MODAL VERBS

MODAL BASIC ALTERNATIVES if you

TENSE EXAMPLE
VERB MEANING have to use other tenses

Be able to
I can swim very well. (ALL THE TENSES)
Ability He cant sing flamenco. I am able to swim
Can we play instruments? I wasnt able to sing
I will be able to go
Can Present Be allowed to
Can I go to the toilet?
Permission I cant stay late at night. (ALL THE TENSES)
I can go out tonight. I was allowed to go
I will be able to go
She cant be at home, her
Impossibility ----------
car isnt in the garage.
Be able to
Ability I could talk at the age of 3. I was able to open the
Past door. (Just ONCE)
Permission I couldnt go out last night. Be allowed to
Could I was allowed to go
Formal Could you pass the salt,
-------
Requests please?
Present
Tom could be on the train
Possibility -------
now.
AFFIRMATIVE: Have to
Obligation You must go to school. (obligation)
He must make his bed. (ALL THE TENSES)
NEGATIVE I have to study
Prohibition You mustnt smoke herel. I had to study
We mustnt drive a car. I didnt have to clean
Ill have to study
Must Present
Dont have to
POSITIVE (Absence of obligation)
He must be at school now. I dont have to go
Certainty
This coat must be Johns. (No tengo que ir)
Different from
I mustnt go
(No debo ir)
You should see a doctor.
Should / You oght to attend the
Present Advice ----------
ought to meeting.
You shouldnt drive so fast.
It may rain.
Possibility It may not rain.
----------
May Present
Permission May I come in, please? Be allowed to
Might Present Probability Cars might fly in the future. ----------
Dont have to
Needn
Neednt Present Necessity You neednt come so early. (Absence of obligation)
I didnt have to come.