English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

Modal Forms

Modal verbs can be used in a variety of different forms. Study the examples below.

Modal Simple Passive Modal Simple 

I could swim at the beach. The room should be cleaned once a day.

Modal Continuous  Passive Modal Continuous 

I could be swimming at the beach right now. The room should be being cleaned now.

Modal Perfect  Passive Modal Perfect 

I could have swum at the beach yesterday. The room should have been cleaned yesterday.

Modal Perfect Continuous  Passive Modal Perfect Continuous 

I could have been swimming at the beach instead of The room should have been being cleaned but nobody
working in the office. was there. (Rare form)

1. Can
1 (indicating ability) forms of poder; (referring to particular skills) forms of saber; can you come to the dance this
evening? ¿puedes venir al baile esta noche?; she couldn’t answer the question no pudo contestar la pregunta; the
house can accommodate six people en la casa se pueden alojar seis personas; I’ll do what I can haré lo que pueda
or lo que esté en mi mano; they did all they could hicieron todo lo que pudieron; no can do (colloq) no puedo; I
can’t stay long no me puedo quedar mucho rato; can’t you keep still? ¿no puedes estarte quieto?; I cannot believe
she said that no puedo creer que dijera eso; we can but try con intentarlo no se pierde nada; will things improve?
— we can but hope so ¿mejorarán las cosas? — esperemos que sí; I can’t but agree no puedo menos que estar de
acuerdo; can you swim/speak German? ¿sabes nadar/(hablar) alemán?; she could read music when she was four a
los cuatro años ya sabía leer música

2 a (indicating, asking etc permission) forms of poder; I can’t stay out late no puedo or no me dejan volver a casa
tarde; can I come with you? ¿puedo ir contigo?; you can’t go in there, madam no puede entrar ahí, señora; you can
stay as long as you like te puedes quedar todo el tiempo or todo lo que quieras
b (in requests) forms of poder; can you turn that music down, please? ¿puedes bajar esa música, por favor?; can I
have two salads, please? ¿me trae dos ensaladas, por favor?
c (in offers): can I help you? ¿me permite?; (in shop) ¿lo/la atienden?, ¿qué desea?; can I carry that for you?
¿quieres que (te) lleve eso?

3 a (with verbs of perception): I can’t see very well no veo muy bien; can you hear me? ¿me oyes?; I could hear
every word they said oía todo lo que decían; as you can see, there’s a lot of work to be done como ves or puedes
ver, hay mucho que hacer
b (with verbs of mental activity): I can’t understand it no lo entiendo, no logro or no puedo entenderlo; can you
remember her name? ¿te acuerdas de cómo se llama?; I could guess what had happened me imaginaba lo que
había pasado; can’t you tell he’s lying? ¿no te das cuenta de que está mintiendo?

4 a (allow oneself to) (with neg or interrog) forms of poder; you can’t blame her no puedes echarle la culpa; I
couldn’t very well tell him just then no se lo podía decir justo en ese momento; how could you? pero ¿cómo se te
ocurrió hacer (or decir etc) una cosa así?, pero ¿cómo pudiste hacer (or decir etc) una cosa así?
b (in suggestions, advice): can’t you give it another try? ¿por qué no lo vuelves a intentar?; you can’t let him have
the last word no puedes dejar que diga la última palabra

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

c (in orders): for a start, you can clean all this up puedes empezar por limpiar todo esto; if you don’t behave you
can go straight to bed si no te portas bien, te vas inmediatamente a la cama
5 a (indicating possibility) forms of poder; anything can happen now ahora puede pasar cualquier cosa; what can
she be doing in there? ¿qué estará haciendo ahí?, ¿qué puede estar haciendo ahí?; it can’t be true! ¡no puede ser!,
¡no es posible!; you can’t be serious! ¡no lo dirás en serio!; she can’t have finished
already no puede haber terminado ya; he can’t be her husband no puede ser su marido
b (indicating characteristic): you can be really stubborn a veces eres realmente terco; she can be charming when
she wants to es encantadora cuando quiere or cuando se lo propone; learning the piano can be fun aprender a
tocar el piano puede ser divertido; she’s as happy as can be está contentísima, está de lo más contenta.

2. Be able to
1 (pred) to be able to + INF poder + INF; (referring to particular skills) saber + INF; to be able to see/hear
poder ver/oír; to be able to sew/type saber coser/escribir a máquina; they were finally able to expose
him finalmente pudieron desenmascararlo; will you be able to go? ¿podrás ir?; I am pleased to be able
to inform you that … (frml) me complace poder comunicarle que … (frml); I think he’s best able to
answer that question himself creo que él es quien mejor puede contestar a esa pregunta; by then you’ll
be able to speak French fluently para entonces vas a (saber) hablar francés con fluidez; he proved well
able to look after himself demostró que era capaz de or que podía valerse muy bien por sí mismo; those
least able to afford it aquellos que menos pueden permitírselo; he wasn’t able to convince them no
pudo or no logró convencerlos; I’m afraid I’m not able to confirm it me temo que no puedo or
que no me es posible confirmarlo
2 abler / "eIbl@r / ablest / "eIbl@st / (proficient) ‹ politician / performer /  administrator › hábil, capaz;
some of our ablest officers algunos de nuestros oficiales más capaces

"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to
request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.

Examples:
 I can ride a horse. ABILITY
 We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. OPPORTUNITY
 She cannot stay out after 10 PM. PERMISSION
 Can you hand me the stapler? REQUEST
 Any child can grow up to be president. POSSIBILITY

Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can"
behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can also
Modal Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future use:
can  1. I can speak Chinese. 1. I can't speak Swahili. be able to
GENERAL ABILITY
2. SHIFT TO "COULD"  2. SHIFT TO "COULD" 
I could speak Chinese when I was a I couldn't speak Swahili.
kid.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 

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English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 

I will be able to speak Chinese by I won't be able to speak Swahili.
the time I finish my course.
1. With a burst of adrenaline, 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline,
people can pick up cars. people can't pick up something
that heavy.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 
can  With a sudden burst of adrenaline, 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 
ABILITY DURING A he was able to lift the car off the Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift be able to
SPECIFIC EVENT child's leg. the car off the child's leg.

3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"  3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Even three men working together
he will be able to lift the car. won't be able to lift the car.
1. I don't have any time. I can't
1. I have some free time. I can help
help her  now.
her now.

2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 

2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 
can  I didn't have time yesterday. I
I had some free time yesterday. I be able to
OPPORTUNITY wasn't able to help her at that
was able to help her at that time.
time.

3. I'll have some free time

3. I won't have any time later. I
tomorrow. I can help her then.
can't help her then.
1. I can drive Susan's car when she 1. I can't drive Susan's car when
is out of town. she is out of town.

2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO "  2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " 

can  I was allowed to drive Susan's car I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's
may
PERMISSION while she was out of town last car while she was out of town last
week. week.

3. I can drive Susan's car while she 3. I can't drive Susan's car while
is out of town next week. she is out of town next week.
Can I have a glass of water? Can't I have a glass of water?

can  Can you give me a lift to school? Can't you give me a lift to school?
could, may
REQUEST
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE. FUTURE.
Anyone can become rich and
It can't cost more than a dollar or
famous if they know the right
two.
people.
can 
You can't be 45! I thought you
POSSIBILITY, Learning a language can be a real could
were about 18 years old.
IMPOSSIBILITY challenge.

THIS USE IS USUALLY A GENERALIZATION

THIS USE IS USUALLY A GENERALIZATION
OR A SUPPOSITION.
OR A SUPPOSITION.

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

3. Could
1 past of can3
2 (indicating possibility) forms of poder; if I took a taxi, I could get there on time si tomara un taxi, podría llegar a
tiempo; I would help you if I could te ayudaría si pudiera; we could be a little late this evening puede (ser) que or
tal vez lleguemos un poco tarde esta noche; that could be him now puede (ser) que sea él; you could have killed us
all! ¡podrías or podías habernos matado a todos!; you could be right puede (ser) que tengas razón; that could be
the case, but we have no evidence podría or pudiera ser, pero no tenemos pruebas; well, I daresay I could, but I
don’t want to bueno, tal vez podría or pudiera, pero no quiero; I couldn’t possibly agree to that de ninguna manera
podría acceder a eso; she couldn’t have been there before six because she didn’t leave until quarter to no pudo or
no puede haber llegado antes de las seis porque no salió hasta menos cuarto; she couldn’t have been there before
six even if she’d tried no podría haber llegado antes de las seis aunque lo hubiera intentado; it could have been
better podría or podía haber estado mejor; was the soup OK? — it could have been hotter ¿qué tal la sopa? — no
estaba muy caliente que digamos; he couldn’t have treated us more kindly no podría or no podía habernos tratado
mejor; they couldn’t be happier están contentos a más no poder; I couldn’t agree more estoy completamente de
acuerdo

3 a (asking permission): could I use your bathroom? ¿podría or me permitiría pasar al baño?; if I could just say
something here … si me permiten hacer una acotación …
b (in requests): could you please be quiet! ¿me haces el favor de callarte?; could you sign here please? ¿quiere
firmar aquí, por favor?
c (in offers): could I be of some assistance? (frml) ¿puedo ayudar en algo?; (in shop etc) ¿lo/la atienden?

4 a (in suggestions) forms of poder; you could try doing it this way podrías tartar de hacerlo de esta manera; you
could at least apologize! ¡al menos podrías pedir perdón!
b (indicating strong desire) forms of poder; I could have killed/hugged her la hubiera matado/abrazado, la podría
or podía haber matado/abrazado.

"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also
commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."

Examples:
 Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. POSSIBILITY
 Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. PAST ABILITY
 You could see a movie or go out to dinner. SUGGESTION
 Could I use your computer to email my boss? REQUEST
 We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. CONDITIONAL

Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "could"
behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can also
Modal Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future use:
could  1. John could be the one who stole 1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole might, may
POSSIBILITY the money. the money.

2. John could have been the one who 2. Mary couldn't have been the one
stole the money. who stole the money.

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English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

3. John could go to jail for stealing 3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for
the money.  the crime.
1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't
1. If I had more time, I could travel
travel around the world.
around the world.
could  2. Even if I had had more time, I
CONDITIONA 2. If I had had more time, I could
couldn't have traveled around the
L  have traveled around the world.
world.
OF CAN
3. If I had more time this winter, I
3. Even if I had more time this winter, I
could travel around the world.
couldn't travel around the world.
1. NO PRESENT FORM

2. You could have spent your

could 
vacation in Hawaii.  NO NEGATIVE FORMS
SUGGESTION

3. You could spend your vacation in

Hawaii. 
I could run ten miles in my twenties. I couldn't run more than a mile in my
twenties.
I could speak Chinese when I was a
kid. I couldn't speak Swahili.
could 
"COULD" CANNOT BE USED IN POSITIVE "COULD" CAN BE USED IN NEGATIVE be able to
PAST ABILITY
SENTENCES IN WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A SENTENCES IN WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A
MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY. MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY.

Yesterday, I could lift the couch by Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by
myself. Not Correct myself. Correct
Couldn't he come with us?
Could I have something to drink?

could  Couldn't you help me with this for just

Could I borrow your stapler?
POLITE a second? can, may, might
REQUEST
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.
FUTURE.

REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not" "Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen.
"Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens.

Examples:
 Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
 Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

4. Had Better
had better (ought): hadn’t you better phone them? ¿no deberías llamarlos?; I’d better leave before it
gets dark va a ser mejor que me vaya antes de que oscurezca; well, I’d better be off bueno, me tengo
que ir; you’d better do exactly as I say más te vale hacer exactamente lo que yo te diga; you’d better not
complain! ¡más te vale no quejarte!; you’d better believe it! (colloq) sí señor.

"Had better" is most commonly used to make recommendations. It can also be used to express desperate hope as
well as warn people.

Examples:
 You had better take your umbrella with you today. RECOMMENDATION
 That bus had better get here soon! DESPERATE HOPE
 You had better watch the way you talk to me in the future! WARNING

Using "Had Better" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "had
better" behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can also
Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future use:
1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT 1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT
TO"  TO" 
People should unplug toasters People shouldn't clean toasters
before they clean them. without unplugging them first.

had better 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR

RECOMMENDATI should, ought to
"OUGHT TO HAVE"  "OUGHT TO HAVE" 
ON
You should have unplugged the You shouldn't have cleaned the
toaster before you tried to clean it. toaster without unplugging it first.

3. You had better unplug the 3. You had better not clean the
toaster before you try to clean it. toaster until you unplug it.
The movie had better end soon. They had better not be late.

had better 
They had better be here before we They had better not forget Tom's
DESPERATE
start dinner. birthday gift.
HOPE,
WARNING
DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS
USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE. USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.

"Had better" is often simply pronounced as "better" in spoken English.

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

have (auxiliary)
(used to form perfect tenses) haber; I have/had seen her la he/había visto; I have/ had just seen her la
acabo/acababa de ver, recién la vi/la había visto (AmL); have you been waiting long? ¿hace mucho que
esperas?, ¿llevas mucho rato esperando?; you have been busy ¡cómo has trabajado!; she’d already gone
when we arrived ya se había ido cuando llegamos; had I known that o if I’d known that … si hubiera
sabido que …, de haber sabido que …; when he had finished, she … cuando terminó or (liter) cuando
hubo terminado, ella …

2 a (in tags): you’ve been told, haven’t you? te lo han dicho ¿no? or ¿no es cierto? or ¿no es verdad?;
they have signed, haven’t they? han firmado ¿no?; you haven’t lost the key, have you? ¡no habrás
perdido la llave …!
b (elliptical use): you may have forgiven him, but I haven’t puede que tú lo hayas perdonado, pero yo
no; the clock has stopped — so it has! el reloj se ha parado — ¡es verdad! or ¡es cierto!; you’ve forgotten
something — have I? te has olvidado de algo — ¿sí?; I’ve told her — you haven’t! se lo he dicho — ¡no
¿en serio?

5. HAVE TO or HAVE GOT TO

1 (expressing obligation) have (got) to + INF tener* QUE + INF; do you have to go?, have you got to go?
¿tienes que ir?; you don’t have to come if you don’t want to no tienes que or no tienes por qué venir si
no quieres; I have o I’ve got to admit that … tengo que reconocer que …; you don’t have to be an expert
to realize that no hay que or no se necesita ser un experto para darse cuenta de eso; don’t go out unless
you have to no salgas a menos que tengas que hacerlo; she always has to interfere siempre tiene que
inmiscuirse

2 (expressing certainty) have (got) to + INF tener* QUE + INF; someone has to o someone’s got to lose
alguien tiene que perder; it had to happen tenía que ocurrir; you’ve got to be kidding! ¡lo dices en
broma or en chiste!

"Have to" is used to express certainty, necessity, and obligation.

Examples:
 This answer has to be correct. CERTAINTY
 The soup has to be stirred continuously to prevent burning. NECESSITY
 They have to leave early. OBLIGATION

Using "Have to" in Present, Past, and Future

"Have to" behaves quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "have to"
behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future also use:
have to  1. That has to be Jerry. They said he was 1. SHIFT TO "MUST"  must, 

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

That must not be Jerry. They said he has

tall with bright red hair. blond hair, not red hair.

2. That has to have been the right 2. SHIFT TO "MUST" 

CERTAINT have got
restaurant. There were no other That must not have been the right restaurant.
Y to
restaurants on the street. I guess there was another one around there
somewhere.
3. NONE
3. NONE
1. She doesn't have to read "Grapes of
1. She has to read four books for this Wrath." It's optional reading for extra credit.
literature class.
2. She didn't have to write a critique of "The
have to  2. She had to finish the first book before Scarlet Letter." She had to give a presentation
NECESSIT must
the midterm. to her class.
Y

3. She will have to finish the other 3. She won't have to take any other literature
books before the final exam. classes. American Literature 101 is the only
required course.

REMEMBER: "Do not have to" vs. "Must not" "Do not have to" suggests that someone is not required to do
something. "Must not" suggests that you are prohibited from doing something.

Examples:
 You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
 You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.

6. Have Got To
"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.

Examples:
 Drivers have got to get a license to drive a car in the US. NECESSITY
 I have got to be at work by 8:30 AM. OBLIGATION

Using "Have Got to" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "have
got to" behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can 
Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future also use:
have got to  1. People have got to be on time if 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"  have to, 
NECESSITY they want to get a seat in the People don't have to be there on time to get must
crowded theater. a seat.

2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"  2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 

You had to be on time if you wanted You didn't have to be there on time to get a
to get a seat in the crowded theater. seat.

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

3. You have got to be there on time 3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 

tonight if you want to get a seat in You won't have to be there on time to get a
the crowded theater. seat.
Haven't you got to be there by 7:00?

haven't got
Haven't you got to finish that project today? Don't
to 
  you have
FUTURE
"HAVEN'T GOT TO" IS PRIMARILY USED TO ASK ABOUT to
OBLIGATION
FUTURE OBLIGATIONS. IT CAN BE USED IN
STATEMENTS, BUT THIS IS LESS COMMON.

7. May
1 a (asking, granting permission) forms of poder; may I smoke? ¿puedo fumar?, ¿me permite fumar?; he
asked if he might see her preguntó si podía verla; and who, may I ask, are you? ¿y quién es usted, si se
puede saber?; may I take your coat? ¿me permites tu abrigo?; you may smoke if you wish pueden
fumar; you may kiss the bride puede besar a la novia
b (in requests): may I have your opinion on this? ¿podría darme su opinión acerca de esto?; may we see
the menu, please? ¿podríamos ver or nos podría traer el menú, por favor?; may I have this dance? (frml)
¿me concede esta pieza? (frml); may I have your name and address, please? ¿quiere darme su nombre y
dirección, por favor?

2 a (indicating probability) [El grado de probabilidad que indica may es mayor que el que expresan might
o could] : we may increase the price quizás or tal vez aumentemos el precio; you may wish to pay in
advance tal vez or quizás usted prefiera pagar por adelantado; ™ may cause drowsiness puede producir
somnolencia; it may or may not be true puede o no ser cierto; he may not have seen us puede (ser) que
or quizás or tal vez no nos haya visto, a lo mejor or de pronto or (RPl, Per tb) de repente no nos vio; I’m
worried he may do something foolish tengo miedo de que haga un disparate; I was worried he might do
something foolish tenía miedo de que hiciera un disparate; and who is Mr Preston, you may ask? se
preguntarán quién es el señor Preston
b (indicating different options) forms of poder*; you may pay in cash or by check puede pagar en
efectivo o con cheque
c (in generalizations): no matter what they may say digan lo que digan; we’ll find them, wherever they
may be los encontraremos, estén donde estén or dondequiera que estén; come what may pase lo que
pase

3 (indicating sth is natural): you may well ask! ¡buena pregunta!, ¡eso (mismo) digo yo!; you may well
feel embarrassed after last night no me extraña que te sientas avergonzado después de lo de anoche; I
wonder how she did so well? — you may well wonder me pregunto cómo le fue tan bien — eso (mismo)
digo yo

4 (conceding): this may be unpleasant, but it must be said esto podrá ser desagradable, pero hay que
decirlo; he may not be clever, but he’s very hard-working no será inteligente, pero es muy trabajador; be
that as it may sea como sea; that’s as may be puede ser; you may well laugh, just wait till it happens to
you! sí, tú ríete ¡ya verás cuando te pase a ti!

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

5 a (indicating purpose): we have left a space so that you may add your comments hemos dejado un
espacio para que usted pueda hacer sus comentarios; let us fight, that justice may prevail (liter)
luchemos por que prevalezca la justicia
b (in wishes) (liter): may that day never come que ese día no llegue nunca; long may she reign! ¡que
reine por muchos años!; may the Lord be with you el Señor esté con vosotros;

"May" is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission, although
this usage is becoming less common.

Examples:
 Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work. POSSIBILITY
 Johnny, you may leave the table when you have finished your dinner. GIVE PERMISSION
 May I use your bathroom? REQUEST PERMISSION

Using "May" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "may"
behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
Modal Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future also use:
1. Jack may be upset. I can't really tell if 1. Jack may not be upset. Perhaps he is
he is annoyed or tired. tired.

may 2. Jack may have been upset. I couldn't 2. Jack may not have been upset. Perhaps
might
POSSIBILITY really tell if he was annoyed or tired. he was tired.

3. Jack may get upset if you don't tell 3. Jack may not get upset, even if you tell
him the truth. him the truth
1. You may leave the table now that 1. You may not leave the table. You're not
you're finished with your dinner. finished with your dinner yet.

may 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"  2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO" 

GIVE You were allowed to leave the table You were not allowed to leave the table can
PERMISSION after you finished your dinner. because you hadn't finished your dinner.

3. You may leave the table when you 3. You may not leave the table until you
finish your dinner.  are finished with your dinner. 
May I borrow your eraser?

may
May I make a phone call? can, 
REQUEST NO NEGATIVE FORMS
might
PERMISSION
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

8. Might
1 past of may
2 a (asking permission) (esp BrE) podría (or podríamos etc); might I leave a little early today? ¿sería
posible que hoy me fuera un poco antes?, ¿podría irme un poco antes hoy?; might I make a suggestion?
si se me permite (hacer) una sugerencia …, ¿podría hacer una sugerencia?; who’s going to pay, might I
ask? ¿quién va a pagar, si se me permite la pregunta or si se puede saber?
b (in suggestions, expressing annoyance, regret) forms of poder*; you might at least listen al menos
podrías or podías escuchar; I might have known she’d mess it up debería haber sabido or me podría or
me podía haber imaginado que lo echaría a perder

3 a (indicating possibility) [La posibilidad que indica might es más remota que la que expresan may o
Þcould]: she might be at home pudiera ser que estuviera en casa; somebody might have picked it up by
mistake pudiera ser que alguien se lo hubiera llevado por equivocación, a lo mejor alguien se lo llevó por
equivocación; what would you do with the money? — I don’t know, I might even give it all to charity
¿qué harías con el dinero? — no sé, quizás hasta lo donaba todo a obras de beneficencia; it might (well)
have been disastrous if the police hadn’t arrived podría haber sido catastrófico si no hubiera llegado la
policía; a dress such as Queen Victoria might have worn un vestido como el que podría or podía haber
llevado la reina Victoria; as you might imagine como te podrás imaginar; mightn’t his friends know
where he is? — they might (BrE) ¿nosabrán sus amigos dónde está? — pudiera or podría ser que sí
b (in generalizations): whatever the problem might be, we’ll do our best to help sea cual fuere el
problema, haremos todo lo posible por ayudar

4 (indicating sth is natural): he rang to apologize — and o as well he might! Llamó para pedir perdón —
¡era lo menos que podía hacer!

5 a (conceding): the house might not be big, but … la casa no será grande pero …, puede ser que la casa
no sea grande, pero …
b (asking for information) (frml): who might that gentleman be? ¿quién es ese caballero?

6 a (indicating purpose): he died that others might live (liter) murió para que otros vivieran
b (in wishes) (liter): let us pray, that our voices might be heard oremos para que se escuchen nuestros
ruegos.

"Might" is most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditional sentences. English
speakers can also use "might" to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English.

Examples:
 Your purse might be in the living room. POSSIBILITY
 If I didn't have to work, I might go with you. CONDITIONAL
 You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit. SUGGESTION
 Might I borrow your pen? REQUEST

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

Using "Might" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "might"
behaves in different contexts.
Negative Forms
Positive Forms You can also
Modal Use 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. =
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future use:
Future
1. She might be on the bus. I think her 1. She might not be on the bus.
car is having problems. She might be walking home.

2. She might have taken the bus. I'm not 2. She might not have taken the
might 
sure how she got to work. bus. She might have walked could, may
POSSIBILITY
home.
3. She might take the bus to get home. I
don't think Bill will be able to give her a 3. She might not take the bus.
ride. She might get a ride from Bill.
1. If I entered the contest, I might
1. Even if I entered the contest, I
actually win.
might not win.

might  2. If I had entered the contest, I might

2. Even if I had entered the
CONDITIONAL actually have won.
contest, I might not have won.
OF MAY
3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I
3. Even if I entered the contest
might actually win. Unfortunately, I can't
tomorrow, I might not win.
enter it.
1. NO PRESENT FORM
1. NO PRESENT FORM

might  2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON

2. You might have tried the cheese cake. could
SUGGESTION
3. You might not want to eat the
3. You might try the cheesecake.
cheese cake. It's very calorific.
might  Might I have something to drink?
REQUEST could, 
Might I borrow the stapler?  NEGATIVE FORMS UNCOMMON may, 
(British can
form) REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.

REMEMBER: "Might not" vs. "Could not" "Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens. "Could
not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen.

Examples:
 Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
 Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.

9. Must
1 a (expressing obligation) forms of tener que or deber; he must have complete rest tiene que hacer
reposo absoluto, debe hacer reposo absoluto; you must learn to control your temper tienes que or
debes aprender a controlarte; she told him he must apologize le dijo que tenía que or debía disculparse;

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 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

it must be remembered that … hay que recordar que …, tenemos que or debemos recordar que …; she
must not know that I am here no debe enterarse de que estoy aquí, que no se entere de que estoy aquí;
must you make so much noise? ¿hace falta or es necesario hacer tanto ruido?; why must he always
argue with everybody? ¿por qué siempre tiene que discutir con todo el mundo?; I’ll read you my poem
— oh well, if you must(, you must) te voy a leer mi poema —bueno, si te empeñas; I’ll speak to her, if I
must hablaré con ella, si no hay más remedio; I must say everywhere looks very tidy tengo que
reconocer or hay que reconocer que está todo muy ordenado, la verdad es que está todo muy
ordenado; that wasn’t very nice, I must say eso no estuvo muy bien que digamos

b (in invitations, suggestions): you must come and see us more often a ver si nos vienes a ver más a
menudo, tienes que venir a vernos más a menudo

2 (expressing certainty, supposition) forms of deber (de) or (esp AmL) haber* de; it must be worth a
fortune debe (de) valer una fortuna, ha de valer una fortuna (esp AmL); it must be six o’clock deben (de)
ser or (esp AmL) han de ser las seis, serán las seis; I must have dropped off he debido (de) quedarme
dormido, me debo (de) haber quedado dormido, me he de haber quedado dormido (esp AmL) ; there
must be another way! ¡debe (de) or tiene que haber otra manera!; you must be exhausted debes (de)
estar agotado, estarás agotado; they must not have known about the change in plans (AmE) no se deben
(de) haber enterado del cambio de planes.

must n
1 [c] (essential thing, activity): a car is a must here aquí es indispensable or imprescindible tener coche;
this book is a must éste es un libro que hay que leer, éste es un libro de lectura obligada; this movie is a
must for trance lovers ésta es una película que tienen que ver or que no pueden perderse los amantes
del trance.

"Must" is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to express necessity or strong
recommendation, although native speakers prefer the more flexible form "have to." "Must not" can be used to
prohibit actions, but this sounds very severe; speakers prefer to use softer modal verbs such as "should not" or
"ought not" to dissuade rather than prohibit.

Examples:
 This must be the right address! CERTAINTY
 Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this school. NECESSITY
 You must take some medicine for that cough. STRONG RECOMMENDATION
 Jenny, you must not play in the street! PROHIBITION

Using "Must" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "must"
behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms
Negative Forms You can also
Modal Use 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. =
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future use:
Future
must  1. That must be Jerry. They said 1. That must not be Jerry. He is have to
CERTAINTY he was tall with bright red hair. supposed to have red hair.

13
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

2. That must have been the right 2. That must not have been the right
restaurant. There are no other restaurant. I guess there is another
restaurants on this street. one around here somewhere.

3. NO FUTURE FORM 3. NO FUTURE FORM

You must not swim in that river. It's
full of crocodiles.

You must not forget to take your

must not 
  malaria medication while your are in
PROHIBITION
the tropics.

PROHIBITION USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR

FUTURE.
1. You must take some time off 1. You mustn't drink so much. It's not
must  and get some rest. good for your health.
STRONG 
RECOMMENDATI
ON
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"  2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" 
You should have taken some time You shouldn't have drunk so much.
should
off last week to get some rest.  That caused the accident.
(Americans 
prefer 
the form  3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"  3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" 
"should.") You should take some time off You shouldn't drink at the party. You
next week to get some rest.  are going to be the designated driver.
1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
1. You must have a permit to We don't have to get a permit to
must  enter the national park. enter the national park.
NECESSITY
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"  2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
(Americans  We had to have a permit to enter We didn't have to get a permit to have to
prefer  the park. enter the national park.
the form 
"have to.") 3. We must get a permit to enter 3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
the park next week.  We won't have to get a permit to
enter the national park.

REMEMBER: "Must not" vs. "Do not have to" "Must not" suggests that you are prohibited from doing
something. "Do not have to" suggests that someone is not required to do something.

Examples:
 You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
 You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.

10. Ought To
1 (indicating obligation, desirability) debería (or deberías etc) + INF, debiera (or debieras etc) + INF; you
ought to be grateful deberías or debieras estar agradecido, tendrías que estar agradecido; she ought not
o oughtn’t to be so strict with her children no debería or debiera ser tan severa con los niños; she ought

14
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

not to have said that no debería haber dicho eso, no tendría or no tenía que haber dicho eso; you ought
to be ashamed of yourself! ¡debería or debiera darte vergüenza!, ¡tendría que darte vergüenza!; you
ought to have seen her face! ¡tenías or tendrías que haber visto la cara que puso!

2 (expressing logical expectation) debería (or deberías etc) + INF, debiera (or debieras etc) + INF; she
ought to be here by now ya debería or debiera estar aquí, ya tendría or tenía que estar aquí; the
meeting ought not to take very long la reunión no debería or debiera llevar mucho tiempo.

"Ought to" is used to advise or make recommendations. "Ought to" also expresses assumption or expectation as
well as strong probability, often with the idea that something is deserved. "Ought not" (without "to") is used to
advise against doing something, although Americans prefer the less formal forms "should not" or "had better not."

Examples:
 You ought to stop smoking. RECOMMENDATION
 Jim ought to get the promotion. IT IS EXPECTED BECAUSE HE DESERVES IT.
 This stock ought to increase in value. PROBABILITY
 Mark ought not drink so much. ADVICE AGAINST SOMETHING (NOTICE THERE IS NO "TO")

Using "Ought to" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "ought
to" behaves in different contexts.
Positive Forms Negative Forms You can 
Modal Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future also use:
1. Margaret ought not exercise too
1. Margaret ought to exercise more.
much. It might cause injury.

2. Margaret ought to have exercised

ought to  2. Margaret ought not have run the
more so she would be better prepared
RECOMMENDATIO marathon. She wasn't in good shape. should
for the marathon.
N, ADVICE
3. Margaret ought not stay at home in
3. Margaret ought to come to the
front of the TV. She should go to the
fitness center with us tonight.
fitness center with us.
1. She ought to have the package by
now.
ought to 
"OUGHT NOT" IS USED PRIMARILY TO
ASSUMPTION, 2. She ought to have received the
EXPRESS NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS. (SEE should
EXPECTATION, package yesterday.
ABOVE.)
PROBABILITY
3. She ought to receive the package
tonight.

Notice "Ought not" Remember that "ought to" loses the "to" in the negative. Instead of "ought not to," we say
"ought not." "Ought not" is more commonly used in British English. Americans prefer "should not."

Examples:
 You ought not smoke so much.
 She ought not take such risks while skiing.

15
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

 They ought not carry so much cash while traveling.

11. Shall
1 (with 1st person)
a (in statements about the future): I/we shall be very interested to see what happens tendré/tendremos
mucho interés en ver qué sucede; I said we should have to economize dije que tendríamos que
economizar; we shan’t be able to come (BrE) no podremos or no vamos a poder venir; Jenny, pick up
your toys — shan’t! (BrE) Jenny, recoge los juguetes — ¡no quiero!
b (making suggestions, asking for assent) [The present tense is used in this type of question in Spanish]
shall I open/close the window? ¿abro/cierro la ventana?, ¿quieres (or quiere etc) que abra/cierre la
ventana?; shall we go out tonight? ¿qué te (or le etc) parece si salimos esta noche?; shall we dance?
¿bailamos?; I’ll ask him, shall I? le pregunto ¿sí? or ¿te (or le etc) parece?; let’s try again, shall we?
intentémoslo otra vez ¿sí? or ¿te (or le etc) parece?; whatever shall we do? (BrE) ¿qué podemos hacer?

2 (with 2nd and 3rd persons) (in commands, promises etc): they shall not pass no pasarán; thou shalt
not steal (Bib) no robarás

"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used in sentences with "I" or "we," and is often found
in suggestions, such as "Shall we go?" "Shall" is also frequently used in promises or voluntary actions. In formal
English, the use of "shall" to describe future events often expresses inevitability or predestination. "Shall" is much
more commonly heard in British English than in American English; Americans prefer to use other forms, although
they do sometimes use "shall" in suggestions or formalized language.

Examples:
 Shall I help you? SUGGESTION
 I shall never forget where I came from. PROMISE
 He shall become our next king. PREDESTINATION
 I'm afraid Mr. Smith shall become our new director. INEVITABILITY

More Examples of "Shall"

You can 
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms
also use:
shall  I shall be replaced by someone from the I shall not be replaced after all.
FUTURE ACTION New York office.
will
I shall not be there. I have a previous
(British form) I shall be there by 8:00. obligation.
Shall we begin dinner?
shall
  should
SUGGESTIONS
Shall we move into the living room?
shall  I shall take care of everything for you. I shall never forget you. will
VOLUNTEERING,
PROMISING I shall make the travel arrangements. I shall never give up the fight for

16
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

(British form) There's no need to worry. freedom.

shall  Man shall explore the distant regions of Man shall never give up the
INEVITABILITY the universe. exploration of the universe.

(British form) We shall overcome oppression. He shall not be held back. 

12. Should
past of shall
should v mod
1 (expressing desirability) debería (or deberías etc), debiera (or debieras etc); you should be studying
deberías or debieras estar estudiando, tendrías que estar estudiando; she shouldn’t treat her friends like
that no debería or debiera tratar así a sus amigos; you should have thought of that before deberías or
debieras haber pensado en eso antes, tendrías or tenías que haber pensado en eso antes; I’ve brought
you some flowers — oh, you shouldn’t have te he traído unas flores — ¡no te deberías or debieras haber
molestado! or ¡no te tenías or tendrías que haber molestado!; shall I invite them? — I think you should
¿los invito? — creo que deberías hacerlo; that is as it should be así es como debe ser; you should’ve
seen the look on her face! ¡tenías or tendrías que haber visto la cara que puso!; I didn’t have any
breakfast — you should’ve said! no desayuné — ¡me lo hubieras dicho! or ¡habérmelo dicho!

2 (indicating probability, logical expectation) debería (or deberías etc) (de), debiera (or debieras etc)
(de); it should add up to 100 tendría que or debería (de) or debiera (de) dar or sumar 100; how should I
know? ¿cómo quieres que sepa?, ¿cómo voy a saber (yo)?; why should they want to come here? ¿por
qué han or habrían de querer venir aquí?

3 (with first person only)

a (conditional use) (BrE frml): I should like to see her me gustaría verla; I shouldn’t have mentioned it if
he hadn’t asked me to no lo habría or hubiera mencionado si él no me hubiera preguntado; I shouldn’t
be surprised if they didn’t turn up no me sorprendería que no aparecieran; I should be grateful if
you would send me the details (Corresp) le agradecería (que) tuviera la gentileza de enviarme la
información
b (venturing a guess) (BrE): I shouldn’t think the chairs are very old no me parece que las sillas sean muy
antiguas; I should think she must be over 80 yo diría que debe tener más de 80; will they be finished by
Friday? — I shouldn’t think so ¿terminarán antes del viernes? — no creo or no me parece; she’s a little
upset —I should think she is, poor thing está un poco disgustada — y es lógico, pobrecita
c (expressing indignation): he said he was sorry — I should think so too! Pidió perdón — ¡faltaría más! or
¡era lo menos que podía hacer!; she won’t be asking us for any money — I should think not no nos va a
pedir dinero — ¡faltaría más or ¡sería el colmo!

4 (subjunctive use) (with all persons): it is essential that you should be present es indispensable que
estés presente; it’s natural that he should want to go with her es natural or lógico que quiera ir con ella;
I’m sorry he should see it like that siento que él lo vea de esa manera; if you should happen to pass a
bookshop … si pasaras or si llegaras a pasar por una librería …

17
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

5 a (expressing amused surprise): and who should turn up but her ex-husband! ¿y quién te parece que
apareció? ¡su ex-marido!; what should she come out with at the critical moment but … ? ¿y no va y en el
momento crítico sale con que … ?
b (in exclamations) (iro): he said she drinks too much — he should talk! dijo que ella bebe demasiado —
¡mira quién habla!; they should complain! I was waiting twice as long as them ¡yo sí que me puedo
quejar, que estuve esperando el doble que ellos!

"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express
obligation as well as expectation.

Examples:
 When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. RECOMMENDATION
 You should focus more on your family and less on work. ADVICE
 I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. OBLIGATION
 By now, they should already be in Dubai. EXPECTATION

Using "Should" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "should"
behaves in different contexts.
Negative Forms
Positive Forms You can 
Modal Use 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. =
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future also use:
Future
1. Sarah shouldn't smoke
so much. It's not good for
her health.
1. People with high cholesterol should eat
low-fat foods. 2. Sarah shouldn't have
smoked so much. That's
should  2. Frank should have eaten low-fat foods. what caused her health
RECOMMENDATIO ought to
That might have prevented his heart problems.
N, ADVISABILITY
attack.
3. Sarah shouldn't smoke
3. You really should start eating better. when she visits Martha
next week. Martha hates
when people smoke in her
house.
should  I should be at work before 9:00.  NO NEGATIVE FORMS be supposed
OBLIGATION to
We should return the video before the
video rental store closes.

"SHOULD" CAN ALSO EXPRESS SOMETHING

BETWEEN RECOMMENDATION AND OBLIGATION.
"BE SUPPOSED TO" EXPRESSES A SIMILAR IDEA AND
CAN EASILY BE USED IN THE PAST OR IN NEGATIVE

18
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

FORMS.
1. Susan shouldn't be in
1. Susan should be in New York by now. 
New York yet.

2. Susan should have arrived in New York

2. Susan shouldn't have ought to, 
should  last week. Let's call her and see what she is
arrived in New York until be supposed
EXPECTATION up to.
yesterday. to

3. Susan should be in New York by next

3. Susan shouldn't arrive in
week. Her new job starts on Monday.
New York until next week.

13. be supposed to + INF

a (indicating obligation, expectation): I’m supposed to start work at nine se supone que tengo que
empezar a trabajar a las nueve; aren’t you supposed to be at home? ¿tú no tendrías que estar en casa?;
you’re not supposed to tell anyone no se lo tienes que decir a nadie; it’s supposed to be kept in a cool
place hay que guardarlo en un lugar fresco
b (indicating intention): what’s that supposed to be? ¿y eso qué se supone que es?; what’s that
supposed to mean? ¿y qué quieres (or quieren etc) decir con eso, (si se puede saber)?; where are we
supposed to be meeting them? ¿dónde se supone que nos vamos a encontrar con ellos?
c (indicating general opinion): it’s supposed to be a very interesting book dicen que es un libro muy
interesante; you’re supposed to be the expert, not me el experto se supone que eres tú, no yo

14. Will
v mod (past would) ’ll es la contracción de will, won’t de will not y ’ll’ve de will have
1 a (talking about the future): he’ll come on Friday vendrá el viernes, va a venir el viernes; he said he
would come on Friday dijo que vendría or iba a venir el viernes; he won’t ever change his ways no
cambiará nunca, no va a cambiar nunca; will you be staying at Jack’s? ¿te vas a quedar en casa de Jack?;
they’ll’ve finished the bridge by then para entonces ya habrán acabado el puente; I knew they would
have finished it yo sabía que lo habrían acabado or que lo iban a haber acabado; at the end of this
month, he’ll have been working here for a year este fin de mes hará or va a hacer un año que trabaja
aquí; you’ll live to regret this te vas a arrepentir de esto; it was a decision he would live to regret fue una
decisión de la cual se iba a arrepentir or se arrepentiría más tarde; you won’t leave without me, will
you? no te irás sin mí ¿no?
b (expressing resolution) (with first person): I won’t let you down no te fallaré, no te voy a fallar

2 a (expressing willingness): will you do me a favor? ¿quieres hacerme un favor?, ¿me haces un favor?;
she won’t tell us what happened no nos quiere decir qué pasó; we asked her, but she wouldn’t tell us se
lo preguntamos, pero no nos quiso decir; I won’t stand for this no pienso tolerar esto; think what you
will piensa lo que quieras or lo que te parezca; as you will! como quieras; try as he will, he can’t do it por
mucho que lo intenta, no logra hacerlo; it can be compared, if you will, to a detective novel puede
comparárselo, si se quiere or por así decirlo con una novela policíaca

19
 English – Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

b (in orders): will you stop interrupting! ¡quieres dejar de interrumpirme!; be quiet, will you! cállate,
¿quieres?, ¡quieres callarte!
c (in invitations): will you have a drink? ¿quieres tomar algo?; won’t you come in? ¿no quieres pasar?;
you’ll stay for dinner, won’t you? te quedas a cenar ¿no?

3 (expressing conjecture): there’s a package for you — that’ll be the books I ordered hay un paquete
para ti — deben (de) ser los libros que encargué; won’t they be having lunch now? ¿no estarán
comiendo ahora?; you will have gathered that … te habrás dado cuenta de que …; that would have been
in 1947 eso debe (de) haber sido en 1947; we had a long chat, but you wouldn’t remember charlamos
un rato largo, pero tú no te acordarás or no creo que tú te acuerdes

4 a (indicating habit, characteristic): she’ll be quite happy and all of a sudden she’ll burst out crying es
capaz de estar de lo más contenta y de repente echarse a llorar; I’ll watch anything on television yo soy
capaz de mirar cualquier cosa en la televisión; he’d go out and get drunk every Saturday todos los
sábados salía a emborracharse; they’d sit up all night discussing politics solían quedarse levantados toda
la noche hablando de política; don’t worry, these things will happen no te preocupes, son cosas que
pasan; oil and water won’t mix el aceite y el agua no se mezclan; he will jump to conclusions él siempre
tiene que precipitarse a sacar conclusiones; what do you expect, if you will keep spoiling him? ¿qué
quieres, si lo mimas continuamente?; you won’t be told, will you? ¡qué cosa! ¿por qué no haces caso?
b (indicating capability): it will do 40 miles per gallon hace 40 millas por galón; this door won’t shut esta
puerta no cierra or no quiere cerrar; the car wouldn’t start, so I took a taxi el coche no arrancó or no
quiso arrancar, así que me tomé un taxi; I was getting nervous because the car wouldn’t start me estaba
poniendo nervioso porque el coche no arrancaba.

will vt (past & past p willed)

1 a (urge, try to cause): I was willing her to get the answer right estaba deseando con todas mis fuerzas
or con toda mi voluntad que diera la respuesta correcta; we all willed him on to the finish tanto lo
deseábamos, que lo ayudamos a llegar a la meta
b (desire, ordain) (frml) « God » disponer, querer

2 (bequeath) legar, dejar en testamento

"Will" is used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the future. "Will" can also be used to make
predictions about the future. For more information on using "will" and associated exercises, visit the  Simple
Future section of our Verb Tense Tutorial.

Examples:
 I promise that I will write you every single day. PROMISE
 I will make dinner tonight. VOLUNTARY ACTION
 He thinks it will rain tomorrow. PREDICTION

More Examples of "Will"

You can also
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms
use:
will  The marketing director will be replaced by The marketing director will shall
FUTURE someone from the New York office. not be replaced after all.
ACTION,

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PREDICTION Fred will not be there. He has

Fred will be there by 8:00.
a previous obligation.
will  I will take care of everything for you. I will never forget you.
VOLUNTEERIN
shall
G, I will make the travel arrangements. There's I will never give up the fight
PROMISING  no need to worry. for freedom.

15. Would v mod ’d es la contracción de would, wouldn’t de would not y ’d’ve de would have
1 past of will1
2 a (in conditional sentences): I would if I could lo haría si pudiera; if I had known, I wouldn’t have come
si lo hubiera sabido no habría or no hubiera venido; who would have thought it? ¿quién lo hubiera or
habría pensado?; without your help, I’d’ve been cooking all day sin tu ayuda, habría or hubiera estado
cocinando todo el día
b (giving advice): I wouldn’t worry no (hace falta que) te preocupes, yo que tú no me preocuparía; I
would have a word with her about it ¿por qué no lo hablas con ella?, yo (que tú) lo hablaba or hablaría
con ella
c (tentatively expressing opinions): I would agree with Roy yo estoy de acuerdo con Roy, yo diría que
Roy tiene razón; one would have thought that …cualquiera hubiera or habría pensado que …

3 (expressing wishes): I wish you’d stop pestering me! ¡deja de fastidiarme por Dios!; I wish you
wouldn’t worry quisiera que no te preocuparas; if only she’d take your advice ¡si siguiera tus consejos
… !, ¡ojalá siguiera tus consejos!; would (that) he were with us! (liter) ¡ojalá estuviera con nosotros!;
would to God she had known! ¡ojalá lo hubiera sabido!

4 a (in requests): would you type this for me please? ¿me haría el favor de pasar esto a máquina?; would
you be kind enough to open the door for me? ¿tendría la amabilidad or la bondad de abrirme la puerta?
(frml); if you’d sign here, please ¿me firma aquí, por favor?, ¿tendría la bondad de firmar aquí? (frml); go
and call him, would you? ve a llamarlo ¿sí? or ¿me haces el favor?; would you let me say something!
¿me dejas decir algo a mí?
b (in invitations): would you like a cup of coffee? ¿quieres una taza de café?; would you like to come
with us? — I’d love to ¿quieres or te gustaría venir con nosotros? — me encantaría

5 a (expressing criticism): she would (have to) spoil the surprise tenía que estropear la sorpresa, ¡típico!
or ¡no podía fallar!
b (indicating sth is natural): he said no — well, he would, wouldn’t he dijo que no — bueno ¿qué otra
cosa iba a decir? or era de esperar ¿no? or es lógico ¿no?

"Would" is most commonly used to create conditional verb forms. It also serves as the past form of the modal verb
"will." Additionally, "would" can indicate repetition in the past. For more information on the grammar behind the
modal verb "would," visit the following tutorials: Conditional Tutorial,Future in the Past, and Would Always.

Examples:
 If he were an actor, he would be in adventure movies. CONDITIONAL
 I knew that she would be very successful in her career. PAST OF "WILL"
 When they first met, they would always have picnics on the beach. REPETITION

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Using "Would" in Present, Past, and Future

Positive Forms Negative Forms You can 
Modal Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future also use:
1. If I were president, I would cut the cost 1. If I were president, I would not raise
of education. taxes.

would  2. If I had been president, I would have cut 2. If I had been president, I would not
CONDITIONA
the cost of education. have raised taxes.
L

3. If I were elected president next year, I 3. If I were president, I would not sign
would cut the cost of education. the tax increase next week.
I said I wouldn't help you.
would  I said I would help you.
PAST OF
He told me he would not be here
"WILL" He told me he would be here before 8:00.
before 8:00.
When I was a kid, I would always go to the When I was a kid, I wouldn't go into
would  beach. the water by myself.
REPETITION used to
IN PAST When he was young, he would always do When he got older, he would never do
his homework. his homework.

16. Used to
(accustomed) (pred): to be used TO sth/-ING estar acostumbrado A algo/+ INF; I’m not used to this
heat/getting up early no estoy acostumbrado a tanto calor/a madrugar; I’m used to being treated like
that estoy acostumbrado a que me traten así; to get used TO sth/-ING acostumbrarse A algo/+ INF; I got
used to him me acostumbré a él; I got used to the idea me hice a la idea; we grew used to the food nos
acostumbramos a la comida; you’ll soon get used to getting up early pronto te acostumbrarás a
madrugar.

Used to v mod (indicating former state, habit) (only in past) used to (+ INF): there used to be a shop next
door antes había una tienda al lado de casa; usedn’t there to be a park here? (BrE dated) ¿no había aquí
un parque?; things aren’t what they used to be (set phrase) las cosas ya no son lo que eran; I used to
work in that shop (antes) trabajaba en esa tienda; do you play chess? — I used to ¿juegas al ajedrez? —
antes solía jugar or ya no; they used not o (BrE colloq) usedn’t to charge for deliveries antes no cobraban
el reparto a domicilio; I sometimes used to read that paper de vez en cuando leía or solía leer ese
periodic.

17. Rather
1 a (stating preference): I’d rather you didn’t smoke preferiría que no fumaras; I’d rather not think about
that prefiero no pensar en eso; which would you rather have, an apple or an orange? ¿qué prefieres,
una manzana o una naranja?; I’d do anything rather than give up ballet haría cualquier cosa antes que
dejar de bailar; I’d rather die than … preferiría morir a …; rather you than me! ¡menos mal que eres tú y
no yo!

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b (more precisely): we’re acquaintances rather than friends somos conocidos, más que amigos, no
somos amigos, más bien conocidos; she has a shop, or rather a stall tiene una tienda, o mejor dicho un
puesto

c (instead): he wasn’t upset about it; rather, he was relieved no estaba disgustado sino más bien aliviado

2 (fairly) bastante; (somewhat) algo, un poco; it’s rather a long way queda bastante lejos; it’s rather a o
a rather good book el libro es bastante bueno or no está nada mal; she looks rather like Janet se parece
algo or un poco a Janet; I rather suspect you’re right yo diría que tienes razón; I rather think that … me
da la impresión or tengo la sensación de que …; are you tired? — yes, I am, rather ¿estás cansado? — sí,
bastante.

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