Modals of Ability, Possibility, and Permission (can, could, may, might)
for IELTS Speaking and Writing Band 6
Modals—specifically can, could, may, and might—are some of the most essential verbs in the English language, especially for students aiming for Band 6 in the IELTS Speaking and Writing modules. Understanding how to use modals of ability, possibility, and permission will help you speak and write more naturally, express yourself with greater accuracy, and respond confidently in both exam and real-world situations. This comprehensive article will guide you through every aspect of these modals, providing clear explanations, useful examples, practice activities, and proven strategies tailored to IELTS success.
Why Are Modals Important for IELTS Band 6 Speaking and Writing?
- Describe what you or others can do (skills, talents, qualifications)
- Ask for and give permission in a polite way (important for social and work situations)
- Express possibilities, suggestions, and advice (essential for discussion and argument)
- Talk about past and future abilities or opportunities
- Show uncertainty or probability (often needed in Task 2 essays and Part 3 discussions)
Section 1: What Are Modals of Ability, Possibility, and Permission?
Understanding Modals: The Basics
Modals are auxiliary verbs that work with the main verb to express ideas like ability, permission, or possibility. In this article, we focus on four core modals: can, could, may, and might.
can – ability, permission, possibility (present/future)
could – past ability, polite requests/suggestions, possibility (less certain), permission (formal)
may – permission (formal), possibility (present/future)
might – possibility (less certain, present/future), polite suggestions
could – past ability, polite requests/suggestions, possibility (less certain), permission (formal)
may – permission (formal), possibility (present/future)
might – possibility (less certain, present/future), polite suggestions
How Are Modals Used in Sentences?
Modals always come before the base form of the main verb (never with “to” or as infinitives).
She can speak French.
Could you help me?
You may leave now.
It might rain.
Could you help me?
You may leave now.
It might rain.
Modals do not change form for different subjects (I, you, he, she, etc.), and the verb that follows them is always the base form (no “-s,” “-ed,” or “to”).
Section 2: Key Rules, Forms, and Patterns (With Examples)
1. Expressing Ability
can is used for general ability in the present or near future:
- I can swim. (ability now)
- She can drive a car.
- We can finish this today.
- When I was a child, I could run very fast.
- He could speak Spanish when he lived in Mexico.
2. Asking for and Giving Permission
Can I use your phone? (informal)
Could I leave early today? (more polite)
May I come in? (formal, polite)
You may start the test now. (giving permission)
Students can use dictionaries during the exam. (rules/permission)
Could I leave early today? (more polite)
May I come in? (formal, polite)
You may start the test now. (giving permission)
Students can use dictionaries during the exam. (rules/permission)
3. Expressing Possibility
- It can get cold here in winter. (something is possible)
- It could rain this evening. (possible, but not certain)
- She may arrive late. (likely possibility)
- He might come to the party. (possible, but less certain)
4. Making Suggestions, Offers, and Requests
We could go to the cinema. (suggestion)
Could you help me, please? (polite request)
Can you pass me the salt? (casual request)
You could try calling him again. (advice)
Could you help me, please? (polite request)
Can you pass me the salt? (casual request)
You could try calling him again. (advice)
5. Talking About Opportunities or Future Possibilities
- I could get a new job if I try.
- This idea might work.
- There may be a better way to solve the problem.
6. Talking About Probabilities and Uncertainty
- He might be at home now. (not certain)
- I may go to the park if it’s sunny.
- It could be dangerous. (possible, not certain)
Quick Check: Modal Usage
Section 3: 20+ Real-Life and IELTS-Specific Usage Situations
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Situations
- Talking About Skills: I can cook traditional dishes.
- Describing Family Abilities: My sister can speak three languages.
- Asking About Hobbies: Can you play any musical instruments?
- Expressing Lack of Ability: I can't dance very well.
- Describing Past Experiences: When I was young, I could ride a bike without help.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Task Example
Describe a time when you learned a new skill.
"When I was at university, I decided to learn how to play the guitar. At first, I couldn’t even hold it properly, but after a few weeks, I could play simple songs. Now, I can play many popular songs, and I often perform for my friends."
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Discussion
- Discussing Opportunities: Young people today can access more information online.
- Giving Advice: Students could try different study techniques to find what works best.
- Discussing Future Possibilities: In the future, we might see more electric cars on the road.
- Expressing Uncertainty: The government may introduce new policies next year.
- Making Polite Requests: Could you explain your opinion again?
IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic and General Training)
Task Example: You are writing to the manager of a hotel about a booking problem.
Could you please confirm my reservation?
May I request a room with a sea view?
Guests can use the gym facilities free of charge.
May I request a room with a sea view?
Guests can use the gym facilities free of charge.
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)
Essay Question Example: Some people believe students should be allowed to use mobile phones at school.
Allowing students to use mobile phones could help them access information quickly.
However, it might distract them from their studies.
Schools may introduce rules to control phone usage.
However, it might distract them from their studies.
Schools may introduce rules to control phone usage.
General Real-Life Situations
- Making Suggestions: We could visit the museum this weekend.
- Giving Permission: You may use my computer.
- Talking About Rules: You can't park here.
- Talking About Opportunities: If I work hard, I could get promoted.
- Expressing Doubt: That story might not be true.
- Asking for Permission (Informal): Can I borrow your book?
- Describing What’s Allowed: Employees can wear casual clothes on Fridays.
- Talking About Past Abilities: When she was a child, she could read at age four.
- Making a Request in a Shop: Can you show me another size?
- Describing Probabilities in Science: The results may indicate a problem with the experiment.
- Talking About Possibilities in Travel: Flights might be delayed due to weather conditions.
- Expressing Future Uncertainty: We may move to another city next year.
Section 4: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect:
He can to swim.
Correct: He can swim.
Correct: He can swim.
Explanation: After modals (can, could, may, might), always use the base form of the verb (no "to").
Incorrect:
She cans play tennis.
Correct: She can play tennis.
Correct: She can play tennis.
Explanation: Modals never add "s" for third person singular (he, she, it).
Incorrect:
Can I to open the window?
Correct: Can I open the window?
Correct: Can I open the window?
Explanation: Never use "to" after a modal verb. Use the base form only.
Incorrect:
He could swims when he was young.
Correct: He could swim when he was young.
Correct: He could swim when he was young.
Explanation: After modals, use only the base form, not the -s or -ed form.
Spot the Mistake: Modal Forms
Section 5: Vocabulary Mastery & Academic vs. Conversational Use
Key Modals and Patterns (with Definitions and Usage)
can (modal verb)
Used to express present ability, possibility, or to ask/give permission.
I can swim. /kæn/
I can swim. /kæn/
could (modal verb)
Used for past ability, polite requests, or possibility.
When I was younger, I could run fast. /kʊd/
When I was younger, I could run fast. /kʊd/
may (modal verb)
Used to express possibility or to ask/give formal permission.
You may leave now. /meɪ/
You may leave now. /meɪ/
might (modal verb)
Used for weak possibility or suggestions.
He might come to the party. /maɪt/
He might come to the party. /maɪt/
Academic / Formal
May I ask a question?
You may begin your exam now.
Students may not enter after 9:00 am.
Conversational / Informal
Can I ask you something?
Can we start now?
You can’t come in after 9.
Common Phrases and Patterns
- Can you help me? (Request/Help)
- Could you repeat that? (Polite Request)
- May I open the window? (Formal Permission)
- It might rain later. (Possibility)
- He can’t speak German. (Lack of Ability)
- I could swim when I was five. (Past Ability)
- We may see you tomorrow. (Possibility/Future)
- She might not agree. (Uncertainty)
Vocabulary Check: Modal Meanings
Section 6: Real-World Scenario Practice & Study Success
Scenario-Based Practice: Applying Modals in Context
You are taking the IELTS Speaking test. The examiner asks you about a time you learned something new.
What would be the most natural way to start your answer?
Self-Assessment Checklist
- ✅ I know when to use can, could, may, and might for ability, permission, and possibility.
- ✅ I never use "to" after a modal verb.
- ✅ I can identify and correct modal mistakes in sentences.
- ✅ I understand the difference between academic and conversational forms.
- ✅ I am confident using modals in IELTS speaking and writing tasks.
- ✅ I have practiced scenario-based questions with modals.
- ✅ I can explain the rules to someone else.
Actionable Study Plan
- Review the explanations and examples for each modal verb daily for 7 days.
- Write 5 new sentences about your own life for each modal.
- Practice speaking aloud using model answers and IELTS questions.
- Do a vocabulary review and mini-quiz once a week.
- Check your writing for modal mistakes and self-correct.
- Reflect on your progress with the self-assessment checklist.
- Ask a teacher or partner for feedback on your modal use in conversation or writing.
Keep up the great work!
Every step brings you closer to fluency. Practice a little every day and celebrate your improvement. Remember, mistakes are just opportunities to learn!
References & Further Reading
- British Council: Modals
- Cambridge English: Can, Could, May, Might
- IELTS Liz: Modal Verbs for IELTS
- Content and quiz provided by LingExam Academy
