Grammar‎ > ‎

Modals and Modal Verbs

Modals are a little complicated for someone who speaks Spanish for a first language, but they don't take too long to learn if you don't try to 'translate'. 

Modals are actually very useful and can add subtle meanings to your sentences. 


Use the link menu to the right to learn more about modals.

Modals are a short version of 'modal auxiliary verbs' which is quite a mouthful so we just say modal.

Since modals are auxiliary verbs, they go in the same place in a sentence as any other auxiliary.

If you are not familiar with auxiliary verbs then I recommend learning the use of the verb do in questions in simple present and simple past. We also use them to make a verb negative.

The basic modals are can, could, had better, may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will, and would.

The phrasal modals are be able to, be going to, be supposed to, have to, have got to, and used to.

Be able to is similiar to can.

Be going to is similiar to will.

Examples

Here are some examples. For more examples check the other modal pages.

  • He can complete it.
  • He would complete it
  • They might complete it.
  • We have to complete it.
  • You ought to complete it.
  • I may complete it.
  • It must complete it.
  • He shall complete it.
  • She should complete it.
  • You had better complete it.
  • They will complete it.
  • We were able to complete it.
  • I am going to complete it.

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