1.
Ability (present or future)
· I can help her tomorrow.
· She can speak English.
2.
Ability (past)
- She
could speak Arabic when she was a child, but now she has forgotten it.
3.
Possibility
·
She might be at home.
- You may leave the table once you have
finished your meal.
4.
Permission
·
You may leave the table now that you are finished with your
dinner.
5.
Polite Questions ('I' as subject)
· May I help you this evening?
6.
Polite Questions ('you' as subject)
·
Could you tell me if there is a restaurant nearby?
7.
Advice
·
if they want to pass their exams. They should study more.
8.
Advice (including a possible bad consequence)
·
You'd better hurry, or you'll be late.
9.
Necessity (formal/written)
·
I'd like to go to the market with you today, but I can't. I have
to go to the dentist.
10.
Necessity (informal/spoken)
·
I have got to pay my phone bill soon.
11.
Necessity (question)
·
Do we have to speak before the committee?
12.
Necessity (past)
·
I had to go visit my parents last night.
13. Lack of Necessity
·
You do not have to come to school his
weekend.
14. Prohibition
·
You must not make any noise. My baby
is sleeping.
15. Logical Conclusion
· I must complete the exam on time.