# 🐻 Ability and Permission This short guide covers the uses of *can*, *could*, *may*, *might*, *must*, *shall*, *should*, *will*, and *would* for ability, permission, possibility, necessity, and politeness. --- ## Can Use *can* for present ability and informal permission. It also marks general ability and can make requests in everyday speech. --- ### Present ability --- ### Informal permission --- ### General ability --- ### Requests in everyday speech ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "560cd5f8", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "conjugation", "text": "I ___ (can) swim across the lake.", "answer": [ "can" ], "translation": "I am able to swim across the lake.", "emoji": "🏊", "explanation": "'Can' shows present ability.", "name": "65c0771a" }, { "quiz": "560cd5f8", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which situation does NOT use 'can' for ability or informal permission?", "correct": [ "Formal written approval" ], "incorrect": [ "Asking a friend if you may borrow their bike", "Saying 'I can do that task' at work", "Telling a child 'You can play outside after homework'" ], "emoji": "❓", "explanation": "'Can' is informal for permission and ability; formal approvals use 'may' or other phrasing.", "name": "31388ad6" }, { "quiz": "560cd5f8", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (Can) you help me move this table?", "answer": [ "can" ], "translation": "Are you able to help me move this table?", "emoji": "🤝", "explanation": "'Can' makes informal requests for help or permission.", "name": "1ef3d8dc" }, { "quiz": "560cd5f8", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Select all sentences where 'can' expresses general ability (not permission or request).", "correct": [ "Birds can fly", "I can speak three languages" ], "incorrect": [ "Can I leave early today?", "You can take my seat if you like" ], "emoji": "🦜", "explanation": "General ability describes what is possible or skill; requests and offers use 'can' differently.", "name": "5198cc6a" } ], "name": "5162c60e" }> ``` --- ## Could *Could* is the past form of *can* for ability, but it also softens requests and shows possibility. Use it for polite permission and hypothetical situations. --- ### Past ability --- ### Polite requests --- ### Possibility --- ### Hypothetical situations ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "5f45f6ad", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "conjugation", "text": "When I was younger, I ___ (could) run faster than my brother.", "answer": [ "could" ], "translation": "In the past, I was able to run faster than my brother.", "emoji": "🏃‍♂️", "explanation": "'Could' is the past form of 'can' for ability.", "name": "3ec6d248" }, { "quiz": "5f45f6ad", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (Could) you please pass the salt?", "answer": [ "could" ], "translation": "Would you be willing to pass the salt?", "emoji": "🍽️", "explanation": "'Could' softens requests and makes them more polite.", "name": "6a5079a5" }, { "quiz": "5f45f6ad", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which uses of 'could' are correct? (Choose multiple)", "correct": [ "Past ability: 'I could swim when I was five'", "Polite request: 'Could you open the window?'", "Possibility: 'It could rain later'" ], "incorrect": [ "Future tense: 'I could go tomorrow' (without context)", "Strong obligation: 'You could must do this'" ], "emoji": "🔄", "explanation": "'Could' covers past ability, polite requests, and possibility; it is not a future tense by itself and does not express obligation.", "name": "3717c2a9" }, { "quiz": "5f45f6ad", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "If I had more time, I ___ (could) travel the world.", "answer": [ "could" ], "translation": "Hypothetically, I would be able to travel the world if circumstances were different.", "emoji": "🌍", "explanation": "'Could' expresses hypothetical ability in conditional sentences.", "name": "6c515bfa" } ], "name": "6850416d" }> ``` --- ## May Use *may* for formal permission and to signal possibility. It sounds more polite and official than *can* when asking to do something. --- ### Formal permission --- ### Possibility (more polite/official) ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "1a48622c", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (May) I leave the meeting early?", "answer": [ "may" ], "translation": "Do I have formal permission to leave the meeting early?", "emoji": "🗓️", "explanation": "'May' is used for polite/formal permission requests.", "name": "39668cbd" }, { "quiz": "1a48622c", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentence uses 'may' to express possibility rather than permission?", "correct": [ "It may snow tomorrow" ], "incorrect": [ "May I use your phone?", "You may enter when the bell rings", "Employees may take breaks from 2-3PM" ], "emoji": "☁️", "explanation": "'May' can mark both permission and possibility; 'It may snow' shows possibility.", "name": "34250bdf" }, { "quiz": "1a48622c", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Visitors ___ (may) take photographs in this gallery.", "answer": [ "may" ], "translation": "Visitors are allowed to take photographs in this gallery.", "emoji": "📸", "explanation": "'May' grants formal permission in signs and announcements.", "name": "6021fe71" } ], "name": "67613965" }> ``` --- ## Might *Might* shows a smaller possibility and is used for cautious guesses. It can also make polite suggestions and soften statements about the future. --- ### Smaller possibility --- ### Cautious guesses --- ### Polite suggestions --- ### Softening future statements ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "69355552", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which uses of 'might' are appropriate? (Choose multiple)", "correct": [ "Cautious guess: 'She might be at home'", "Polite suggestion: 'You might try restarting the computer'" ], "incorrect": [ "Strong certainty: 'He might definitely win'", "Formal permission: 'Might I leave now?' (rare - use 'may')" ], "emoji": "🔍", "explanation": "'Might' expresses lower possibility and soft suggestions; it's rarely used for formal permission (use 'may' instead).", "name": "4fc7f91d" }, { "quiz": "69355552", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "We ___ (might) see a movie if we finish work early.", "answer": [ "might" ], "translation": "There is a small possibility we will see a movie if we finish early.", "emoji": "🎬", "explanation": "'Might' signals a smaller or uncertain possibility about the future.", "name": "5db2794b" }, { "quiz": "69355552", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "You ___ (might) want to check the schedule before booking tickets.", "answer": [ "might" ], "translation": "It is a polite suggestion to check the schedule before booking.", "emoji": "🗓️", "explanation": "'Might' can be used to make polite suggestions or soften advice.", "name": "7aed1d98" } ], "name": "85b90b7" }> ``` --- ## Must Use *must* for strong obligation, necessity, and logical conclusion. It tells someone they are required to do something or that something is almost certain. --- ### Strong obligation --- ### Necessity --- ### Logical conclusion ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "25b4e218", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "You ___ (must) wear a seatbelt while driving.", "answer": [ "must" ], "translation": "It is required to wear a seatbelt while driving.", "emoji": "🚗", "explanation": "'Must' expresses strong obligation or legal requirement.", "name": "315b70b4" }, { "quiz": "25b4e218", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentences use 'must' for logical conclusion rather than obligation?", "correct": [ "She didn't answer her phone; she must be busy" ], "incorrect": [ "You must finish your homework before playing", "Guests must sign in at the front desk", "Employees must wear ID badges" ], "emoji": "🧠", "explanation": "'Must' can express logical deduction (on the right) or obligation (on the left). Choose the context-based meaning.", "name": "2dcd14c5" }, { "quiz": "25b4e218", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "To enter the lab, you ___ (must) show your ID badge.", "answer": [ "must" ], "translation": "Showing your ID badge is a required rule to enter the lab.", "emoji": "🧪", "explanation": "'Must' is used for rules, laws, and strong necessity.", "name": "1c549054" } ], "name": "467665db" }> ``` --- ## Shall *Shall* is formal and traditional for offers and suggestions, especially with *I* and *we*. It is rare in everyday speech but common in legal and polite contexts. --- ### Formal offers and suggestions (I/we) --- ### Legal and polite contexts ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "2d63e256", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which contexts commonly use 'shall'?", "correct": [ "Formal offers or suggestions with 'I' or 'we'", "Legal documents and contracts" ], "incorrect": [ "Everyday casual requests", "Past ability statements" ], "emoji": "⚖️", "explanation": "'Shall' is traditional/formal for offers (Shall I open the window?) and legal language; it is rare in informal speech.", "name": "31a078cd" }, { "quiz": "2d63e256", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (Shall) we take a break now?", "answer": [ "shall" ], "translation": "Formal suggestion: Should we take a break now?", "emoji": "☕", "explanation": "'Shall' with 'we' is used for polite offers or suggestions (especially British English).", "name": "7f39cd93" } ], "name": "265cb1d5" }> ``` --- ## Should *Should* gives advice, recommendations, and mild obligation. It tells someone what is right or best to do and can express expectation. --- ### Advice and recommendations --- ### Mild obligation --- ### Expectation ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "1bffcd71", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "You ___ (should) see a doctor if the pain continues.", "answer": [ "should" ], "translation": "It is advisable for you to see a doctor if the pain continues.", "emoji": "🩺", "explanation": "'Should' gives advice and recommendations.", "name": "60d9f028" }, { "quiz": "1bffcd71", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentences correctly use 'should' for advice or expectation? (Choose multiple)", "correct": [ "Students should submit assignments on time", "We should arrive by 6PM if the train is on schedule" ], "incorrect": [ "You should must complete this form", "That should be the correct answer (logical deduction - acceptable but different function)" ], "emoji": "✔️", "explanation": "'Should' commonly expresses advice and mild obligation; it can also show expectation (arrive by 6PM). Avoid doubling modals ('should must').", "name": "78cd4ef8" } ], "name": "3c40f300" }> ``` --- ## Will *Will* marks future actions, promises, and decisions. It is used for predictions and for voluntary acts that someone intends to do. --- ### Future actions --- ### Promises and decisions --- ### Predictions --- ### Voluntary acts ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "5e64b64a", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "conjugation", "text": "I ___ (will) call you when I arrive.", "answer": [ "will" ], "translation": "I intend to call you when I arrive (future action).", "emoji": "📞", "explanation": "'Will' marks future intent, decisions, and promises.", "name": "4fc2ee7b" }, { "quiz": "5e64b64a", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which uses of 'will' are correct?", "correct": [ "Future action: 'She will start college next year'", "Voluntary act: 'I'll carry that bag for you'", "Prediction: 'It will be sunny tomorrow'" ], "incorrect": [ "Polite past request: 'Will you could help?'", "Strong obligation: 'You will must do this'" ], "emoji": "➡️", "explanation": "'Will' is for future time, promises, voluntary acts, and predictions; it does not combine with 'could' or 'must'.", "name": "7cc22afd" }, { "quiz": "5e64b64a", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "They ___ (will) decide after the meeting tomorrow.", "answer": [ "will" ], "translation": "They intend to make a decision after the meeting tomorrow.", "emoji": "🗳️", "explanation": "'Will' expresses future decisions and planned actions.", "name": "40bb8754" } ], "name": "7a1cbd09" }> ``` --- ## Would *Would* is the polite conditional form for requests, offers, and hypothetical situations. It softens speech and is used in imagined or repeated past actions. --- ### Polite conditional requests and offers --- ### Hypothetical situations --- ### Softening speech --- ### Imagined/repeated past actions ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "75d6639f", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (Would) you like some coffee?", "answer": [ "would" ], "translation": "Polite offer: Would you like some coffee?", "emoji": "☕", "explanation": "'Would' is used for polite offers and requests.", "name": "234fdf6f" }, { "quiz": "75d6639f", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentences correctly use 'would'? (Choose multiple)", "correct": [ "Polite request: 'Would you mind closing the window?'", "Hypothetical: 'I would travel more if I had the time'", "Repeated past: 'When we were kids, we would play outside all day'" ], "incorrect": [ "Strong present obligation: 'You would must do this'", "Simple present ability: 'I would can swim'" ], "emoji": "🕊️", "explanation": "'Would' softens speech, is used in polite conditionals, hypothetical statements, and habitual past actions. It does not express obligation or combine with 'can'.", "name": "1b7da505" }, { "quiz": "75d6639f", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "If I won the lottery, I ___ (would) buy a house by the beach.", "answer": [ "would" ], "translation": "Hypothetically, I would buy a house by the beach if I won the lottery.", "emoji": "🏖️", "explanation": "'Would' expresses hypothetical results in conditional sentences.", "name": "5721f26b" } ], "name": "218f0425" }> ``` --- ## Summary These modal verbs each serve distinct functions for ability, permission, possibility, necessity, and politeness. Choose *can*/*could* for ability and requests, *may*/*might* for permission and possibility, *must* for obligation, *shall* for formal offers, *should* for advice, *will* for future intent, and *would* for polite conditionals. --- ### Choose based on function: ability/request, permission/possibility, obligation, offers, advice, future intent, polite conditionals. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "243d8aae", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which modal pairs focus on ability and requests?", "correct": [ "can/could" ], "incorrect": [ "may/might", "shall/should", "will/would" ], "emoji": "🔑", "explanation": "'Can' and 'could' primarily express ability and make requests.", "name": "2c9b2a9a" }, { "quiz": "243d8aae", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which modal is commonly used for strong obligation or necessity?", "correct": [ "must" ], "incorrect": [ "may", "should", "would" ], "emoji": "⚠️", "explanation": "'Must' indicates strong obligation or logical certainty.", "name": "61ccfabb" }, { "quiz": "243d8aae", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which modals are polite forms for permission and requests? (Choose multiple)", "correct": [ "could", "may", "would" ], "incorrect": [ "must", "shall" ], "emoji": "🙏", "explanation": "Could, may, and would soften requests and permissions; must and shall have different functions.", "name": "4177bb57" }, { "quiz": "243d8aae", "topic": "english/words/usage/can-could-may-might-must-shall-should-will-would", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which modal is traditional/formal for offers with 'I' or 'we'?", "correct": [ "shall" ], "incorrect": [ "should", "will", "can" ], "emoji": "🎩", "explanation": "'Shall' is formal/traditional for offers and suggestions, especially in legal or polite contexts.", "name": "115e5485" } ], "name": "49d1f851" }> ```

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