Modal verbs

Modal verbs

Can
1. talk about a skill or possibility in the present, or to ask permission
2. Example
  1. I can call you later.
  2. John can speak French.
Could
1. talk about a skill or possibility in the past or future, or to ask for something politely
2. Example
  1. I could help you if you want.
  2. Grandpa could run very fast as a young man.
May
1. talk about a possibility in the future or the present, or to ask for something politely
2. Example
  1. Tal vez llegue tarde.
  2. Can we come in?
Shall
1. hablar de algo que se hará en el futuro
2. Example
  1. I'm not going to give up!
  2. Do I put the water to heat?
Must
1. talk about an obligation, a ban or a need
2. Example
  1. I have to go!
  2. He has to be crazy.
Should
1. talk about an obligation or recommendation
2. Example
  1. Everyone must arrive on time.
  2. You should try this pie
Would
1. talk about a preference or custom in the past, or to ask something politely
2. Example
  1. I would like to go to the cinema.
  2. Grandma went to work by bike when she was young.
Will
1. talk about something that will be done in the future
2. Example
  1. I will see you later.
  2. Will you be here tomorrow?
Rules
1. They are always followed by an infinitive verb, since they have no meaning for themselves. Normally this verb does not lead to, although there are some exceptions that are also considered modal verbs: be able to, need to, have to and ought to.
2. In interrogative and negative forms, they do not need to add the auxiliary (do or does). For example: Can you come with me tomorrow?
3. They do not conjugate, that is, they do not add -s in the third person singular and have no past or future. Nor do they have infinitive, compound or progressive times.

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	Created by sandra Arce Posada over 6 years ago