Page 83 - The English Carnival 7

Mastering Grammar

Modals

We use modal verbs such as can, could, will, would, may, might, shall, should and
must with the main verbs to show possibility, ability, permission, duty, necessity, habit,
and so on. Here is a table to revise modal verbs and how they are used.

Possibility Ability Permission Obligation Offers

CAN I can play Can I go
the football. out tonight?

CAN’T He can’t be her I can’t speak Can I help
father. He’s too French. you? No,
young. you can’t.

MIGHT It might rain
tomorrow.

COULD Mark could be I could Could I
the one who already read borrow your
stole the money? when I was book?
five.

MAY It may rain May I go
tomorrow. to the
bathroom?

MUST He must be her You must
brother. study
today.

HAVE TO I have to
wait.

SHALL You shall Shall I
pay on help you?
Saturday.

HAD I had
BETTER better
arrived
earlier.

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The Englsih Carnival-8