Will | (in future tense) | I will be there. |
| (in requests) | Will you do it for me? |
Won't | (negative of will) | No, I won't. |
Can | (to indicate ability) | I can do it.
|
| (in requests) | Can you help me?
|
| (informally to ask permission) | Can I use your phone? |
Can't | (negative form of can) | No, you can't. |
May | (to indicate possibility) | I may go to New York. |
| (to ask permission) | May I help you? |
Could | (to indicate past ability) | He could play cards well.
|
| (to indicate possibility)
| I could give you a ride. |
| (in requests) | Could you open the door please? |
| (to ask permission) | Could I use your restroom? |
Couldn't | (negative past tense) | I couldn't help it. |
Should | (to express obligation)
| I should go to the wedding. |
| (to conjecture) | He should be in Miami by now. |
Shouldn't | (negative suggestions) | You shouldn't do that. |
|
