Examples of modal verb usage

Modal	Example
Can	They can control their own budgets.We can’t fix it. Can I smoke here? Can you help me?
Could	Could I borrow your dictionary?Could you say it again more slowly? We could try to fix it ourselves. I think we could have another Gulf War. He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
May	May I have another cup of coffee?China may become a major economic power.
Might	We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now. They might give us a 10% discount.
Must	We must say good-bye now.They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary.
Ought to	We ought to employ a professional writer.
Shall (More common in the UK than the US)	Shall I help you with your luggage?Shall we say 2.30 then? Shall I do that or will you?
Should	We should sort out this problem at once.I think we should check everything again. Profits should increase next year.
Will	I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.I'll do that for you if you like. I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday. Profits will increase next year.
Would	Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?Would you pass the salt please? Would you mind waiting a moment? "Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be fine." Would you like to play golf this Friday? "Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea please."