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Use ten modal verbs to express ability, possibility, permission, advice, and obligation.
express ability or possibility
I can swim.
polite requests or express possibility/ability in the past
Could you please pass the salt?
express future intentions or predictions
I will call you later.
polite requests, offering, or expressing preference
Would you like some tea?
formal or old-fashioned, indicate a future action or make a suggestion
Shall we go for a walk?
express advice, recommendation, or obligation
You should finish your homework before watching TV.
indicate necessity or a strong obligation
You must submit the report by Friday.
express permission or possibility
May I use your phone?
indicate a possibility, often in a more uncertain or tentative manner than 'may'
It might rain later.
express a moral or social obligation, similar to 'should'
You ought to apologize for your mistake.
