Shall May can should?

The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow.

Shall vs CAN May?

Both “shall” and “may” function in different contexts. “Shall” is used in conveying offers, suggestions, and requests. Meanwhile, “may” is used for permission, showing an ability, and obligation (in legal situations). One common denominator is the use of both terms under the context of a possibility.

Can could may might must Ought should and would?

The verbs ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘shall’, ‘should’, ‘must’ and ‘ought’ are called modal verbs. They are used before ordinary verbs and express meanings such as permission, possibility, certainty and necessity.

Can could may might could?

We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty.
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Could, may and might.
The restaurant may close.It is likely that the restaurant will close.
The restaurant could close.It is less likely that the restaurant will close.
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Mar 30, 2022

When we use may or might?

Although “might” is not the past tense of “may,” it is still the best word to describe something that happened in the past. “May” is better for the present tense. If there is a chance of something happening in the immediate term, “may” tends to be the better word choice. “May” can express permission.

Can we use shall for permission?

“Shall” is not really a “permission” word, it’s more of a request word i.e. “Shall I do that for you. “Can” is a “permission” word, but some pesants would reply “I don’t know, can you”? It would be more correct to say “may”! In the US, we never use “shall” for permission.

Would could might use?

Could, would, and should are all used to talk about possible events or situations, but each one tells us something different. Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

Would could Might?

The modal auxiliary verbs would, could and might can be used to make questions, suggestions and requests less direct and therefore more polite. I thought I would take a day off work. Hi! I thought I would come over and introduce myself.

Can I or may I or shall I?

Well, actually, in modern English they are both considered acceptable. May is a preferred in a formal style or when you want to be more polite. In less formal situations, can is perfectly acceptable.

Can I or may I?

May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the “possibility” sense. You may use can if you wish, and you can use may if it makes you feel better.

Shall we or can we?

The main difference between shall and can is the tense that is associated with. Shall is always in future tense and can is always in present tense. Shall focus on making an offer or suggestions but can focus on expressing opportunities, promising and volunteering.