MODAL VERB “COULD” Could can be used as: 1) possibility, 2) ability in the past, 3) polite request, 4) as a conditional statement and 5) as a soft suggestion.

Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________ Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct modal verb: could, would, or should. Rules Reminder: Use for …

Modals of possibility show that something is possible now. They can also show that something might happen in the future. Modals of possibility include might, could, and may. These modals …

CAN, COULD and BE ABLE TO: all uses can (present) ability could (past) be able to (past, present, future) possibility can could (less certain) permission

“Must” is the strongest modal that implies a possibility will occur while “could” and “might” imply that the speaker is unsure of the action happening.

Use the words in the above box. 1. I ___________ go to the party last night because I was sick. 2. A: ___________ Noel cook Italian food? B: Yes, he ___________. 3. My sister ___________ …

We use the modal verbs can, could and would to offer to do things for people or to invite them to do something. We also use them to make requests or ask permission to do something.