Modals
This is the comparison table of the English modals, which you have
come across in your audio lessons. Read and know all, then compare the
differences between each other and keep it in mind, it will come to help in
your practice and interaction session.
|
MODAL |
EXAMPLES |
USES |
|
Can |
He can find any Street in Bombay |
Ability |
|
|
You can take a taxi |
Suggestion |
|
|
Can you take me to Dadar Station? |
Request |
|
Be Able To |
He is able to find any street in Bangalore |
Ability |
|
Cant |
That story cant be true |
Certainty that something is impossible |
|
Could |
1 could play
tennis when 1 was |
Ability |
|
|
younger Could you take me to Dadar Station? You could take a taxi |
Request Suggestion |
|
May |
It may be quicker to travel by train |
Possibility |
|
|
May 1 come in? |
Formal request/Permission |
|
Might |
It might be quicker to travel by train |
Possibility |
|
Must |
You must be back at 10 'o' clock Look at the snow. It
must be cold outside |
Obligation Certainty that something is true |
|
Have To |
You have to be back at 10 'o' clock |
Obligation |
|
Need To |
You need to study a lot |
Obligation |
|
Needn’t |
You Needn’t have a university degree |
Lack of obligation |
|
Musn't |
You mustn't drive without a license |
Prohibition |
|
Don't Have To |
You don't have to call taxi |
Lack of obligation |
|
|
You Should drive more carefully |
Opinion/Advice |
|
Ought To |
You ought to drive more carefully |
Opinion/Advice |