By Difference between, Modals

Re: Will you be coming...(request)

I don't see a great deal of difference between a request and an invitation -- none that could be communicated entirely by a modal verb, at least. The difference seems to lie in what you expect the addressee to do.Request:. CJ

Could and can

Hi, I have difficulty seeing the difference between the modals 'could' and 'can' in some normal sentential situations. My impression of things is that the use 'can' is somewhat limited to physical capacity or physical capability, whether people involved can do it...

modal verb + to

Hi Teachers Is it possible for modal verbs (shall,should, will, would, may, might) to be followed by "to" ? E.g: Mr. Bahnken also said the death penalty should to be pursued for those found guilty of killing his brother A portion of the proceeds from the sale of its paper and...

The difference between these two sentences (about "can/could" )

Come when you like, I can see you any time. Come when you like, I could see you any time. What's the difference in using different modal here? I think when we are less certain, we use "could". But I'm not sure about this. Am I right? Thank you for your answer!

Re: Modal forms

Doll wrote:What is the difference between two sentences above ? Hi Doll,the same that there is between:- I will buy a new laptop.- I may buy a new laptop.I'm sure you know the difference.

Re: Modal forms

Ehem, I want to ask one more queston before I leave here I still feel confused. He may have been waiting for us for an hour by the time our train finally arrives. He will have been waiting for us for an hour by the time our train finally arrives. What is the difference between two...

Re: may, might and could - what's the difference

I am trying to formulate guidelines for learners of English as a foreign language with regards the use of may/might/could to express possibility. It seems to me that you can use these three modals (almost) interchangeably when expressing possibility. For example, 'Where's Mary?' 'I'm not sure....

Re: Would

It seems both Marius and Magic have Swan's book.I just look at it to find out the model verb 'would'.However, this is a tall order for me. I am not a native English speaker.I mean there are many ways one can play with the modal verb 'would'.Marius could do it easily because English is his native...

semi-modals

Hi I have read so much about modals and this is still a grey area of grammar to me. Need is a semi-modal, which combines the qualities of auxiliaries and 'normal' verbs. OK. Examples: I needn't have gone to work (was unnecessary, still I did) I did not need to go to work (was unnecessary,...

Re: Modal verbs

Thanks MrP, I appreciate your reply. I am convinced there is a difference. If I say have to/must to myself a couple of times, I find there is a definite difference in meaning, a difference that is not interchangeable. If people have merely accepted over time that there's little...