Modal verbs

MODAL VERBS

Made by Sonia Reyes Blanco

06/10/18

Index

Introduction

Can/Could

Must and have to

May/ Might

Be able to

Need to and should

01. Introduction

The modal verbs are auxiliary verbs which are used to express modality, for instance : possibilities, capabilities, permissions, obligations or needs related to the main verb. This verbs offer a better meaning to the sentence, they are placed before the main verb and they aren't cojugated so the main verb is placed after them in the infinitive form.

May/Might

In spanish "may" means "puede que" and might means "pudiera/podría ser que".

MIGHT

MAY

This verb is used to express posibility, permission or to make a polite request. It is used to refer to a possible situation(although it is not 100% likely to happen), it is the most formal modal verb, to express past, the structure of the sentence is may + have + past participle and its structure is the same for future and present (may + verb in infinitive) so we know in what tense is the sentence by the context.For example: -Affirmative: I may talk to my friend. -Negative: I may not call the doctor. -Interrogative: May I help my mum?

This verb is also used to express posibility but this possibility is less likely to happen. This verb is the past of the verb may, is also used to make a polite request and we know if the sentence with this verb is written in present or future by the context because it the same structure for both tenses, however, to express past the strucure is might + have + past participle of the main verb.For example: -Affirmative: We might have fun. -Negative: You might not be rude to them. -Interrogative: Might you open the window?

Can/Could

This verbs express ability,capacity and possibility to do something. They are also used to ask for permission or favors. Can is used to express that something happen in the present and could is used to express past. For both, the future is know by the context.

Can

-Affirmative: I can do my homework in the evening.-Negative: I can't speak french because I can't understand it.-Interrogative: Can you help me with the project?

Could

Could is the past of can and it is more formal than this verb.

-Affirmative: I could run better if I wasn't injured. -Negative: I couldn't find the earring. -Interrogative: Could you let me borrow your pencil, please?

Be able to

This verbs express ability,capacity and possibility to do something. Be able to can be conjuged unliked the other modal verbs so it can be used in all the tenses. The verb conjuged in this modal verb is the verb to be so it shows in what tense it is. It is more used to express the ability of someone to do something. -Affirmative: I am able to play basketball. -Negative: I won't be able to arrive on time for dinner. -Interrogative: Was she able to cook that famous dessert?

Must

Have to

This other modal verb doesn't have a literal meaning but it expresses obligation or needs. As different from the verb "must", it speaks of external needs such as rules or laws. Moreover it can be conjuged so the verb indicates in what tense it is. In the negative and interrogative form the auxiliary verb "do" is used. -Affirmative: I have to study hard for the final exam. -Negative: She doesn't have to clean the house because her mum is doing it for her. -Interrogative: Do you have to be there before midnight?

This modal verb doesn't have a literal meaning, it indicates obligation or prohibition. It is also useful to give advices or to express needs. As different from the verb "have to", it speaks of moral or internal needs. Besides, it is subjective because it speak from the point of view of each one. -Affirmative: You must respect your teachers and partners. -Negative: You mustn't smoke in indoor places. -Interrogative: Must we go to class before the ring bell?

Should

Need to

Should is used to give advice and to do recommendations. It can not be conjugated and it doesn't need an auxiliary verb in the negative and interrogative form. -Affirmative: You should ask to the teacher if you have any questions. -Negative: You shouldn't make that decision due to the fact that it can be harmful for you. -Interrogative: Should I apologize for doing that to her?

It means "tener que" and it also express obligation or need to do something. It can be conjuged so it can express all the tenses. This modal verb can also be a common verb. It can be followed by a verb with "to". -Affirmative: She needs to see her family more oftten. -Negative: You don't need to go to the wedding if you don't want to. -Interrogative: Do you need help with cleaning the kitchen?

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