Look
at the table and see the meaning, function and uses of modals:
|
Modals |
Meaning |
Expressing |
Example |
|
must |
to have to |
strong
obligation |
I must stop when the traffic lights turn red. |
|
to be very probable |
logical
conclusion (deduction) |
He must be very tired after such enormous work |
|
|
must not |
not to be allowed to |
prohibition |
You must not
smoke in the hospital. |
|
can |
to be able to |
ability |
I can swim |
|
to be allowed
to |
pertpä9iãxion |
Can I use your
phone please? |
|
|
it is possible |
possibility |
Smoking can
cause cancer! |
|
|
could |
to be able to |
ability in the
past |
When I was younger, I could stay up all night and not get tired. |
|
to be allowed
to |
more polite permission |
Excuse me, could I just say something? |
|
|
it is possible |
possibility |
It could rain tomorrow! |
|
|
may |
to be allowed
to |
permission |
May I use your phone, please? |
|
it is possible,
probable |
possibility, probability |
It may rain
tomorrow! |
|
|
|
it is possible, |
weak possibility, |
I might come
and visit |
|
|
probable |
probability |
you in America next year if I can save enough money. |
|
need |
necessary |
necessity |
Need I say more? |
|
need not |
not necessary |
lack of
necessity/ absence of obligation |
I need
not buy any tomatoes. There are plenty in the fridge. |
|
should/ ought to |
used to
say or ask what the correct or best thing to do |
moderate obligation |
I should
/ ought to see a doctor. I have a terrible headache. |
|
to
suggest an action or to show that it is necessary |
advice |
You should / ought to revise your
lessons. |
