12 Modal Verbs Examples
CAN | Ability, doubt, astonishment, permission, Polite request |
MAY | Permission, if not prohibition, supposition with doubt |
MUST | Obligation, firm necessity, logical conclusion, probability |
SHALL | intention, supposition |
WILL | Wish, desire, will, confidence, in the future |
OUGHT TO | Moral duty, insistent advice, strict recommendation |
NEED | (un)necessity |
BE TO | Obligation arising out of arrangement or agreement |
HAVE TO | Unwillingness, forced circumstances |
WOULD | Wish (with “to like”), polite request, a habit of the past |
SHOULD | Necessity, advice, blame, recommendation, reproach, regret |
USED TO | Repeated action in the past |