Modals
Here's a list of the modal verbs in English:
can would
could must
may shall
might should
will ought to
Modals are different from normal verbs:
They don't use an 's' for the third person singular.
They make questions by inversion ( 'she can go' becomes 'can she
go?' )
They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb ( without
'to )
Probability:
First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that
something happened / is happening / will happen. We often call
these 'modals of deduction' or 'speculation' or 'certainty' or
'probability'.
For example:
It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.
I don't know where John is. He could have missed the train.
This bill can't be right. $200 for two cups of coffee!
Ability:
We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability.
For example:
She can speak six languages.
My grandfather could play golf very well.
I can't drive.
Obligation and Advice
We can use verbs such as 'must' or 'should' to say when something is
necessary or unnecessary, or to give advice
For example:
We have to wear a uniform at work.
You should stop smoking.
Can
One of the most commonly used modals in English. It can express
ideas such as capacity, permission or request.
Example: She can speak French. (capacity)
Could
It expresses possibility, past ability as well as suggestions and
requests.
Examples:
Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city (possibility)
John could run very fast when he was younger (past ability)
May
It is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to
give or ask for permission.
Might
It is more commonly used to indicate possibility. However, it can also
be used to make suggestions or requests; this is a rare use, though.
Must
It can be used to talk about certainty, that is, something you are
almost sure is true. Moreover, it can be used to talk about obligation,
prohibition, necessity or strong recommendation.
Shall
It indicates a future action. It is more commonly used with the first
person singular and plural ( I and we ) often found in suggestions,
promises, or predestinations.
Will
It is more commonly used to talk about future situations. Nonetheless, it
can also be used to talk about the present when we want to make a
request. It is also used in situations in which we make instant decisions.
Should
This modal is more commonly used to give recommendations or advices.
It can also be used to talk about obligations as well as expectations.
Ought to
It is used to advise or make recommendations. It can also express
assumption, expectation, or strong probability when the context implies
that something is deserved.
Would
It is more commonly used to create conditional verb tenses. In addition,
it can be used to make offers, requests, and talk about past habits.
Other modals which can be used to make conditional sentences: could,
might, will and should.
If I knew her name, I might tell.
I could have told you the truth if you had listened to me.
If I should see him, I'll give him the message.