Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs (also called helping verbs) can, will, could, shall, must, would, might, and should.
can
will
could
shall
would
might
should
"Can" indicates ability or possibility.
- I can speak five languages
"Could" indicates possibility or ability in the past.
Joe could speak Spanish when he was young
"Might" is used to indicate possibilities in the present or future. In these cases, it is a synonym for "may".
- I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later.
As we will see in later lessons, “will” is used to form the future tense.
- I will help you.
"Shall" is used as "will" to form the future tense. The use of "shall" is much more common in the UK and is generally more polite.
- Chris shall be happy to see you.
"Should" indicates an obligation or recommendation. Reflects an opinion about what is right. It is translated as the conditional of "duty" in Spanish.
I should call my parents more often.
must
"Must" indicates an obligation, prohibition or necessity. You can also use "have to" in affirmative sentences.
- You must [have to] read this book, it’s fantastic.
It is used "would" to declare a preference and to ask about something politely.
- She would like to go to New York someday.
