Table 1. The Meaning of Modal Verbs in English
| Present | Past | Future | Meaning | Example |
Purely modal verbs | ||||
| can | could | ——— | The physical ability to perform an action. | I can play the piano. |
| may | might | ——— | The means and capability (permission) to perform an action. | He may open the window (He is allowed to open the window). |
| must | ———- | ——— | The necessity to perform an action, an order. | She must read it. |
| ought to | ———- | ——— | The same as the verb “Should” – should be used with the “to” participle. | He ought not to smoke at 15. |
The equivalents of the verb “must” | ||||
| to have | had (to) | shall/will have (to) | The same as must and ought to. | I have to read. |
| to be | was/were (to) | ———– | Should do what was has been planned. | They are to come at 5 o’clock. |
