Modal Verb Examples for Different Functions

You should/ought to have told me about the problem sooner.

• ASKING PERMISSION

• CRITICISM

• LOGICAL ASSUMPTION

He must be the new manager; everyone seems to know him already.

• ABILITY IN THE PAST

• LOGICAL ASSUMPTION

• REQUEST

Could/May/Might I borrow your notes for the class, please?

• CRITICISM

• ABILITY IN THE PAST

• ASKING PERMISSION

Could/Can/Would you help me carry these boxes?

• LOGICAL ASSUMPTION

• REQUEST

• ABILITY IN THE PAST

You should/ought to start preparing for the exam early.

• REQUEST

• ADVICE

• LOGICAL ASSUMPTION

You mustn't/can't park here; it’s a restricted area.

• ADVICE

• PROHIBITION

• REQUEST

May/Might I leave work a bit early today?

• ADVICE

• ASKING PERMISSION

• LOGICAL ASSUMPTION

She must be exhausted after such a long flight.

• ADVICE

• LOGICAL ASSUMPTION

• REQUEST