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Home »Topics »Modals »Categories of meaning expressed by modals

Categories of meaning expressed by modals

modals
  • Modals to express ability: CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO
  • Modals to express advice: SHOULD, OUGHT TO, HAD BETTER
  • Modals to express assumption: WILL, SHOULD, OUGHT TO
  • Modals to express criticism: CAN, COULD, MIGHT, SHOULD
  • The semi-modal DARE
  • Modals to express deduction: MUST, CAN'T, COULDN'T
  • Modals to express habits: WILL, WOULD, USED TO
  • Modals to express intentions: BE GOING TO, WILL
  • Modals to express necessity / obligation: MUST, HAVE (GOT) TO, NEED, SHOULD, OUGHT TO, SHALL
  • Modals to express offers: CAN, COULD, WILL, SHALL, MAY
  • Modals to express permission / prohibition: CAN, COULD, MAY, MIGHT, BE ALLOWED TO, MUSTN'T, BE TO
  • Modals to express possibility: MAY, MIGHT, CAN, COULD
  • Modals to express predictions: BE GOING TO, WILL
  • Modals to express requests: CAN, COULD, WILL, WOULD
  • Modals to express suggestions: SHOULD, COULD, MIGHT, SHALL
  • The modal SHOULD to express surprise
  • The modal WOULD to express unreal situations
  • Modals to express willingness / unwillingness: WILL, WOULD
◂ Types of modals ▴
Modals Modals to express ability: CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO ▸

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