b. Could
1.
Could expresses ability, subject to certain conditions which probably do not exist. In this use, could can refer to the present, the past, or the future.
E.g.: I could go know, if I wanted to. I do not want to
2.
Could is used to request permission. It is somewhat more formal and
polite than can.
E.g.: Could I borrow your pencil?
3.
Could also express the ability in the past time. E.g.: When I was younger, I could run fast.
54
c. May
1.
May express possibility. E.g.: I may
go, but I don‟t really want to.
It may rain, according to the weather report.
2.
May is also used to express permission. It is considered more formal and
polite than can or could.
E.g.: May I smoke here? No, you may not.
d. Might
1.
Might expresses possibility which is considerably slighter or weaker than that express by may.
E.g.: I might
accompany you, but it doesn‟t appear very likely.
It might snow in October; you can never be sure.
2.
Might is used to ask permission. It is more formal and more polite than
may, can, or could.
E.g.: Might I be excused early?
55
54
George E. Wishon, Julia M. Burks, Let’s write English revised edition, New York: Litton
Educational Publishing, 1980, p. 230.
55
George E. Wishon, Julia M. Burks, Let’s write English revised edition, … p. 232.
e. Should
1. To express suggestion
E.g.: You look tired. You should take a rest. You should do your homework.
2. To ask or give the opinion about something
E.g.: A: I am bad at English. What should I do? B: I think you should take an English course.
3. To show the obligation
E.g.: you should pay the tax regularly.
4. To criticize the condition or situation
E.g.: The children
shouldn’t be playing. They should be at school.
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f. Shall
1. To express the request for agreement or an offer to do something for
someone.
E.g.: Shall I answer the telephone for you? Shall I go now and come back later?
2.
Shall is used with the first person pronouns, I and We, to express future
action.
E.g.: I shall leave for Spain tomorrow. We shall return in September.
3.
Shall can express a threat E.g.: If you speak like that again, you shall be punished.
4.
Shall may express a promise E.g.: you shall receive your diploma in June.
g. Will
1.
Will is used to express agreement, mild promise or willingness, or, in a
question, to make a polite request.
E.g.: I will do whatever you think best.
56
Silvester Goridus Sukur, Complete English Grammar for The TOEFL , … p. 121.
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