Modal Verbs

Using modal verbs

Modal verbs, or modal verbs, are those English verbs that help a sentence have a better meaning
thanks to its function. You can use them when you want to give another meaning to a sentence. For
example, if you want to ask permission to speak or to know if they could come looking for you.
Then, these verbs that serve as auxiliary verbs, seek to give a specific meaning to certain actions.
Now, what are they and how to use them? Master them with this complete article on modal verbs
in English.

List of most common modal verbs

Could
This modal verb becomes the past form of "can." Its meaning is the same, but the tense expresses
something that has already happened, or is also used to provide alternatives.

may
It is a variation of the verb "can", but it is a more formal modal verb. If you want to ask permission,
this is a good way. With it you can count or establish a possibility.

Might
For suggestions or possibilities, this verb expresses it clearly. Its use depends on the context, being
much more flexible than "may".

Will
This is a verb that talks about the future. Prediction, question or concern, states that it is possible or
it is already feasible that something will happen later.

Would
Talk about habits you used to do before. It can also be used in the future tense if your intention is
to show that you are willing to do something or set conditions.

Must
Express need or a strong suggestion. In addition, it implies that you can come to assume about
something.

Shall
This is a verb not very common because it is formal. Its meaning is like that of the verb "will",
expresses something in relation to what may happen.

Should
It is used more when giving advice, making or asking for suggestions, opinions and actions, or to
generate a certain level of expectation of something future.
Ought to
It is not very often that you encounter this verb. However, its meaning is similar to "should."
Now that you know these modal verbs, let's see their translation and how you can use them:

1. Can
This verb can have different translations, depending on its context, but the most common are you
can, can, can, I know, know, you know. An example of this is seen in the following phrases:
Forgive me, can you tell me what time is?
Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is?
I can cook pizza.
I know how to cook pizza.
I can't speak of my nervousness
I can not talk about my nervousness.

2. Could
This verb (past "can") can be translated as you could or could. It also establishes possibility as we
could. Some examples:
We could meet up today.
We could meet today.
Could you call your mom, please?
Could you call your mom, please?

3. May
Your translations are may, may, may or may. It is used as follows:
May I speak now?
I can speak now?
We may go to the college tomorrow.
We may go to college tomorrow.

4. Might
It is also a variation or synonym of the verb "may", and its use will vary in context. Essentially, your
translations are maybe, could or could.
He might eat tonight.
He may come tonight.
You might as well try to open and get in the car
You could try to open it and get in the car.
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5. Will
It is used to express something we should do, wait, etc. In a future time. Its translation will depend a
lot on the context and the verb. But, for example, it can be translated as:
You will find it.
You'll find it.
We will listen to the next time.
We will listen next time.
Will you marry me?
Will you marry me?

6. Would
It translates in multiple ways to arrange or comment on recurring behavior in the past, and ask
someone to take an action. It is used as follows:
Would you please close our windows?
Could you please close our windows?
When I was in Spain, I would speak Spanish.
When I was in Spain, I spoke Spanish.
I would like you to know the truth.
I wish you knew the truth.

7. Must
Your literal translation would be needed or I have what. However, it will depend a lot on the
accompanying verb since it can imply assumptions, as you can see here:
You must be joking.
You must be kidding.
Maybe, she must have done something.
Perhaps, she must have done something.

8. Shall
It is not a very common modal verb because of its formalism. Its translation is identical to that of
the verb Will. Let's see how it applies:
We shall dance together soon, my lady.
Soon we will dance together, miss.
couple dancing on the road

9. Should
The most common translation for this modal verb is should or should. Some examples of how it is
used:
You should listen to me.
You should listen to me.
Should she doesn’t back?
Sheshould not come back?

10. Ought to
This is a synonym for the modal verb Should, and its translation is the same. Here is an example:
I ought to practice more piano.