Modal verbs are often used to sound polite
May I have an ice cream please?
Would you like me to open the door for you?
Might you prefer if someone else did it?
Modal verbs are also used used to convey a degree of certainty
Possibility
may, could, might, can….
They may decide to buy that house if there daughter gets into university there.
She always could change her mind.
He might go.
Things can change.
definite/prediction
Whether we are definite or making a prediction will depend on the context. We may use the same tone either way, and mean to be definite but change our minds!
won’t, would, must, will..
I won’t change my mind.
They said they would start the building work yesterday.
You must go there and tell him.
We will return on on the 28th.
probable
should
When you press the button, the light should go on.
To cook the pie, you should cook it for 35 minutes.
They should be open, it is 10am already.
We also say should to describe an obligation
I should go.
You should say thank you for their help.
I should wash my hands.
we can mix modal verbs to make a suggestion
Maybe she should change her mind.
Maybe they could change their policy as a company.
Maybe we might change the way we consider new applications.
_____
What about you?
What might happen next week?
What will you be doing 10 years from now?
What should someone you know be doing now?
_____
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