Can Could May Might Must Shall Should Will Would
Spoken Description
英語の助動詞：Could, Might, May, Must, Shall, Should, Will, Wouldの違いと用法を、例文とともに解説。可能性、推量、義務、意志の表現を明確に理解し、自然な会話や文章での使い方を習得しよう。中級者にぴったり。
英語の助動詞：Could, Might, May, Must, Shall, Should, Will, Wouldの使い方を例文とともに解説。可能性や義務、推量、意志の表現を明確に理解。文章や会話で自然に使い分けるポイントも解説し、中級レベルに。
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Modal verbs are short helper verbs that show ability, permission, necessity, probability, and more. They give nuances to what you say about actions and events.
Can
Can shows ability or permission in general or specific situations. Use it for things that are possible or allowed. It is also used for informal requests.
| English Word(s) | English Word(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| can | can | |
| could | could |
I(ability) swim across the lake.
I can swim across the lake.
I ___ (ability) swim across the lake.
Could
Could is the past form of can but is also used for polite requests, tentative permission, and hypothetical ability. Use it to soften statements or to talk about less certain possibilities.
(polite request) you pass the salt?
Could you pass the salt?
___ (polite request) you pass the salt?
May
May signals permission or more formal possibility. It is often used in polite requests or when giving approval. It can also indicate that something is likely but not certain.
(formal permission) I leave the meeting now?
May I leave the meeting now?
___ (formal permission) I leave the meeting now?
Might
Might expresses a lower probability than may and is used for tentative suggestions or uncertain outcomes. Use it for small chances or when you are not sure if something will happen.
We(lower probability) see her at the event, but I'm not sure.
We might see her at the event, but I'm not sure.
We ___ (lower probability) see her at the event, but I'm not sure.
Must
Must shows strong necessity, obligation, or logical conclusion. Use it for rules, requirements, or when you are confident that something is true based on evidence.
You(necessity) wear a helmet while cycling.
You must wear a helmet while cycling.
You ___ (necessity) wear a helmet while cycling.
Shall
Shall is more formal and traditional, often used in offers, suggestions, or asking for instructions, especially with I and we. It is less common in everyday speech and is sometimes replaced by will or should.
(offer) we take a break now?
Shall we take a break now?
___ (offer) we take a break now?
Should
Should expresses advice, expectation, or mild obligation. Use it for recommendations, to say what is normal or right, and to suggest that something is likely or proper.
You(advice) see a doctor if the pain continues.
You should see a doctor if the pain continues.
You ___ (advice) see a doctor if the pain continues.
Will
Will is used for future actions, promises, voluntary actions, and strong predictions. It shows intention or certainty about what will happen. It is the standard modal for talking about the future in most contexts.
I(future) call you tomorrow.
I will call you tomorrow.
I ___ (future) call you tomorrow.
Would
Would is the polite conditional form of will. It is used for hypothetical situations, polite requests, offers, and preferences. Use it for imagination, indirect speech, and softening statements.
(polite request) you mind closing the window?
Would you mind closing the window?
___ (polite request) you mind closing the window?
Summary
Modal verbs shape meaning by marking ability, permission, necessity, and probability. Use can and could for ability and polite requests, may and might for possibility, must for necessity, shall for formal offers, should for advice, and will and would for future and conditional actions.
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