1.-MAY : (Possibility – permission )

a. It is cloudy. It may rain (possibility)

b. May I open the window, please? ( formal permission)

2.-MIGHT: (doubt)

a. Sam is on diet. He might have some steak

3.-CAN: (possibility – permission – ability)

a. It is too hot. We can swim in the ocean ( possibility)

b. You can stay at home tonight. (informal permission)

c. Betty can type on a computer. ( ability)

4.-COULD: ( Past ability – permission )

a. My father could draw very well (past ability )

b. Could I have some beers? ( permission) It suggests respect.

We have also more modal verbs like:

Should: Debería MUST: Deber ( obligacion)

Would:______ia

I should think before act

I would like to study engineering in USA

You must do your homework after dinner.

MODAL VERBSMODAL VERBS