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.)
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