The verb “have to/has to” is used to
express:
External Obligation
Example:
You have to take off your shoes
before you get into the mosque.
Don’t/ Doesn’t have to
“Don’t/Doesn’t have to” is used to
express:
Is not necessary
Example:
You don’t have to do all the
exercises, only the first one.