What is the difference between modal verbs?
I have studied the modal verbs (must, can, could, might, may, should). But in many situations I don't know what is the most appropriate modal verbs and I am confused.
Are you able to explain me these differences with examples?
Thank you very much!
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 3
3
As far as I know as a pre-intermediate level speaker:
Must - strong advice
You must be quiet!
Mustn't - prohibition
You mustn't smoke
have to - assumed obligatory
I have to do homework
haven't to - not compulsory
You don't have to worry about these details
Can? - Asking for something softly
Can I have another cup of coffee?
Could? - Asking for permission
Could I ask you something personally?
Would? - Offering something
Would you like another beer?
wouldn't - assumption
Wouldn't this be a bad end?
might - i'm sure of something
This might be the right house.
may not - i'm sure of something (not)
He may not vote this time.
may? - Asking for advice
May I study English?
should? - Asking for opinion
Should I stay or should I go?
should or shouldn't - giving advice about yes/not to do something
You should call him right now.
You shouldn't be here.
Maybe I forgot someone, but I think this is a good start.
2
must/should
Must is stronger than Should.
"You must drink water to live!" "you should drink more water (but you don't have to)."
can/may
Can means you have the ABILITY to do something.
May means you are ALLOWED to do so something.
"I can count to 10 in Italian."
"Once I have my passport, I may cross the Italian border."
Some speakers use can/may interchangeably
Could is conditional/past tense of Can
will/might
Will is more certain
Might is less certain, but still possible
"I will call you tomorrow! I promise."
"I might not come to work tomorrow. I think I'm getting sick."
0
Have a look on this lesson, it'll help you :)
http://learningwithjohn.com/grammar/modal-verbs/
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
