Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

1. Helping verb

2. Example:

   • Can
     • Expresa habilidad
       • I can play piano
     • Sirve para ofrecer ayuda o pedir permiso
       • I can watch your dog while you’re on vacation.
   • Could
     • Pasado de Can
       • I could understand German when I was a kid.
   • Will
     • Enunciar en futuro
       • I will wash my plates after I finish eating.
   • Would
     • Acción habitual en el pasado
       • When I was a kid I would play with dolls every day.
   • Should
     • Dar o pedir consejo u opinión
       • The governor should visit our neighborhood.
   • May
     • Expresar o pedir permiso
       • May I sit beside you?
   • Might
     • Presentar una posibilidad
       • I might as well go home since there’s no one else here.
   • Must
     • "have to" o "need to"
       • You must finish your homework by Wednesday.
   • Shall
     • Suena formal o educado
       • I shall call your mother if you misbehave.

3. Express

   • Ability Necessity Permission