ENGLISH

• Modals


  • They are a kind of special verbs which behave very irregularly in English
  • Modals cannot be represented alone as a main verb since they are always used in the helping form
• Can


  Used to talk about things that we are able to do in the present or the immediate future
• Could


  • Used to talk about what we were able to do in the past
  • Used for polite requests
• Must


  Used to talk about obligations and when we are sure something is true
• Might


  Used to say that something is possible, but not sure
• May


  • Used to say that something is possible, but not sure
  • Used to talk about approval
• Should


  Used to give advice or recommendations
• Modals are a kind of special verbs which behave very irregularly in English
• Modals cannot be represented alone as a main verb since they are always used in the helping form
• Could


  Used to talk about what we were able to do in the past, and for polite requests
• Could


  • Long ago, people could travel without permits
  • Could you pass me the sugar, please?
  • If we have enough time, we could go to the playground later
• Must


  • You must eat your fruits!
  • He is not home yet. He must be stuck on a traffic
• Might, May


  Used to say that something is possible, but not sure. May is also used to talk about approval.
• Might, May


  • The kids might like potato, but I'm not sure
  • This might be the most difficult decision he could ever do
  • You may choose any gift that you like best
  • You may have a chocolate after dinner
• Should


  Used as a modal verb to talk about obligation
• Should


  • It's a beautiful day! We should take a walk outside
• Will, Shall


  Used to talk about the future, especially for predictions and promises. Shall is only used for the first person (I or we)
• Will, Shall


  • I shall arrive home late this morning
  • She will be able to buy some new dress soon
  • I will chat you later
• Would


  Used in conditionals and for polite requests
• Would


  • Would you please solve this problem?
  • If we had a lot of money, we would go on vacation every day!
• Cannot/Can't, Mustn't, May Not

  Used to express prohibitions
• Cannot/Can't, Mustn't, May Not

  • I'm sorry, but you can't stay here
  • You mustn't touch that Ming vase
  • Non-committee members may not vote on committee issues