ABILITY
Can – Be able to
Could – Was/Were able to (a hard work)
‘Despite the crowded, We were able to find a good place to see the scene.’
‘I could tolerate talkative people more when I was younger.’
REQUEST
Can – Could(more polite) – Will – Would
If you could – Would you mind – Do you mind
‘Do you mind repeating last sentences?’
‘Would you take me to the cinema?’
PERMISSION
Can – May – Could
Do you mind if I/We V1 – Would you mind if I/We V2
Do you mind (my/our) Ving
‘Would you mind if I didn’t go to the stadium with you?’
‘I’d like a ten-minute break, please.’
OBLIGATION
Must – Have (got) to (had to – will have to etc.) –
need to (as a necessity)
‘I must pass the exam for my future plans’
‘I have to pass the exam otherwise dad will kill me.’
LACK OF OBLIGATION
Not have to – Not need to – Needn’t
*needn’t have done. (It’s done) – didn’t need to (It’s not done)
‘Luckily we needn’t go out for diner tonight.’
PROHIBITION
Mustn’t – Can’t – Be not allowed to
‘You can’t park here before 6.p.m.’
‘They mustn’t smoke in puclic areas.’,
ADVICE
Should – Had better – Ought to
‘Tomorrow you ought to get up early to catch the bus.’
SUGGESTION
Let’s – Shall we – How(What) about Ving – Could – May/Might(unwillingly)
‘We might drink a cup of tea during exams.’
‘Let’s not talk about this.’
EXPECTATION
Be supposed to – be to – should
‘Her favourite actress is (supposed) to appear on TV.’
DEDUCTION
Must – Mustn’t – Can’t – Couldn’t
‘Dad must have been watering the garden before I arrived.’
‘This can’t be a result of my problem.’
POSSIBILITY
Can – May – Might – Could – Be likely
‘The election is likely to be held in June.’
‘There might/may/could be a celebration tonight.’
PREFERENCE
Prefer – Would rather – Would prefer
‘I prefer spicy foods to desserts.’
‘She’d rather to keep silent know.’
HABITUAL PAST
Used to – Would
‘Did you use to watch cartoons as a child?’
‘Nobody at school would talk to Jenny.’
CRITICISM
Should(Ought to) be Ving
Should(Ought to) have V3
‘You should be doing your homework instead of this.’
‘Alice shouldn’t have ignored the doctor’s advice, alas!’