English Modals

When do we use 'can'?

• We use 'can' when talking about emotions

• We use 'can' when talking about colors

• We use 'can' when talking about ability, permission, or possibility.

• We use 'can' when talking about weather

What is the past form of 'can'?

• could

• canned

• can't

• caned

What is the difference between 'can' and 'could'?

• Can is used for past ability, while could is used for present or future ability.

• Can is used in formal writing, while could is used in informal speech.

• Can is used for polite requests, while could is used for expressing certainty.

• The difference between 'can' and 'could' is that 'can' is used for present or future ability, while 'could' is used for past ability or as a polite request.

When do we use 'could'?

• We use 'could' only in the future tense.

• We use 'could' in various contexts such as past ability, permission, polite requests, offers, or expressing possibility or uncertainty.

• Could is used exclusively for expressing certainty.

• Could is never used in formal language.

What is the past form of 'could'?

• cauld

• coul

• could

• coud

When do we use 'will'?

• To describe current events

• To express future actions, predictions, promises, offers, requests, and decisions made at the moment of speaking.

• To express past actions

• To indicate uncertainty

What is the past form of 'will'?

• should

• shall

• shalln't

• would

What is the difference between 'will' and 'would'?

• Future tense vs. Hypothetical situations or polite requests

• Singular vs. Plural

• Formal vs. Informal

• Past tense vs. Present tense

When do we use 'would'?

• Hypothetical situations, future in the past, polite requests, and past habits.

• When expressing certainty, Present tense, Describing ongoing actions

What is the past form of 'would'?

• will

• would

• wold

• wood