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Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs. This means that they are not conjugated with grammatical persons, so:

They do not have an infinitive (for example, there is no such thing as to can)

They do not have a gerund (for example, there is no mighting)

They do not have a participle (for example, there is no willed)

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The most used modal verbs in English are 10:

Can

Could

May

Might

Will

Would

Must

Shall

Should

Ought to

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A modal verb can express ability, need, condition or "modality" (yes, complex ideas!), hence its meaning depends on the context of the sentence and the verbs with which it is conjugated.

For example: My keys must be in the car; (Mis llaves seguramente estan en el carro.)
Here the modal verb must modifies the verb to be, to indicate that it is very likely that the keys are in the car, we are almost sure of it.

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There are four main characteristics of modal verbs:

They do not conjugate, as we saw in the previous section.

They modify other verbs, so after a modal verb there is always a verb in its infinitive form (without the to), for example:

You can eat better

(You can eat better)

They express certainty, ability, need, disposition and obligation.

The negative or interrogative form of a modal verb does not need an auxiliary, since the verb in question is used for those purposes, for example:

I can't swim

(I do not know how to swim)



Can you drive?

(Can you drive?)

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- Can
It expresses ability or possibility and in Spanish we translate it as “power.” Examples:

I can speak English = I can speak English.

He can't escort go with you = He can't accompany you

Can you help me? = Can you help me?

- Could
It is the past form of “can”, but it is also used to express possibility. It also serves to ask questions with a tone of formality (particularly making requests to those listening to us).

You could use my chair = You could use my chair

She couldn't go to the market with us

Could you open the door, please? = Could you open the door for me, please?

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- May
This modal verb is used to express possibility and probability. Examples:

She may pass the test = She could pass the exam

It may not snow tomorrow = Tomorrow it might not snow.

May I come in? = Can I come in?

- Might
Might is used to give suggestions and possibilities and is also used for requests and offers.

My sister might come home for my birthday = My sister might come home for my birthday

You might not arrive on time = You might not arrive on time.

Might I buy you a drink? = Can I buy you a drink?

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- Will
It is best known for expressing the future in English, but it is also used to express a decision made at the moment it is spoken or the intention to do something. Example:

He will call me back = He will call me back

I won't go with you because I have a lot of work = I won't go with you because I have a lot of work

Will you cover my expenses = Can you cover my expenses?

- Would
It is used to make requests politely and also serves to point out constant actions in the past.

I would like a cup of tea, please = I would like a cup of tea, please

He would visit his sister every weekend = He visited his sister every weekend.

Would you like to taste it? = Would you like to try it?

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- Must
On some occasions it can mean assumptions, but most commonly it refers to needs or commitments.

He must be back by tomorrow = He must be here by tomorrow

You must not litter = It is prohibited to throw garbage on the street.

Must I go to the dentist today? = Do I have to go to the dentist today?

- Shall
In recent times it has fallen into disuse in the United States within the informal language, but in the United Kingdom it is still common. Furthermore, its meaning is the same as will. Examples:

I shall be at your wedding = I will be at your wedding

You shall not go to the party = You shall not go to the party.

Shall we go to the theater tomorrow? = Shall we go to the theater tomorrow?

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- Should
This verb that translates into Spanish as “duty” has the idea of ​​an obligation or recommendation. Examples:

You should take your medicine = You should take your medicine

We should not be in this meeting= We should not be in this meeting

Should I rest more? = Should I rest more?

- Ought to
It is actually not so used because it is synonymous with should, but it is worth reviewing some examples:

She ought to go with her sister = She ought to go with her sister
We ought not assume the worst = We ought not to assume the worst.
You ought to be more polite = You ought to be more polite.

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Modal verbs are essential for effective communication. These auxiliary verbs add nuances of possibility, obligation, capacity, permission, among others, to the sentences. Its mastery allows you to express ideas with greater precision and fluency.

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Modal Verbs Would, Could, Should, Must, May, Might, Can,  en español