Modal verbs

1. Can

1.1. hability or possibility

1.1.1. Example

1.2. In interrogative sentences , the use of "can" may request permission

1.2.1. Example: I can drink a glass of water ?

2. could

2.1. hability or possibility in the past

2.1.1. Example: I couldn’t sleep last night

2.2. for future possibilities

2.2.1. Example: I think it could rain later

3. may

3.1. As "could" used "may" to indicate possibilities in the future

3.1.1. Example: I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later

3.2. It can also be used to give permission or instructions

3.2.1. Example: You may use your cell phones now.

3.3. In interrogative sentences , the use of "may" is more polite than "can" or "could "

3.3.1. Example:  May I leave now?

4. might

4.1. possibilities in the present or the future. In these cases, it is synonymous with "may" .

4.1.1. Example:  It might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow

4.2. It can also be used as "may" , to ask permission or make polite requests , although this use is much more common in the UK than in the United States.

5. will

5.1. the use of "will" means will or determination.

5.1.1. Example: We will learn English

5.2. interrogative sentences information , a favor or options.

5.2.1. Example: Will you help me move?

6. shall

6.1. "Shall" is used as the "will" to form the future tense . The use of " shall" is much more common in the UK and is generally more polite.

6.1.1. Example: Ricky shall be happy to see you

6.2. You can also use "shall" for offers and suggestions or to ask about options or preferences .

6.2.1. Example 1: Shall l we meet at 10pm?

6.2.2. Example 2: Shall we go to the movies or a museum?

7. should

7.1. "Should " indicates an obligation or recommendation. It reflects an opinion on what is right . It translates as the conditional "should" in Spanish .

7.1.1. Example: You shouldn’t work so hard

7.2. "It should " is used in interrogative sentences to ask if there is an obligation or to ask for a recommendation .

7.2.1. Example 1: Should we leave a tip?

7.2.2. Example 2: Where should they meet you?

8. ought to

8.1. " Ought to " is synonymous with "should" .

8.1.1. Example: She ought to quit smoking

8.2. Note : Never "ought to " is used in interrogative sentences in American English .

9. must/have to

9.1. "Must" indicates an obligation, prohibition or need. You can also use "have to" (have to) .

9.1.1. Example 1: You must [have to] brush your teeth two times a day.

9.1.2. Example 2: You must not drink and drive

9.1.3. Example 3: When must we meet you?

9.2. You can also use "must" to indicate probability or take something

9.2.1. Example: David not here. He must be sick because he never misses class

9.3. You may also use "must" for rhetorical questions.

9.3.1. Example: Must you always be late?

10. would

10.1. "Would" is used to declare a preference and to ask for something politely.

10.1.1. Example 1: Would you help me please?

10.1.2. Example 2: When would you like to go to the movies?