Understanding Modal Verbs

Front

Can

Back

Ability or permission

Front

Could

Back

Past ability or polite request

Front

May

Back

Permission or possibility

Front

Might

Back

Possibility or suggestion

Front

Should

Back

Advice or recommendation

Front

Ought to

Back

Moral obligation or duty

Front

Can vs Could

Back

Present vs past ability

Front

May vs Might

Back

Formal vs informal possibility

Front

Should vs Ought to

Back

Advice vs moral duty

Front

Modal Verbs

Back

Express necessity or possibility