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, must) speak English well because we have studied hard.

We can speak English well because we have studied hard.

300

The volleyball team (has to, 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, have to) help you learn math if you study hard.

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

Obligation

100

I (must, don't have to) pay my taxes today. It's the due date

I must pay my taxes today. It's the due date

200

You (mustn't, don't have to) turn on right here, look at that sign

You mustn't turn on right here, look at that sign

300

You (have to, don't have to) do homework today, the teacher told us not to worry about it

You don't have to do homework today, the teacher told us not to worry about it

400

You (mustn't-must) park in this area, it's prohibited

You mustn't park in this area, it's prohibited

500

Billy and I (don't have to, must) cook dinner tonight. The guests will bring everything

Billy and I don't have to cook dinner tonight. The guests will bring everything

Possibility

100

I think I (will, would) go to the beach this Sunday.

I think I will go to the beach this Sunday.

200

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

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

300

I (will, would) try to act like my father when I was young.

I would try to act like my father when I was young.

400

If you get in trouble, I (won't wouldn't) help you.

If you get in trouble, I won't help you.

500

(Will, Would) you like steak or chicken?

Would you like steak or chicken?

Necessity

100

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

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

200

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

Time is not on our side. We must hurry.

300

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

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

400

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

You don't have to wash those carrots. They've already been washed.

500

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

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

Permission/Requests

100

I want to go to the bathroom

May I go to the bathroom?

200

I want you to wash the dishes

Could you please wash the dishes?

300

I want to borrow your car

Can I borrow your car?

400

I want to ask you to lend me some money

Would you lend me some money?

500

I want to take next week off

May I take next week off?