Modals of Ability in English

1. Modal
Verbs:
.
Modals of Ability

2. Index
 General classification
 Expressing ability
 Modals of ability

3. Classification
 Ability  can, could, to be able to
 Permission  may, can, could, might
 Possibility  may, might, can, could
 Prohibition  must not, can’t, may not
 Polite Request  may, could, will, would

4.  Deductions  must, can’t, could, might
 Duty  must, should, ought to
 Orders  must, shall, will
 Necessity  must, to have to, need to
 Advice  should, must, ought to

5. WHAT CAN YOU DO?
WHAT COULD YOU DO?

6. Modals of Ability
Subject + can + bare infinitive
(If it is an action in Present Simple)
Subject + could + bare infinitive
(If it is an action in Past Simple)
Subject + be* able to + bare infinitive
(If it an action in any other tense)
* the required for of the verb To Be