Modal Verbs
The modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verbs, meaning they always accompany a main verb, modifying or adding nuance to its meaning.
And what peculiarities do modal verbs have?
They do not have an infinitive, gerund, or past participle. Additionally, modal verbs do not change their form when used with the third person singular.
Let's look at a couple of examples:
❌ She cans swim.
✅ She can swim.
❌ They are mighting to go.
✅ They might go.
So, how are they used?
As mentioned above, modal verbs accompany a main verb. They always come before a verb, adding extra meaning.
Affirmative structure:
Subject + modal verb + main verb.
👉 You should call your mother more often.
You should call your mother more often.
¡Por supuesto! Aquí está la traducción al inglés:
Negative structure:
The most common modal verbs:
Subject + modal verb + not + main verb.
👉 He could not / couldn't come earlier.
He couldn't come earlier.
Interrogative structure:
Modal verb + subject + main verb.
👉 Will you go out tonight?
Will you go out tonight?
Now that you know what modal verbs are and how they are used, let's look at the most common ones and their meanings.
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Can: probably the first modal verb you've learned. Can has two possible meanings: to indicate ability or capacity to do something:
👉 Paul can swim.
Paul can swim.
To indicate a possibility or request:
👉 Can you pass me that spoon?
Can you pass me that spoon?
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Could: this is the past form of can. It means the same thing, but the verb tense expresses something that has already happened. It is also used to offer alternatives.
👉 She couldn't come to the party because she was out of town.
She couldn't come to the party because she was out of town.
👉 You could stay with us for a couple of weeks.
You could stay with us for a couple of weeks.
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Will: a modal verb used to express future actions, make predictions. It indicates that something is possible or likely to happen in the future.
👉 I'm sure she will call. Be patient!
I'm sure she will call. Be patient!
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Would: used to make requests or offer something politely. It is also used to refer to habitual actions in the past.
👉 Would you like a cup of tea?
Would you like a cup of tea?
👉 She would go to the cinema every Saturday.
She would go to the cinema every Saturday.
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Must: expresses necessity, obligation, or strong suggestion. Sometimes it can express a supposition.
👉 We must follow the rules.
We must follow the rules.
👉 Look, he's soaked! It must be raining cats and dogs.
Look, he's soaked! It must be raining cats and dogs.
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May: has a very similar meaning to can but is more formal. It is used to ask for permission politely or to express a possibility.
👉 May I come in?
May I come in?
👉 She may come later.
She may come later.
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Might: this modal verb expresses suggestions and possibilities. It is also used to make requests and offers.
👉 My brother might come for the wedding.
My brother might come for the wedding.
👉 Might I help you?
Might I help you?
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Shall: this is a rather formal modal verb. Its meaning is similar to will. It is also used to make suggestions.
👉 Shall we go?
Shall we go?
👉 I shall be at your birthday party.
I shall be at your birthday party.
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Should: used to give advice, make or ask for suggestions and opinions.
👉 He should eat healthier.
He should eat healthier.
👉 We should not be here.
We should not be here.
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Ought to: this is perhaps the least common modal verb. Its meaning is similar to should.
👉 You ought to be more polite.
You ought to be more polite.
Now that you know the most common modal verbs and how to use them, here's an exercise. Can you fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb? Attention! Some sentences may require the negative form.
