MODAL MEANINGS

modal meanings:uu
Modal auxiliary verbs can be used to convey a wide range of meanings. The table below illustrates some of the commonest, but it is by no means exhaustive.
meaning
verbs used
example
Ability:
can, could
I need interpreters in my surgery who can speak Punjabi,2 Urdu, and Gujarati.
Potential:
can, could, might, ought to, should, will, would
A suitable satellite in high orbit should do it nicely.
Permission:
can, could, may, might
Candidates may enter for both examinations, if desired.
Requests and invitations:
can, could, may, might, will, would
Will you come with me?
Offers, promises, threats:
can, could, shall, should
The Company will keep a copy of all material delivered to the Publisher.
Prediction:
could, may, might, should, will
It could be dangerous for anybody who knows.
Obligation:
must, ought to, should
No matter what else they do within the group, every volunteer must do at least one shift on the phones every fortnight.
Advice:
could, might, must, ought to, should
‘Perhaps you could try waders,’ suggested Preston.
Habitual actions:
might, will, would
Every afternoon she would wake from her afternoon sleep and cry pitifully, sometimes for as long as two hours.