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 can/could go to the Olympics this year if they are lucky.

*CAN: very probable (1st conditional) / *COULD: it's possible

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 maths if you study hard.

I think I can/could help you learn maths if you study hard.

*CAN: very probable (1st conditional) / *COULD: it's possible 

Probability

100

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

When I grow up, I may become an engineer.

200

I am feeling tired. I think I (might, will) go to sleep now.

I am feeling tired. I think I will go to sleep now.

300

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

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

400

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

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

500

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

Billy and I may cook dinner tonight.

Advice

100

You ________ visit your doctor if the headache continues.

You should visit your doctor if the headache continues.

200

You _______ smoke. It's bad for your health.

You shouldn't smoke. It's bad for your health.

300

Telling lies makes people not trust you. You _______ never do it (even white lies)

Telling lies makes people not trust you. You should never do it (even white lies)

400

You ______ to see your parents more often. They are getting old.

You ought to see your parents more often. They are getting old.

500

You'd ________ not spend all the money. We may need it to pay the bills or any extra expenses.

You'd better not spend all the money. We may need it to pay the bills or any extra expenses.

Need/Obligation

100

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

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

200

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

Time is not on our side. We must hurry.

300

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

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

400

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

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

500

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

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

Permission/Request/Offer

100

(Can, Will) I go to the toilet, teacher?

Can I go to the toilet, teacher?

200

(Will, Could) you help me with these bags, please? They're too heavy.

Could you help me with these bags, please? They're too heavy.

300

(May, Will) I help you with your exam? I'm good at maths and I see you're struggling.

May I help you with your exam? I'm good at maths and I see you're struggling.

400

(Will, Would) you like something to drink? We have ice coffee, soda, lemonade...

Would you like something to drink? We have ice coffee, soda, lemonade...

500

(Shall/Will) I open the window? It's too hot, isn't it?

Shall I open the window? It's too hot, isn't it?