rather than an action. They are used in a sentence WITH an action verb.

​

​Modal Verbs express an idea

​Ability - I can speak English very well.

​

Possibility - I can study a little more.​

​

Request - Can you help me?​

​

​​​Use CAN to express

​

​Past Ability - I could speak English when I was 11 years old.

Remote Possibility - ​I could study more if I had time.

Polite Request -​ Could you help me?

​

Use COULD to express

​

​CAN you help me?

COULD you do me a favor?​

​​Interrogative

I CANNOT help you right now.​

I CAN'T stand rude people.

You COULDN'T finish the test.

She COULD NOT wait anymore.​

​

​​Negative

​

​They CAN run the marathon.

We COULD have some icecream.​

​

​​Affirmative

​So, which step have you reached today???

​

​

Use WILL to talk about the future:

It will rain later​

I will start a diet.

They won't go to the party this weekend.​

Will you come with us?​

​

Modal Verb

WILL​