Could: Use Positive Negative Ability (past) do 8 pushups when I was couldn't jump high when I was “I “I ten.” hurt.” Permission/ I borrow your pencil?” he come with us?” “Could “Couldn't Request Probability win the race today.” couldn't be the one who stole “He “You it.” Conditional I had money, I could buy a I didn't sleep in, I wouldn't be “If “If car.” late.” Suggestion could just stay home.” NONE “You May: Use Positive Negative Permission may leave your things here.” may not leave until you finish.” “You “You Probability may be mad at you, I can't may not want you to be “He “He tell.” I use your bathroom, NONE “May please?”
Could: Use Positive Negative Ability (past) “I do 8 pushups when I was ten.” “I couldn't jump high when I was hurt.” Permission/ Request “Could I borrow your pencil?” “Couldn't he come with us?” Probability “He win the race today.” “You couldn't be the one who stole it.” Conditional “If I had money, I could buy a car.” “If I didn't sleep in, I wouldn't be late.” Suggestion “You could just stay home.” NONE May: Use Positive Negative Permission “You may leave your things here.” “You may not leave until you finish.” Probability “He may be mad at you, I can't tell.” “He may not want you to be “May I use your bathroom, please?” NONE
Common-Modal-Usage-Charts.docx