MODAL VERBS

ABILITY
When we talk about ability, we mean two things. First, we mean general ability. This is something that once you have learned you can do any time you want, like being able to read or swim or speak a language, for example. The other kind of ability is specific ability. This mean something that you can or can't do in one particular situation. For example, being able to lift something heavy, or find somewhere you are looking for.

Present: can / cant

I can play the piano. She can speak English. He cant drive hes too tired. We cant come now.

Past: could / couldnt

I could read when I was four. She could speak French when she was a child, but now she has forgotten it. He couldnt dance at all until he took lessons. My grandfather couldnt swim.

Past: was able to / couldnt

When the computer crashed yesterday, I was able to fix it.(not I could fix it) She was able to pass the exam, even though she hadnt studied much.(not she could pass) He called us because he couldnt find the house. I couldnt open the window.

Future: will / wont be able to

At the end of the course, you will be able to make your own website. He wont be able to speak Japanese in a week! It will take months.

Future: can / can't

I can help you tomorrow I can't come to the party

Modal Verbs: PERMISSION

Use the modal verbs of permission, 'can,' or 'could,' to indicate whether someone has permission to do something or not. We can also use 'could' to say that someone was allowed to do something in the past. We use 'could not' or, 'couldn't,' to say that they were NOT allowed to do it.

Be allowed to
We use 'be allowed to' when talking about permission but not in the sense that you are asking for it or granting it. For instance, we would say "I was allowed backstage after my third attempt." Or, "you are not allowed to use your calculator on your math's exam."

MAY
We mostly use 'may' for more formal situations and 'may not' is used to say that someone is not allowed to do something. Example: "Mr. Smith, may I go to the restroom?" "You may go as soon as you have finished your exam." Retailers may not sell items below the manufacturer's price.

 However, we use the modal verbs of permission 'can' when we are giving permission to others. Example: "You can borrow my book if you want, Diane." "You can go leave work now, I've got it covered." "Tom can go with you."

 When refusing permission to someone, we use negative forms of the modals of permission; cannot = can't, or will not = won't, or shall not = shan't. Example: Can I leave early?- No, you can't! Ill go out on Saturday. - You will not! You shan't get any money until the work is satisfactorily finished.