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1

Can

Ability, permission, request, possibility

2

Could

Ability in the past, (polite) request, possibility (remote), indirect speech.

3

Shall

Futurity (with first person: singular & plural), threat, determination, command, promise (with second & third person: singular & plural).

4

Should

Moral duty (obligation/advisability), necessity, expectation, should [(with at least): anxiety, concern, or a strong recommendation]

5

Will

Prediction, determination, and threat (with first person: singular & plural).

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6

Would

Willingness, habitual action in the past, wish, polite request, indirect speech.

7

May

Permission, possibility, wish.

8

Might

Permission (more polite), possibility (remote), reproach.

9

Must

Obligation (imposed by the person himself or herself), logical certainty, written order.

10

Used to

A discontinued habit, existence of something in the past, description of someone’s routine during a certain span of time.

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11

Dare to

Challenge.

12

Need

Necessity (requirement).

13

Ought to

Moral duty (obligation/advisability), necessity, expectation.

8

Might:

A

Permission: (More Polite)

1

Might I enter the room now?

2

Might I have a word with you in private?

3

Might we leave a little early today?

4

Might we suggest an alternative plan?

5

Might I open the window if you don't mind?

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B

Possibility: (Remote possibility)

1

It might rain later tonight, but the sky looks clear now.

2

I might attend the party if I finish my work on time.

3

He might know the answer, but I'm not sure.

4

You might feel better after a nap.

5

There might be a delay in the delivery.

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C

Reproach : (Mild criticism or disapproval)

1

You might have told me the truth earlier.

2

He might have thanked you for your help.

3

They might have invited us for the celebration.

4

She might have remembered our anniversary.

5

You might have considered my feelings.

9

Must

A

Obligation: (imposed by the person himself/herself)

1

Students must submit their assignments by Friday.

2

I must attend each and every class.

3

Everyone must obey the Indian Constitution.

4

You must apologize for your impolite behaviour.

5

One must wear a helmet while riding a bike (a two-wheeler).

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B

Logical Certainty:

1

He must be hungry - he hasn't eaten all day.

2

She must be a new teacher - The principal has just introduced her.

3

This must be a mistake - my name isn't on the list.

4

He must be very busy - he has not replied yet.

5

They must be damned tired - they have been working since morning.

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C

Written order:

1

All fees must be paid in advance.

2

Students must attend all scheduled classes.

3

Guests must vacate the room by 11 p.m.

4

Mobile instruments must be switched off during the performance.

5

All visitors must report to the reception desk.

10

Need:

A

Necessity : (Requirement)

1

You need to drink plenty of water every day.

2

He needs to apologize for his rude behaviour.

3

This machine needs regular maintenance.

4

They need to take their medicine regularly.

5

We need to finish this project by Friday.

11

Used to:

A

Discontinued Habit:

1

He used to drink a lot of coffee, but now he prefers tea.

2

We used to write letter instead of emails a few year back.

3

She used to live in Mumbai before she moved abroad (moving abroad).

4

Shahrhukh Khan used to smoke 100 cigarettes a day.

5

I used to watch cartoons every morning when I was a child.

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B

Existence of Something (in the past): (Former presence)

1

There used to be a bunyan tree in our backyard.

2

That shop used to sell the best sweets in town.

3

There used to be a garden where the parking lot is now.

4

There used to be a theatre (Krishna theatre) before this complex was built.

5

That area used to be full of trees, but now it is a waste land.

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C

Description of someone's routine during a certain span of time :

1

When I was in college, I used to wake up at 5 a.m. every day.

2

During summer vacations, we used to visit our cousins in the village.

3

We used to play cricket in the evening after school.

4

When I lived in Delhi, I used to travel by metro every day.

5

When she lived abroad, she used to cook her own meals daily.

12

Dare to (no change - same with all person)

A

Challenge:

1

They dare to stand against injustice, even when it's risky.

2

Dare she go alone into the forest?

3

How dare you to accuse me without proof?

4

Who dares to challenge the champion?

5

He dare not speak a word in her presence.

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6

How dare you speak to me like that?

7

She dares to stand up for her rights.

8

He dares to dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur

9

How dare she question my honesty?

10

They dared to fight against injustice.

11

Don’t you dare to lie to me again?

13

Ought to (same with all person, no change) -

A

Moral duty:(Obligation/Advisability)

1

People ought to be honest in their dealings.

2

We ought to stand up against injustice.

3

She ought to support her friend in difficult times.

4

You ought not to lie to your parents.

5

Ought she to tell the truth, even if it hurts him?

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B

Necessity: (requirement)

1

You ought to wear a mask in crowded places.

2

He ought to speak to a doctor about his symptoms.

3

Ought we to bring our passport for the local flights ?

4

He ought not to ignore such important instructions.

5

We ought not to spend so much time on social media.

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C

Expectation:

1

The train ought to arrive in a few minutes.

2

This book ought to help you to understand this topic.

3

He ought not to forget your birthday again.

4

Ought we to be worried about the delay?

5

The weather ought to improve by now.