MODAL

VERBS
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The modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that cannot function as a
main verb, unlike the auxiliary verbs "be", "do" and "have" that
can function as a main verb.
The modal verbs express modality, ability, possibility, need or
another condition. We use them for the future and the
conditional.
As complementary verbs that are, modal verbs do not work
without another verb. This other verb always follows the
modal verb and is in the base form (the infinitive without "to").
The modal verbs are not conjugated and they have no time.
Can
• “Can” indica habilidad o
posibilidad. En estos casos
puede ser traducido como
“poder” en español.
Exemples:
I can speak five languages.
We can work late tonight if
you need us.
 Could
• "Could" indicates
possibility or ability in the
past.
Examples:
Joe could speak Spanish
when he was young.
I couldn’t sleep last night.
 MAY
• Like “could”, “may” is used to indicate possibilities in the
future.
Examples:
I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later.
It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait until
tomorrow.