Modal Verbs at a Glance – English grammar with pictures (B1)

At a glance

Key chart

Modal verbs by meaning

Abilitycan, could, be able to
- She can swim.
Permissioncan, could, may
- May I come in?
Requests and offerscan, could, will, would, shall
- Could you help me? Shall I open the window?
Adviceshould, ought to, had better
- You should rest.
Duty and rulesmust, have to, need to
- You must wear a seatbelt.
How sure?must, may, might, could, can't
- She must be tired. It might rain.

Step by stepFour rules for every modal

FlowchartHow sure are you?

Start
Are you sure it is true?
Yes
mustThe lights are on. He must be at home.
No
Are you sure it is NOT true?
Yes
can'tHis car is gone. He can't be at home.
No
Is it possible, but you're not sure?
Yes
may / might / couldHe may be at home.
No
You know it: no modalHe is at home.

Modal	Meaning	Example
can	ability, permission, possibility	I can drive. Can I sit here?
could	past ability, polite request	I could read at four. Could you help me?
may	permission (polite), possibility	May I leave? It may rain.
might	weak possibility	We might go out later.
shall	offers and ideas (I, we)	Shall we dance?
should	advice, the right thing	You should sleep more.
ought to	advice, duty (= should)	You ought to say sorry.
will	future, promises, requests	I will help. Will you close the door?
would	polite offers, imagination	Would you like tea? I would buy a boat.
must	strong duty, being sure	You must stop. She must be home.
need / dare	necessity, courage (in not and questions)	You needn't come. He daren't say it.

She can swim.

I could ride a bike when I was five.

I'll be able to speak English well next year.

May I come in?

Could you pass the salt, please?

Shall I open the window?

Would you like some tea?

You should stay in bed.

You must wear a seatbelt.

I have to wear a uniform at work.

You mustn't go. (Don't go! It's not allowed.)

You don't have to go. (It's not necessary.)

Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.