MODAL AUXILIARIES

MODAL AUXILIARIES

Form of the verb: root form

Pattern:
Subject + auxiliary + verb + complement
List of modal auxiliaries:

Would May
Could Might
Should Can
Must
 WOULD

You would use "would" to declare a preference and to ask for something politely.
Examples:
She would like to go to New York someday. (Le gustara ir a Nueva York algn da.)
Would you like some coffee? (Le gustara un caf?)
Would you help me please? (Me ayudas por favor?)
 COULD
"Could" indicates possibility or ability in the past.
Examples:
Joe could speak Spanish when he was young. (Joe poda hablar espaol cuando era
joven.)
I couldnt sleep last night. (No pude dormir anoche.)

You could also use "could" for possibilities in the future.

Examples:
You could pass the test if you studied. (Podras pasar el examen si estudiaras.)
I think it could rain later. (Creo que podra llover ms tarde.)
 COULD

In interrogative phrases "could" request permission or ask

about the possibilities, but it is more formal.
Examples:
Could you pass the salt please? (Podra pasarme la sal por
favor?)
Could you help me? (Podras ayudarme?)
 SHOULD

"Should" indicates an obligation or recommendation. It

reflects an opinion about what is right. Se traduce como el
condicional de deber en espaol.
Examples:
I should call my parents more often. (Debera llamar a mis padres
ms a menudo.)
You shouldnt work so hard. (No deberas trabajar tan duro.)
 SHOULD

"Should" is used in interrogative sentences to ask if there is an

obligation or to request a recommendation.
Examples:
Should we leave a tip? (Deberamos dejar una propina?)
Where should they meet you? (Dnde deberan encontrarte?)
 MUST

"Must" indicates an obligation, prohibition or necessity. You

can also use "have to" in affirmative sentences.
Examples:
You must [have to] read this book, its fantastic. (Tienes que
leer este libro, es fantstico.)
We must [have to] leave now or we will be late. (Tenemos que
irnos ahora o llegaremos tarde.)
 MUST

You can also use "must" to indicate probability or assume

something.
Example:
Johns not here. He must be sick because he never misses class. (John
no est aqu. Debe estar enfermo porque nunca pierde clases.)

It is also possible to use "must" for rhetorical questions.

Must you always be late? (Siempre tienes que llegar tarde?)
Must she talk so much? (Tiene que hablar tanto?)
 MAY

As "could", "may" is used to indicate possibilities in the future.

Examples:
I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later. (Llevara un paraguas,
puede llover ms tarde.)
It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
(Tal vez sea mejor terminar esto ahora, en lugar de esperar hasta
maana.)
 MAY
It can also be used to give permissions or instructions.
Examples:
You may leave if you like. (Puede salir si quiere.)
You may use your cell phones now. (Pueden usar sus telfonos ahora.)

In interrogative phrases, the use of "may" is more educated than "can" or

"could".
Examples:
May I have a glass of water? (Podra tomar un vaso de agua?)
May I leave now? (Podra salir ahora?)
 MIGHT

"Might" is used to indicate possibilities in the present or future. In these cases, it is

synonymous with "may".
Examples:
I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later. (Yo llevara un
paraguas, puede llover ms tarde.)
It might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until
tomorrow. (Tal vez sea mejor terminar esto ahora, en lugar de
esperar hasta maana.)
 CAN

"Can" indicates ability or possibility. In these cases it can be translated as "poder"

in Spanish.
Examples:
I can speak five languages. (Puedo hablar cinco idiomas.)
We can work late tonight if you need us. (Podemos trabajar
hasta tarde esta noche si nos necesitas.)
Bill and Tom cant help you. (Bill y Tom no pueden ayudarte.)
 CAN

In interrogative phrases, the use of "can" can request permission or ask about
possibilities.
Examples:
Can I have a glass of water? (Puedo tomar un vaso de agua?)
Can you help me? (Puedes ayudarme?)
 EXERCISES

Would you like some coffee?

1- _________
2- You _______
could pass the test if you studied
Should
3- I _________ call my parents more often
Must
4- _________ you always be late?
May/Might rain later
5- I would bring an umbrella, it _____________
GRACIAS POR SU ATENCIN