Other uses
We also use modal verbs in the following situations:
1. Making requests
Can I ask you to do me a favour?
Could I ask you to do me a favour? (polite)
May I use your telephone? (polite)
Would you do me a favour? (polite)
Would you help me carry these bags?
Will you please be quiet in here.
2. Giving and refusing permission
You can have the day off.
You can’t borrow my car.
You may register for the exam until the end of March.
3. Asking for advice
Shall I take the exam now or wait till later?
Should I go by car or by train?
Would you accept the job if you were me?
4. Giving advice
You should get your hair cut.
You should have had less to drink. (past)
You ought to use a decent dictionary.
You ought to have revised a bit more. (past)
5. Making offers
Shall I help you clear the table?
Can I give you a hand with your luggage?
Would you like a lift to the airport?
6. Making suggestions
Shall we open a window here?
We can hire a video an stay in tonight.
We could hire a video and stay in tonight. (a more polite suggestion)
7. Complaining
You could at least have asked me before taking the money. (past)
You should make less noise while other people are asleep.
You shouldn't have taken the car without asking me. (past)
You ought to have turned up on time. (past)
You might at least have helped with the washing up! (past)
1. Making requests
Can I ask you to do me a favour?
Could I ask you to do me a favour? (polite)
May I use your telephone? (polite)
Would you do me a favour? (polite)
Would you help me carry these bags?
Will you please be quiet in here.
2. Giving and refusing permission
You can have the day off.
You can’t borrow my car.
You may register for the exam until the end of March.
3. Asking for advice
Shall I take the exam now or wait till later?
Should I go by car or by train?
Would you accept the job if you were me?
4. Giving advice
You should get your hair cut.
You should have had less to drink. (past)
You ought to use a decent dictionary.
You ought to have revised a bit more. (past)
5. Making offers
Shall I help you clear the table?
Can I give you a hand with your luggage?
Would you like a lift to the airport?
6. Making suggestions
Shall we open a window here?
We can hire a video an stay in tonight.
We could hire a video and stay in tonight. (a more polite suggestion)
7. Complaining
You could at least have asked me before taking the money. (past)
You should make less noise while other people are asleep.
You shouldn't have taken the car without asking me. (past)
You ought to have turned up on time. (past)
You might at least have helped with the washing up! (past)