KEEP CALM 學英語

情態助動詞 (Modal Auxiliary Verbs) 是帶有意義的助動詞，整裡用法如下，幫助大家快速掌握。

1. 表能力: can/could

can表示現在及未來的能力, could 表示過去的能力

She can speak several languages. 她會說好幾種語言

She couldn't dance well. 她以前不太會跳舞

2. 表允許: can/could, may

尋求對方允許

Can I borrow your car? 我可以借你的車嗎?

Could I borrow your car? (較禮貌)

May I borrow your car? (較正式且禮貌)

給予許可

You can stay at my place if you like. 如果你想住我家的話，可以喔

You may stay at my place if you like. (較正式)

有權利(被允許)做某事

Students can buy discount tickets. 學生可以買優惠票

Students may buy discount tickets. (較正式)

3. 表請求: can/could, will/would

Can you take a message? 可以幫我留言嗎?

Will you take a message?

較禮貌的說法

Could you take a message?

Would you take a message?

4. 表建議或提議: should, could

建議用should

You should visit Taipei 101 on weekdays. 你最好平日去台北101

提議用could

We could meet at the weekend. 我們可以約週末見面

5. 表可能性: may/might, could

I may/might be late, so don't wait for me. 我可能晚點到，所以不要等我

(may=might, 用法及意思沒有差異)

Most accidents in the home could be prevented. 大部分的家中意外都是可以避免的 (有避免的可能性)

※ may/might 語意上比較像是強調"不確定感"。 could則是表達"其實某件事是有可能發生的"，這樣的語意主要強調另一方面(比較少人認為會發生的那一面)的可能性

6. 表必須: must

You must follow the regulations. 你必須遵守規則