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Modal Verb
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Modal
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Examples
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can
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- ability
- permission
- probability
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I can speak SpanishCan I go to the bathroom?It can’t be Mark.
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could
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- past ability
- past permission
- probability (40%)
- request
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He could swim when he was 6 years oldHe could go to the theaterIt could get much hotter in JulyI could lend you my notebook
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may
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- probability (50%)
- permission
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It may snow tomorrowMay I come in?
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might
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- probability (35% or less)
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must
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You mustn’t speak loudly here!It’s quite dark, it must be 8 PM
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should
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You shouldn’t smoke. It’s unhealthy
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will
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- prediction
- spontaneous decision
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I think he will study harder this timeIt’s very hot today. I will open the window
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