- Ability: the modals can, could & be able to
- Advice: the modals should, ought to & had better
- Necessity or obligation: the modals must, have to, have got to, had better, and the verb need
- Offering – the modals would, can, could, may, shall & will
- Permission and prohibition: the modals can, could & may
- Possibility: the modals may, might, could, must be & have to be
- Requesting : the modals can, could, will & would
- Suggesting – the modals could & might