2. There are many modals verbs in the English’s language but, all of them have
different meanings. There are:
Can
Could
May
Might
Shall
Should
Will
Would
Must
Ought to
3. The modals verbs are expressed like a verb: the ability, the opportunity, the need
or an other condition of the main verb.
These modals verbs are used with main verbs to form affirmations or questions.
The modals verbs don’t have conjugations and time, and they can not be used
without the main verb.
4. The modal verb can, indicates a possibility or capability.
-He can play soccer.
-He can’t play golf.
In questions can be used to get a permission to do something or to ask about
a possibility.
-Can you help me?
-Can I play with you?
5. The modal Could indicates possibility or ability in the past.
-It could have been a good dinner
Could be used to speculate on future possibilities, also in the yes or no
questions.
Could indicates an option.
6. The modal verbs (will / Shall + main verb) form the future tense and indicate an
intention or action will happen in the future.
There is no difference between these two manners to use in claims.
However, Shall is rarely used in American English.
-They will/shall meet us at the restaurant
7. The modals verbs may and might are synonyms and indicates an action that
can happen in the future.
-I may / might go to the park, or I may / might stay home.
May can be replaced with can to give instructions or permission.
It can be replaced in May with yes or no questions. The word May is more
polite.
8. The modal must indicates obligation.
-You must go to the park to play soccer.
-You mustn’t be mad with me
Must may indicate probabilities or suppositions.
9. The modals verbs Should and ought indicates an obligation that is not true.
Should and ought are synonyms.
-You should / ought to call your mother.
In questions, Should used to determine whether an obligation exists. In
American English (ought to) never used in questions.
-Should you call her?
10. The modal followed by the word would like is a polite way to indicate a
preference.
- I would like to play soccer today
In questions, would like is a polite way to ask for a decision.
- Would you like to drink coke or water?
