(may / might / could / can)
Used to avoid over-generalisation and sound academic.
Examples (10):
Social media may influence teenagers’ behaviour.
Automation could reduce demand for low-skilled labour.
Climate change might increase food insecurity.
Online education may not suit all learners.
Poor infrastructure could slow economic growth.
Pollution can damage marine ecosystems.
These measures may have limited impact.
The policy might face public opposition.
Urban living could increase stress levels.
This trend may continue in the coming years.
(can / could)
Used for what people, systems, or policies are capable of.
Examples (10):
Technology can improve access to education.
Public transport can reduce traffic congestion.
Education can enhance employment prospects.
Governments can regulate harmful industries.
Exercise can improve mental health.
Online platforms can connect global communities.
Early intervention can prevent serious illness.
Renewable energy can replace fossil fuels.
Data analysis can support better policymaking.
Advertising can influence consumer choices.
(would / could / might)
Used for imagined situations and solutions.
Examples (10):
If public transport improved, people would rely less on cars.
Free education would increase social mobility.
Lower taxes could stimulate economic growth.
Without regulation, inequality might worsen.
Reduced working hours would improve work–life balance.
Better planning could prevent housing shortages.
If pollution were controlled, health outcomes would improve.
Investment in skills could reduce unemployment.
Renewable energy subsidies might accelerate adoption.
Stronger laws would discourage environmental damage.
(must / need to / have to)
Used for urgency and unavoidable actions.
Examples (10):
Governments must address climate change urgently.
Schools need to modernise teaching methods.
Companies have to follow safety regulations.
Immediate action must be taken to reduce pollution.
Authorities need to improve public healthcare.
Cities have to manage population growth.
Data privacy must be protected.
Policies need to be reviewed regularly.
Employers have to ensure workplace safety.
Infrastructure investment must increase.
(must / will)
Used when the conclusion is logically obvious.
Examples (10):
The rise in demand must be due to population growth.
This decline must result from economic instability.
The figures must reflect changing consumer habits.
Improved results must indicate policy success.
The increase must be linked to urbanisation.
These patterns must suggest long-term change.
The damage must have been caused by flooding.
Higher costs must discourage low-income families.
This outcome must concern policymakers.
The data must be interpreted carefully.
(should / ought to)
Very common in solution and opinion essays.
Examples (10):
Governments should invest in renewable energy.
Parents should monitor children’s screen time.
Schools should support mental well-being.
Individuals ought to reduce plastic usage.
Employers should promote flexible working hours.
Cities should encourage cycling.
Media outlets ought to report responsibly.
Students should develop critical thinking skills.
Policymakers should consult experts.
Businesses ought to adopt ethical practices.
(should)
Less strong than “will”; shows realistic expectation.
Examples (10):
These measures should reduce air pollution.
Education reform should improve literacy rates.
New regulations should protect consumers.
Public transport upgrades should ease congestion.
The policy should benefit disadvantaged groups.
Healthcare funding should improve services.
This strategy should deliver long-term benefits.
Recycling campaigns should raise awareness.
The reforms should strengthen the economy.
Investment should increase productivity.
(will)
Used carefully in IELTS.
Examples (10):
Automation will transform the labour market.
Population growth will strain public services.
Climate change will affect agriculture.
Online learning will continue to expand.
Energy demand will rise steadily.
Poor planning will increase urban problems.
Globalisation will reshape industries.
Housing prices will remain high.
Technology will dominate future education.
Pollution levels will increase without intervention.
(may / can / could)
Mostly tested in General Training letters.
Examples (10):
May I request a refund for the faulty product?
May I enquire about accommodation availability?
Could I take a day off next week?
Could I submit the assignment late?
Can I use this facility temporarily?
May I speak to the manager?
Could I reschedule the appointment?
May I provide additional documents?
Can I confirm the booking details?
Could I receive written confirmation?
(could / would / will / would you mind)
Examples (10):
Could you please provide further information?
Would you be able to investigate this issue?
Would you mind arranging a replacement?
Could you confirm the delivery date?
Would you kindly review my application?
Will you notify me of any changes?
Could you possibly clarify the policy?
Would it be possible to extend the deadline?
Would you please respond at your convenience?
Could you arrange a refund?
(shall / could / would)
Examples (10):
Shall I attach the receipt?
Shall we arrange a meeting next week?
Could we consider an alternative solution?
Would you like me to provide more details?
Shall I contact you again tomorrow?
Could this issue be resolved differently?
Would it help to revise the schedule?
Shall we proceed with the proposal?
Could additional funding be allocated?
Would further discussion be beneficial?