MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that can not function as a main verb, unlike the auxiliary verbs "be", "do" and "have" that can function as a main verb.

Modal verbs express modality, ability, possibility, need or other condition. We use them for the future and the conditional.

As complementary verbs that are, modal verbs do not work without another verb. This other verb always goes after the modal verb and is in the base form (the infinitive without "to"). Modal verbs are not conjugated and do not have time.

CAN

"Can" indicates ability or possibility. In these cases it can be translated as "power" in Spanish.

Examples:

 I can speak five languages. (I can speak five languages.)

 We can work late tonight if you need us. (We can work late tonight if you need us.)

COULD

"Could" indicates possibility or ability in the past.

Examples:

 Joe could speak Spanish when he was young. (Joe could speak Spanish when he was young.)

 I could not sleep last night. (I could not sleep last night.)

MAY

As "could", "may" is used to indicate possibilities in the future.

Examples:

 I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later. (I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later.)

 You may use your cell phones now. (They can use their phones now.)

WILL

As we will see in later lessons, "will" is used to form the future tense.

Also the use of "will" means will or determination.

Examples:

 I will help you. (I will help you.)

 We will learn English. (We will learn English.)

SHALL

"Shall" is used as "will" to form the future tense. The use of "shall" is much more common in the United Kingdom and is generally more educated.

Examples:

 Chris will be happy to see you. (Chris will be happy to see you.)

 I'll take the 3 o'clock train (I'll take the train at 3pm)

SHOULD

"Should" indicates an obligation or recommendation. Reflects an opinion about what is right. It is translated as the conditional of "duty" in Spanish.

Examples:

 I should call my parents more often. (I should call my parents more often.)

 You should not work so hard. (I should not work so hard.)