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Modal verbs

with this table you will be able to understand the different functions Modal verbs have . Example and

substituting verbs and expressions are also given

Modal Verb Function Substituting

verb

can could • Ability – John can speak English, but he

can’t speak Spanish.

• Ability (in the past) – My mother could

swim when she was younger.

• To be able to

• To be capable

of

• To be

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• Possibility – I can learn English.

• Permission – Can I go out please?

• Offer – Can I help you, madam?

• Request – Could you bring me a cup of tea,

please?

(im)possible to

• To be allowed

to

May Might • Permission (politeness) – May I open the

window, please?

• Possibility – The chauffeur may be in the

car.

Susan may not come tomorrow.

You might participate in the contest.

• To be allowed

to

• To be likely to

• To be

probable to

• Perhaps... will