English Grammar Essentials: Modals, Phrasal Verbs, Compounds
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Understanding English Modals, Verbs, and Compounds
Modal Verbs and Their Core Uses
Can
- Ability
- Making suggestions
- Asking for favors
- Expressing certainty that something is impossible
Be Able To
- Ability in the past, present, and future
Could
- Skill in the past
- Polite requests
May
- Probability or possibility (greater than 'might')
- Politely asking for favors
Might
- Probability or possibility (less than 'may')
Would
- Asking favors (more formal)
- Making offers or invitations
Must
- Obligation or necessity (e.g., law)
- Certainty that what is said is true
Have To
- Obligation (common usage worldwide)
Need To
- Expressing need
Need Not
- No obligation or necessity
Must Not
- Prohibition or ban
Do Not Have To
- No obligation or necessity
Should
- Advice or opinion (most common use)
Ought To
- Advice or opinion