Share Modal Verbs
Save to Folder
I can meet you after school.
shows ability in present
Brenda is able to run quickly.
ability in present
Last night, there were no clouds in the sky and they could see all the stars.
past ability
When I was a young child, I wasn’t able to tie my shoes.
past ability
May I go to the washroom?
most formal/polite
Could I borrow your dictionary?
medium formal
Can she have a cookie?
casual
A: I failed my test. B: Really? You should study harder.
advice (common way of giving advice)
A: It's really cold outside. B: You ought to wear a warm jacket.
advice that is correct ethically, or correct according to society's point of view
A: You had better slow down. You are driving too fast!
a bit stronger; includes the idea of a warning
Where are my keys? They may be in the car.
possibility in Present
I may go to the party tonight.
possibility in Future
Side effects of this medication may include upset stomach and fever.
formal and is often found in writing
I might go to the party tonight.
less formal than May; more common in conversation
Where are my keys? They could be in the car.
possibility in present
We could go to the party tonight.
possibility in future
