Common Modal Usage The following charts are useful tools for explaining the different uses of modal verbs in the present tense and in both the positive and negative forms: Can: Use Positive Negative speak English.” speak French.” Ability “I can “I cannot Permission can help yourself to cannot go into this room.” “You “You anything.” Probability can go to Europe this cannot cost more than $5.” “We “It summer.” I come with you?” you just stay home this “Can “Can't weekend?”
Common Modal Usage The following charts are useful tools for explaining the different uses of modal verbs in the present tense and in both the positive and negative forms: Can: Use Positive Negative Ability “I can speak English.” “I cannot speak French.” Permission “You can help yourself to anything.” “You cannot go into this room.” Probability “We can go to Europe this summer.” “It cannot cost more than $5.” “Can I come with you?” “Can't you just stay home this weekend?”
Common-Modal-Usage-Charts.docx