MODAL VERBS [2 ESO BILINGUAL GROUP - IES CARLOS CANO - LOS BARRIOS]

MODAL VERBS
VERB TENSE MEANING EXAMPLE ALTERNATIVE OPTION

Ability I can swim very well.

CAN Present Be able to
Permission Can I go to the toilet?
(present, past and future)
Past Ability I could talk at the age of 3. I am able to swim
Permission I could go out last night. I wasnt able to do it
COULD
Present I will be able to go to the party
(formal) Request Could you pass the salt,please?
(+) Obligation You must go to school. Have to (Obligation)
MUST Present
(-) Prohibition You mustnt smoke at school. I have to study
I had to study
You should see a doctor.
SHOULD Present Advice I'll have to study
You shouldnt drive so fast.
MIGHT Present Probability Cars might fly in the future. Dont have to (Absence of obligation)
I dont have to go
(No tengo que ir)
Possibility It may rain. different from
MAY Present
Permission May I come in? I mustnt go
(No debo ir)