Grammar: Modals U15: can, could, be able to, be allowed to to be ...

Grammar: Modals
U15: can, could, be able to, be allowed to
to be able to
- single achievements
She swam strongly and was able to cross the river easily.
to be allowed
- one particular action in the past
Although he had a ticket, Ken was not allowed to come
in.
can / could
- what is happening at the moment
Look, I can stand on one leg.
- before passive
CDs can be copied.
- know how to do sth
Can you cook?

U17: may, might
may
- characteristic, behaviour (formal)
Under these circumstances the plant may grow very fast.
- formal questions
May I help you?
- may (not) do … but / may (not) have done … ,but
The painting may not be a masterpiece, but it’s very
colourful.
She may have made a lot of mistakes, but I still like her.
might
- typical activity in the past
Years ago children might be sent down the mines at the
age of six.
- might (not) do … but / might (not) have done … ,but
She might not have danced have danced very gracefully,
but she had a lot of energy
- criticism
She might / could have waited!