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Modal Verbs

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  • We can arrive in time if we leave now.
    To show possibility
  • He might have seen the movie before he read the book.
    To express possibility in the past.
  • Until he grew taller than me, I could run faster than my younger brother!
    To show ability in the past.
  • She must be over 90 years old.
    expresses a strong belief
  • We could go out for dinner, or we could just eat leftovers.
    To identify a possibility in the present.
  • Would you like a cup of tea?
    to request or offer
  • Mom, can I go over to my friend's house?
    seeking permission (informally)
  • Could you say it again more slowly.
    To make a request.
  • If she practiced more, she could sing beautifully.
    to express a possibility in the future
  • Might I be excused from the table?
    Seeking permission (more polite and tentative than may.)
  • We can't fix it.
    to show inability or impossibility
  • May I be excused from the table?
    seeking permission (formally)
  • Dr. Fox may be your teacher next year.
    To express possibility in the present and future
  • I can speak a little Russian.
    expresses ability
  • We can swim, but we can't surf - yet!
    To show ability
  • Dr. Fox might be your teacher next year.
    To express possibility in the present and future
  • You should stop smoking.
    to give advice
  • I must go now.
    expresses obligation
  • We could try to fix it ourselves.
    To give a suggestion
  • Could I borrow your car next week?
    inquire about permission or willingness in a more polite form.
  • Can you help me move next Friday?
    To express or inquire about willingness
  • If I were you, I would say sorry.
    imaginary situation
  • May I sit down, please?
    request for permission
  • Can I open the window?
    request for permission
  • I may be home late.
    expresses possibility
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