Modal Verb Functions Examples

can to show ability I can drive.

to ask for or give Can I borrow your pen?
permission Mountain climbing can be
to show possibility dangerous.
could to show ability in Mr. Keith could walk five miles a
the past day when he was young.
Could I borrow your book?
to ask politely He could have done it.
to show possibility
may to request or give May I go out tonight?
permission Yes, you may.
It may rain this afternoon.
to show possibility
might to ask for or give Might I borrow your book?
permission He might have missed the bus.
to show possibility
shall to express the We shall leave tonight.
future Shall we go for a walk?
to suggest
should to advise You should obey your parents.
to express He should have arrived by now.
probability
will to express the The doctor will see you soon.
future Will you help me?
to request I will help you finish the job.
to promise You will fall if you climb any
to predict or higher.
express general
truth
would to request (formal) Would you close the window?
to express I would have gone if I had
probability known.
must to show necessity You must be on time.
to show certainty He must have lost his way.
ought to to advise You ought to help your mother.
to show obligation I ought to study harder.