MODAL VERBS

A modal is a type of
auxiliary (helping) verb
that is used to express:
ability, possibility,
permission or
obligation.

List of modal verbs

Here is a list of modal
verbs:
can, could, may, might,
will, would, shall,
should, must
The verbs or
expressions ought to,
had better, and need
not behave like modal
auxiliaries to a large
extent and may be
added to the above list.
1. CAN
FUNCTION: (1) Ability
Examples:
1. I can swim. (present)
2. I can help you with
that next week. (future)
FUNCTION: (2)
Permission
Examples:
1. Can you lend me
500 pesos?
2. You can borrow my
car.
FUNCTION: (3)
Possibility
Examples:
1. Smoking can cause
cancer.
2. You can catch that
train at 10:43.
2. COULD
FUNCTION: (1) Ability
in the past
Examples:
1. When I was a child I
could climb trees.
2. When I was younger
I could run fast.
FUNCTION: (2) Polite
Permission
Examples:
1. Excuse me, could I
just say something?
2. Could I talk to your
supervisor please?
FUNCTION: (3)
Possibility
Examples:
1. It could rain
tomorrow!
2. I could go there
tomorrow if my mother
allows me.
FUNCTION: (4) Make a
suggestion
Examples:
1. You could take the
tour of the castle
tomorrow.
2. She could live in my
apartment while staying
here in our province.