Grammar: Modal verbs (can, may and their equivalents).
· Modal verbs are used to show the speaker’s attitude towards the action. We use them with other verbs. Modal verbs are not “complete” verbs. We don’t use “to”-infinitives after modals: You mustn’t phone now. It’s late.
| 1. Modal verb Equivalent | Present | Past | Future |
| can to be able to ... may to be allowed to... | ñan am/is/are able to may am/is/are allowed to | Ñould was/were able to might was/were allowed to | will be able to - will be allowed to |
In its first meaning “can” expresses: