MODAL VERBS

Ability

100

Five years ago, I (cannot, couldn't) play the piano.

Five years ago, I couldn't play the piano.

200

We (can, could) speak English well.

We can speak English well.

300

The volleyball team (can, could) go to the Olympics this year if they are lucky.

The volleyball team could go to the Olympics this year if they are lucky.

400

I (cannot, couldn't) run that fast when I was six years old.

I couldn't run that fast when I was six years old.

500

I think I (can, could) help you learn math if you study hard.

I think I can help you learn math if you study hard.

Possibility

100

When I grow up, I (may, must) become an engineer.

When I grow up, I may become an engineer.

200

(Should, May) I have a glass of water?

May I have a glass of water?

300

There is a small chance that we (may, can) go to the beach this weekend.

There is a small chance that we may go to the beach this weekend.

400

If you leave the stove on, the house (may, should) catch on fire.

If you leave the stove on, the house may catch on fire.

500

Billy and I (may, must) cook dinner tonight.

Billy and I may cook dinner tonight.

Obligation - Prohibition

100

We have enough milk in the fridge so we (must, mustn't) buy some more.

We have enough milk in the fridge so we mustn't buy some more.

200

Time is not on our side. We (must, mustn't) hurry.

Time is not on our side. We must hurry.

300

Mary gave me a letter to send. I (must, mustn't) forget to mail it.

Mary gave me a letter to send. I mustn't forget to mail it.

400

You (must, mustn't) wash those carrots. They've already been washed.

You mustn't wash those carrots. They've already been washed.

500

He will be having lessons for another two hours. We (must, mustn't) visit him now.

He will be having lessons for another two hours. We mustn't visit him now.