 Common modal usage, using simple tenses and modals to state facts, present. Lions live in Africa. Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen. Past. Dinosaurs roamed the earth for millions of years. My grandmother passed away last March. Modal. Mr. Jones can juggle. He couldn't swim at age ten. To express opinions. I think smoking is a disgusting habit. The internet is more useful than the library. That was delicious. I thought she gave an excellent performance. I think it was a beautiful concert. Gambling should be banned in the U.S. You must really like ice cream. You should have left earlier. To indicate actions which occur every day or on a regular basis. I get up at 7.30 every day. My father drives to work on Tuesdays. When I was in high school, I got up at 6.30. My mother rode the bus until she bought a car. I have to be at the office at 7. They used to take the subway with frequency adverbs. Jerry always comes to class on time. At camp, she usually ate breakfast before 7 o'clock. You should never be late for work. Using modals in various situations. Requesting. Can you help me? Could you help me? Will you help me? Would you help me? Would you mind helping me? Asking permission. Can I help you? Could I help you? May I help you? Would you mind if I helped you? Possibility. I may need some help. I might need some help. I will need some help. I would need some help. Hinting. I can use some help. I could use some help. Other. I can help you. I could help you. I may help you. I might help you. I will help you. I would help you.