هاكي تــــــــــــــاني
The modals of ability, permission, and possibility are all pure modals. They are can, could, may. and might. Their basic and extended meanings are as follows:
Can
• ability
I can lift 200 pounds over my head.
• permission
You can talk to him now.
• possibility
In the summer, the temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• extended meanings
■ admonition
You can't tell her yet! The shock would he too much.
■ speculation
Now who can that be at the door?
■ disbelief
You can 7 be serious.
Could
• ability
When I was 18. / could run faster and longer.
• permission
Could I talk to you for a moment?
• possibility
It could snow up to ten inches today.
• extended meanings
■ speculation or regret
She could he at Linda's house, but I'm not sure. I could have been a contender.
■ disbelief
It couldn't have been Jim! He'd never do something like that.
■ suggestion or implied criticism
You know, you could knock before you barge in here like that
May
• possibility
He may be the man we're looking for. but I'm not sure yet.
• permission
You may leave whenever you're ready.
Might
• possibility
He might show up later than planned.
• extended meanings
■ speculation
In 2000. they might have already been living in Florida - I'm not sure.
■ suggestion
You might try stepping on the gas a few times before turning the key.
■ criticism
She might have at least let me know ahead of time.
■ permission in formal requests
Might I borrow that calculator?