English - Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

English Modal Auxiliaries or Modals
Modal Forms
Modal verbs can be used in a variety of different forms. Study the examples below.
Modal Simple
I could swim at the beach.
Modal Continuous
I could be swimming at the beach right now.
Modal Perfect
I could have swum at the beach yesterday.
Modal Perfect Continuous
Passive
Modal
The room should be cleaned once a day.
Simple
Passive
Modal
The room should be being cleaned now.
Continuous
Passive
Modal
Perfect
The room should have been cleaned yesterday.
Passive
Modal
Perfect
Continuous
The room should have been being cleaned but nobody
was there. (Rare form)
I could have been swimming at the beach instead of

working in the office.
1. Can
1 (indicating ability) forms of poder; (referring to particular skills) forms of poder; can you come to the dance this
evening? puedes venir al baile esta noche?; she couldnt answer the question no pudo contestar la pregunta; the
house can accommodate six people en la casa se pueden alojar seis personas; Ill do what I can har lo que pueda
or lo que est en mi mano; they did all they could hicieron todo lo que pudieron; no can do (colloq) no puedo; I
cant stay long no me puedo quedar mucho rato; cant 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 mejorarn las cosas? esperemos que s; I cant but agree no puedo menos que estar de
acuerdo; can you swim/speak German? sabes nadar/(hablar) alemn?; she could read music when she was four a
los cuatro aos ya saba leer msica
2 a (indicating, asking etc permission) forms of poder; I cant stay out late no puedo or no me dejan volver a casa
tarde; can I come with you? puedo ir contigo?; you cant go in there, madam no puede entrar ah, seora; 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 msica, 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?, qu desea?; can I carry that for you?
quieres que (te) lleve eso?
3 a (with verbs of perception): I cant see very well no veo muy bien; can you hear me? me oyes?; I could hear
every word they said oa todo lo que decan; as you can see, theres a lot of work to be done como ves or puedes
ver, hay mucho que hacer
b (with verbs of mental activity): I cant understand it no lo entiendo, no logro or no puedo entenderlo; can you
remember her name? te acuerdas de cmo se llama?; I could guess what had happened me imaginaba lo que
haba pasado; cant you tell hes lying? no te das cuenta de que est mintiendo?

4 a (allow oneself to) (with neg or interrog) forms of poder; you cant blame her no puedes echarle la culpa; I
couldnt very well tell him just then no se lo poda decir justo en ese momento; how could you? pero cmo se te
ocurri hacer (or decir etc) una cosa as?, pero cmo pudiste hacer (or decir etc) una cosa as?
b (in suggestions, advice): cant you give it another try? por qu no lo vuelves a intentar?; you cant let him have
the last word no puedes dejar que diga la ltima palabra
c (in orders): for a start, you can clean all this up puedes empezar por limpiar todo esto; if you dont 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? qu estar haciendo ah?, qu puede estar haciendo ah?; it cant be true! no puede ser!,
no es posible!; you cant be serious! no lo dirs en serio!; she cant have finished
already no puede haber terminado ya; he cant 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; shes as happy as can be est contentsima, est de lo ms 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/or; to be able to sew/type saber coser/escribir a mquina; they were finally able to expose
him finalmente pudieron desenmascararlo; will you be able to go? podrs ir?; I am pleased to be able
to inform you that (frml) me complace poder comunicarle que (frml); I think hes best able to
answer that question himself creo que l es quien mejor puede contestar a esa pregunta; by then youll
be able to speak French fluently para entonces vas a (saber) hablar francs con fluidez; he proved well
able to look after himself demostr que era capaz de or que poda valerse muy bien por s mismo; those
least able to afford it aquellos que menos pueden permitrselo; he wasnt able to convince them no
pudo or no logr convencerlos; Im afraid Im 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 hbil, capaz;
some of our ablest officers algunos de nuestros oficiales ms 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
Modal Use
You can also use:
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
can
1. I can speak Chinese.
1. I can't speak Swahili.
be able to

GENERAL ABILITY
2.
SHIFT
TO
"COULD"
I could speak Chinese when I was a
kid.
2.
SHIFT
TO
I couldn't speak Swahili.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"

I won't be able to speak Swahili.

I will be able to speak Chinese by
the time I finish my course.
1. With a burst of adrenaline,
people can pick up cars.
can
ABILITY DURING A
SPECIFIC EVENT
can
OPPORTUNITY
can
PERMISSION
can
"COULD"
1. Even with a burst of adrenaline,

people can't pick up something that
heavy.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline,
he was able to lift the car off the
child's leg.

Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift
the car off the child's leg.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline,
he will be able to lift the car.
1. I have some free time. I can help
her now.

Even three men working together
won't be able to lift the car.
1. I don't have any time. I can't help
her now.

I had some free time yesterday. I
was able to help her at that time.

I didn't have time yesterday. I
wasn't able to help her at that time.
3. I'll have some free time

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

can't help her then.
1. I can't drive Susan's car when she
is out of town.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO "

I was allowed to drive Susan's car
while she was out of town last
week.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO "

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

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

is out of town next week.
Can't I have a glass of water?
Can you give me a lift to school?
Can't you give me a lift to school?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR

FUTURE.
Anyone can become rich and
famous if they know the right
people.
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR

FUTURE.
REQUEST
can
POSSIBILITY,
IMPOSSIBILITY
be able to
be able to
may
could, may
It can't cost more than a dollar or

two.
could
You can't be 45! I thought you were
about 18 years old.
Learning a language can be a real

challenge.
THIS USE IS USUALLY A GENERALIZATION OR

A SUPPOSITION.
THIS USE IS USUALLY A GENERALIZATION OR

A SUPPOSITION.
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, podra llegar a
tiempo; I would help you if I could te ayudara 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 l; you could have killed
us all! podras or podas habernos matado a todos!; you could be right puede (ser) que tengas razn; that could
be the case, but we have no evidence podra or pudiera ser, pero no tenemos pruebas; well, I daresay I could, but I
dont want to bueno, tal vez podra or pudiera, pero no quiero; I couldnt possibly agree to that de ninguna manera
podra acceder a eso; she couldnt have been there before six because she didnt leave until quarter to no pudo or
no puede haber llegado antes de las seis porque no sali hasta menos cuarto; she couldnt have been there before
six even if shed tried no podra haber llegado antes de las seis aunque lo hubiera intentado; it could have been
better podra or poda haber estado mejor; was the soup OK? it could have been hotter qu tal la sopa? no
estaba muy caliente que digamos; he couldnt have treated us more kindly no podra or no poda habernos tratado
mejor; they couldnt be happier estn contentos a ms no poder; I couldnt agree more estoy completament e de
acuerdo
3 a (asking permission): could I use your bathroom? podra or me permitira pasar al bao?; if I could just say
something here si me permiten hacer una acotacin
b (in requests): could you please be quiet! me haces el favor de callarte?; could you sign here please? quiere
firmar aqu, 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 podras tartar de hacerlo de esta manera; you
could at least apologize! al menos podras pedir perdn!
b (indicating strong desire) forms of poder; I could have killed/hugged her la hubiera matado/abrazado, la podra
or poda 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"
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
Modal Use
You can also use:
could
1. John could be the one who stole the 1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the might, may

POSSIBILITY
could
CONDITIONAL
OF CAN
could
SUGGESTION
money.
money.
2. John could have been the one who

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

stole the money.
3. John could go to jail for stealing the

money.
1. If I had more time, I could travel
around the world.
3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the

crime.
1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel
around the world.
2. If I had had more time, I could have

traveled around the world.
2. Even if I had had more time, I couldn't

have traveled around the world.
3. If I had more time this winter, I could

travel around the world.
1. NO PRESENT FORM
3. Even if I had more time this winter, I

couldn't travel around the world.
2. You could have spent your vacation in

Hawaii.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
3. You could spend your vacation in

Hawaii.
I couldn't run more than a mile in my
twenties.
I could run ten miles in my twenties.

I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
I couldn't speak Swahili.
could
"COULD" CANNOT BE USED IN POSITIVE
PAST ABILITY
SENTENCES
IN
WHICH
YOU
DESCRIBE
MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY.
Yesterday, I could lift the couch by

myself. Not Correct
Could I have something to drink?
could
Could I borrow your stapler?
POLITE
REQUEST
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
"COULD" CAN BE USED IN NEGATIVE SENTENCES IN

WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME
ABILITY.
be able to
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by

myself. Correct
Couldn't he come with us?
Couldn't you help me with this for just a
second?
can, may, might
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.
4. Had Better
had better (ought): hadnt you better phone them? no deberas llamarlos?; Id better leave before it
gets dark va a ser mejor que me vaya antes de que oscurezca; well, Id better be off bueno, me tengo
que ir; youd better do exactly as I say ms te vale hacer exactamente lo que yo te diga; youd better not
complain! ms te vale no quejarte!; youd better believe it! (colloq) s seor.
"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
Use
You can also use:
1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT 1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT
TO"
TO"
People should unplug toasters before People shouldn't clean toasters
they clean them.
without unplugging them first.
had
better
RECOMMENDATION
had
DESPERATE
better
HOPE,
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR

"OUGHT
TO
HAVE"
You should have unplugged the
toaster before you tried to clean it.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR

"OUGHT
TO
HAVE"
You shouldn't have cleaned the
toaster without unplugging it first.
3. You had better unplug the toaster

before you try to clean it.
The movie had better end soon.
3. You had better not clean the toaster

until you unplug it.
They had better not be late.
They had better be here before we

start dinner.
They had better not forget Tom's

birthday gift.
DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS USUALLY

REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS USUALLY

REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
WARNING
"Had better" is often simply pronounced as "better" in spoken English.
should, ought to
have (auxiliary)
(used to form perfect tenses) haber; I have/had seen her la he/haba visto; I have/ had just seen her la
acabo/acababa de ver, recin la vi/la haba visto (AmL); have you been waiting long? hace mucho que
esperas?, llevas mucho rato esperando?; you have been busy cmo has trabajado!; shed already gone
when we arrived ya se haba ido cuando llegamos; had I known that o if Id known that si hubiera
sabido que , de haber sabido que ; when he had finished, she cuando termin or (liter) cuando
hubo terminado, ella
2 a (in tags): youve been told, havent you? te lo han dicho no? or no es cierto? or no es verdad?;
they have signed, havent they? han firmado no?; you havent lost the key, have you? no habrs
perdido la llave !
b (elliptical use): you may have forgiven him, but I havent puede que t lo hayas perdonado, pero yo
no; the clock has stopped so it has! el reloj se ha parado es verdad! or es cierto!; youve
forgotten something have I? te has olvidado de algo s?; Ive told her you havent! 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 dont have to come if you dont want to no tienes que or no tienes por qu venir si
no quieres; I have o Ive got to admit that tengo que reconocer que ; you dont have to be an expert
to realize that no hay que or no se necesita ser un experto para darse cuenta de eso; dont 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 someones got to lose
alguien tiene que perder; it had to happen tena que ocurrir; youve 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
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
Use
1.
SHIFT
TO
"MUST"
have to 1. That has to be Jerry. They said he was
That must not be Jerry. They said he has blond
CERTAINTY tall with bright red hair.
hair, not red hair.
"have to"
You can
also use:
must,
have got
to
2. That has to have been the right

restaurant. There were no other
restaurants on the street.
2.
SHIFT
TO
"MUST"
That must not have been the right restaurant. I
guess there was another one around there
somewhere.
3. NONE
1. She has to read four books for this

literature class.
have to
NECESSITY
2. She had to finish the first book before

the midterm.
3. She will have to finish the other books
before the final exam.
3. NONE
1. She doesn't have to read "Grapes of Wrath."
It's optional reading for extra credit.
2. She didn't have to write a critique of "The
Scarlet Letter." She had to give a presentation
to her class.
must
3. She won't have to take any other literature

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
also use:
1. People have got to be on time if 1.
SHIFT
TO
"HAVE
TO"
they want to get a seat in the People don't have to be there on time to get a
crowded theater.
seat.
have got to
NECESSITY
2.
SHIFT
TO
"HAVE
TO"
You had to be on time if you wanted
to get a seat in the crowded theater.
2.
SHIFT
TO
"HAVE
TO"
You didn't have to be there on time to get a
seat.
3. You have got to be there on time
3.
SHIFT
TO
"HAVE
TO"
have to,
must

tonight if you want to get a seat in
the crowded theater.
haven't got
to
FUTURE
OBLIGATION
You won't have to be there on time to get a

seat.
Haven't you got to be there by 7:00?
Haven't you got to finish that project today?
"HAVEN'T GOT TO" IS PRIMARILY USED TO ASK ABOUT
FUTURE OBLIGATIONS. IT CAN BE USED IN STATEMENTS,
BUT THIS IS LESS COMMON.
Don't you
have to
7. May
1 a (asking, granting permission) forms of poder; May I smoke? puedo fumar?, me permite fumar?;
pregunt si poda verla; and who, may I ask, are you? y quin 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? podra darme su opinin acerca de esto?; may we see
the menu, please? podramos ver or nos podra traer el men, 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
direccin, por favor?
He may come late tonight
He could come late tonight
He might come late tonight
Maybe shes out of town
She may be out of town
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 quizs or tal vez aumentemos el precio; you may wish to pay in
advance tal vez or quizs 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 quizs or tal vez no nos haya visto, a lo mejor or de pronto or (RPl, Per tb) de repente no nos vio; Im
worried he may do something foolish tengo miedo de que haga un disparate; I was worried he might do
something foolish tena miedo de que hiciera un disparate; and who is Mr Preston, you may ask? se
preguntarn quin es el seor 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; well find them, wherever they
may be los encontraremos, estn donde estn or dondequiera que estn; 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 extraa que te sientas avergonzado despus de lo de anoche; I
wonder how she did so well? you may well wonder me pregunto cmo le fue tan bien eso (mismo)
digo yo

4 (conceding): this may be unpleasant, but it must be said esto podr ser desagradable, pero hay que
decirlo; he may not be clever, but hes very hard-working no ser inteligente, pero es muy trabajador; be
that as it may sea como sea; thats as may be puede ser; you may well laugh, just wait till it happens to
you! s, t rete ya vers cuando te pase a ti!
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 da no llegue nunca; long may she reign! que
reine por muchos aos!; may the Lord be with you el Seor est 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"
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
You can
Modal Use
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
POSSIBILITY
may
GIVE
PERMISSION
2. Jack may have been upset. I couldn't

really tell if he was annoyed or tired.
2. Jack may not have been upset. Perhaps

he was tired.
3. Jack may get upset if you don't tell him

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

him the truth
1. You may not leave the table. You're not
finished with your dinner yet.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"

You were allowed to leave the table after
you finished your dinner.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"

You were not allowed to leave the table
because you hadn't finished your dinner.
3. You may leave the table when you

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

finished with your dinner.
May I make a phone call?
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
may
REQUEST
PERMISSION
10
might
can
can,
might
Formatted: Centered, Space After: 0 pt, Line

spacing: single
He may come late (95% certainty) Casi seguro

He could come late (70% certainty) Seguro que
viene tarde
He might come late (50% certainty) Pueda que
venga tarde pueda que si, pueda que no
8. Might
1 past of may
2 a (asking permission) (esp BrE) podra (or podramos etc); might I leave a little early today? sera
posible que hoy me fuera un poco antes?, podra irme un poco antes hoy?; might I make a suggestion?
si se me permite (hacer) una sugerencia , podra hacer una sugerencia?; whos going to pay, might I
ask? quin 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
podras or podas escuchar; I might have known shed mess it up debera haber sabido or me podra or
me poda haber imaginado que lo echara a perder
3 a (indicating possibility) [La posibilidad que indica might es ms remota que la que expresan may o
could]: 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 equivocacin, a lo mejor alguien se lo llev por
equivocacin; what would you do with the money? I dont know, I might even give it all to charity
qu haras con el dinero? no s, quizs hasta lo donaba todo a obras de beneficencia; it might (well)
have been disastrous if the police hadnt arrived podra haber sido catastrfico si no hubiera llegado la
polica; a dress such as Queen Victoria might have worn un vestido como el que podra or poda haber
llevado la reina Victoria; as you might imagine como te podrs imaginar; mightnt his friends know
where he is? they might (BrE) nosabrn sus amigos dnde est? pudiera or podra ser que s
b (in generalizations): whatever the problem might be, well 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! Llam para pedir perdn
era lo menos que poda hacer!
5 a (conceding): the house might not be big, but la casa no ser grande pero , puede ser que la casa
no sea grande, pero
b (asking for information) (frml): who might that gentleman be? quin es ese caballero?
6 a (indicating purpose): he died that others might live (liter) muri para que otros vivieran
11

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
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"
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
Modal Use
You can also use:
1. She might be on the bus. I think her car is 1. She might not be on the bus. She
having problems.
might be walking home.
might
POSSIBILITY
might
CONDITIONAL OF
MAY
2. She might have taken the bus. I'm not sure

how she got to work.
2. She might not have taken the

bus. She might have walked home.
3. She might take the bus to get home. I

don't think Bill will be able to give her a ride.
1. If I entered the contest, I might actually
win.
3. She might not take the bus. She

might get a ride from Bill.
1. Even if I entered the contest, I
might not win.
2. If I had entered the contest, I might

actually have won.
2. Even if I had entered the contest,

I might not have won.
3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I might

actually win. Unfortunately, I can't enter it.
3. Even if I entered the contest

tomorrow, I might not win.
1. NO PRESENT FORM
1. NO PRESENT FORM
might
SUGGESTION
2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON
2. You might have tried the cheese cake.
REQUEST
(British form)
could
3. You might not want to eat the

cheese cake. It's very calorific.
3. You might try the cheesecake.

might
could, may
Might I have something to drink?

Might I borrow the stapler?
NEGATIVE FORMS UNCOMMON
could,
may,
can
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.
12
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 tena que or deba disculparse;
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 aqu, que no se entere de que estoy aqu;
must you make so much noise? hace falta or es necesario hacer tanto ruido?; why must he always
argue with everybody? por qu siempre tiene que discutir con todo el mundo?; Ill read you my poem
oh well, if you must(, you must) te voy a leer mi poema bueno, si te empeas; Ill speak to her, if I
must hablar con ella, si no hay ms remedio; I must say everywhere looks very tidy tengo que
reconocer or hay que reconocer que est todo muy ordenado, la verdad es que est todo muy
ordenado; that wasnt 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 ms a
menudo, tienes que venir a vernos ms 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 oclock deben (de)
ser or (esp AmL) han de ser las seis, sern 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, estars 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 aqu es indispensable or imprescindible tener coche;
this book is a must ste es un libro que hay que leer, ste es un libro de lectura obligada; this movie is a
must for trance lovers sta es una pelcula 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
13

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"
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
Modal Use
You can also use:
1. That must be Jerry. They said he 1. That must not be Jerry. He is supposed
was tall with bright red hair.
to have red hair.
must
CERTAINTY
must
2. That must have been the right

restaurant. There are no other
restaurants on this street.
2. That must not have been the right

restaurant. I guess there is another one
around here somewhere.
3. NO FUTURE FORM
3. NO FUTURE FORM
You must not swim in that river. It's full of
crocodiles.
PROHIBITION
not
You must not forget to take your malaria

medication while your are in the tropics.
must
1. You must take some time off and

get some rest.
PROHIBITION USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR

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

park next week.
3.
SHIFT
TO
"HAVE
TO"
We won't have to get a permit to enter
the national park.
have to
STRONG
RECOMMENDATION
(Americans
prefer
the
form
"should.")
must
should
NECESSITY
(Americans
prefer
the
form
"have to.")
have to
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.
14
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) debera (or deberas etc) + INF, debiera (or debieras etc) + INF; you
ought to be grateful deberas or debieras estar agradecido, tendras que estar agradecido; she ought not
o oughtnt to be so strict with her children no debera or debiera ser tan severa con los nios; she ought
not to have said that no debera haber dicho eso, no tendra or no tena que haber dicho eso; you ought
to be ashamed of yourself! debera or debiera darte vergenza!, tendra que darte vergenza!; you
ought to have seen her face! tenas or tendras que haber visto la cara que puso!
2 (expressing logical expectation) debera (or deberas etc) + INF, debiera (or debieras etc) + INF; she
ought to be here by now ya debera or debiera estar aqu, ya tendra or tena que estar aqu; the
meeting ought not to take very long la reunin no debera 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
also use:
1. Margaret ought not exercise too
1. Margaret ought to exercise more.
much. It might cause injury.
ought to
RECOMMENDATION,
ADVICE
2. Margaret ought to have exercised

more so she would be better prepared
for the marathon.
2. Margaret ought not have run the

marathon. She wasn't in good shape.
3. Margaret ought to come to the

fitness center with us tonight.
3. Margaret ought not stay at home in

front of the TV. She should go to the
fitness center with us.
1. She ought to have the package by

now.
"OUGHT NOT" IS USED PRIMARILY TO EXPRESS

NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS. (SEE ABOVE.)
should
ought to
ASSUMPTION,
EXPECTATION,
PROBABILITY
15
should
2. She ought to have received the

package yesterday.
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.
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 tendr/tendremos
mucho inters en ver qu sucede; I said we should have to economize dije que tendramos que
economizar; we shant be able to come (BrE) no podremos or no vamos a poder venir; Jenny, pick up
your toys shant! (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? qu te (or le etc) parece si salimos esta noche?; shall we dance?
bailamos?; Ill ask him, shall I? le pregunto s? or te (or le etc) parece?; lets try again, shall we?
intentmoslo otra vez s? or te (or le etc) parece?; whatever shall we do? (BrE) qu podemos hacer?
2 (with 2nd and 3rd persons) (in commands, promises etc): they shall not pass no pasarn; thou shalt
not steal (Bib) no robars
"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
16

More Examples of "Shall"
Modal Use
shall
FUTURE ACTION
(British form)
shall
SUGGESTIONS
shall
Positive Forms
Negative Forms
I shall be replaced by someone from the New

York office.
I shall not be replaced after all.

I shall not be there. I have a previous
obligation.
I shall be there by 8:00.

Shall we begin dinner?
should
I shall never forget you.
I shall make the travel arrangements. There's

no need to worry.
I shall never give up the fight for

freedom.
INEVITABILITY
Man shall explore the distant regions of the

universe.
Man shall never give up the exploration

of the universe.
(British form)
We shall overcome oppression.
He shall not be held back.
PROMISING
(British form)
shall
will
Shall we move into the living room?

I shall take care of everything for you.
VOLUNTEERING,
You can
also use:
will
12. Should
past of shall
should v mod
1 (expressing desirability) debera (or deberas etc), debiera (or debieras etc); you should be studying
deberas or debieras estar estudiando, tendras que estar estudiando; she shouldnt treat her friends
like that no debera or debiera tratar as a sus amigos; you should have thought of that before deberas
or debieras haber pensado en eso antes, tendras or tenas que haber pensado en eso antes; Ive
brought you some flowers oh, you shouldnt have te he trado unas flores no te deberas or
debieras haber molestado! or no te tenas or tendras que haber molestado!; shall I invite them? I
think you should los invito? creo que deberas hacerlo; that is as it should be as es como debe ser;
you shouldve seen the look on her face! tenas or tendras que haber visto la cara que puso!; I didnt
have any breakfast you shouldve said! no desayun me lo hubieras dicho! or habrmelo dicho!
2 (indicating probability, logical expectation) debera (or deberas etc) (de), debiera (or debieras etc)
(de); it should add up to 100 tendra que or debera (de) or debiera (de) dar or sumar 100; how should I
know? cmo quieres que sepa?, cmo voy a saber (yo)?; why should they want to come here? por
qu han or habran de querer venir aqu?
3 (with first person only)
a (conditional use) (BrE frml): I should like to see her me gustara verla; I shouldnt have mentioned it if
he hadnt asked me to no lo habra or hubiera mencionado si l no me hubiera preguntado; I shouldnt
be surprised if they didnt turn up no me sorprendera que no aparecieran; I should be grateful if
you would send me the details (Corresp) le agradecera (que) tuviera la gentileza de enviarme la
informacin
17

b (venturing a guess) (BrE): I shouldnt think the chairs are very old no me parece que las sillas sean muy
antiguas; I should think she must be over 80 yo dira que debe tener ms de 80; will they be finished by
Friday? I shouldnt think so terminarn antes del viernes? no creo or no me parece; shes a little
upset I should think she is, poor thing est un poco disgustada y es lgico, pobrecita
c (expressing indignation): he said he was sorry I should think so too! Pidi perdn faltara ms! or
era lo menos que poda hacer!; she wont be asking us for any money I should think not no nos va a
pedir dinero faltara ms or sera el colmo!
4 (subjunctive use) (with all persons): it is essential that you should be present es indispensable que
ests presente; its natural that he should want to go with her es natural or lgico que quiera ir con ella;
Im sorry he should see it like that siento que l lo vea de esa manera; if you should happen to pass a
bookshop si pasaras or si llegaras a pasar por una librera
5 a (expressing amused surprise): and who should turn up but her ex-husband! y quin te parece que
apareci? su ex-marido!; what should she come out with at the critical moment but ? y no va y en el
momento crtico sale con que ?
b (in exclamations) (iro): he said she drinks too much he should talk! dijo que ella bebe demasiado
mira quin habla!; they should complain! I was waiting twice as long as them yo s 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"
Negative Forms
Positive Forms
You can
Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. =
also use:
Future
1. Sarah shouldn't smoke so
much. It's not good for her
1. People with high cholesterol should eat
health.
low-fat foods.
should
2. Sarah shouldn't have
RECOMMENDATION, 2. Frank should have eaten low-fat foods.
ought to
smoked so much. That's
ADVISABILITY
That might have prevented his heart attack.
what caused her health
problems.
3. You really should start eating better.
3. Sarah shouldn't smoke
18

when she visits Martha next
week. Martha hates when
people smoke in her house.
I should be at work before 9:00.
should
OBLIGATION
We should return the video before the video

rental store closes.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
"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 FORMS.
1. Susan should be in New York by now.
should
EXPECTATION
2. Susan should have arrived in New York

last week. Let's call her and see what she is
up to.
3. Susan should be in New York by next
week. Her new job starts on Monday.
be
to
supposed
1. Susan shouldn't be in
New York yet.
2. Susan shouldn't have
arrived in New York until
yesterday.
ought
to,
be supposed
to
3. Susan shouldn't arrive in

New York until next week.
13. be supposed to + INF

a (indicating obligation, expectation): Im supposed to start work at nine se supone que tengo que
empezar a trabajar a las nueve; arent you supposed to be at home? t no tendras que estar en casa?;
youre not supposed to tell anyone no se lo tienes que decir a nadie; its supposed to be kept in a cool
place hay que guardarlo en un lugar fresco
b (indicating intention): whats that supposed to be? y eso qu se supone que es?; whats that
supposed to mean? y qu quieres (or quieren etc) decir con eso, (si se puede saber)?; where are we
supposed to be meeting them? dnde se supone que nos vamos a encontrar con ellos?
c (indicating general opinion): its supposed to be a very interesting book dicen que es un libro muy
interesante; youre supposed to be the expert, not me el experto se supone que eres t, no yo
14. Will
v mod (past would) ll es la contraccin de will, wont de will not y llve de will have
1 a (talking about the future): hell come on Friday vendr el viernes, va a venir el viernes; he said he
would come on Friday dijo que vendra or iba a venir el viernes; he wont ever change his ways no
cambiar nunca, no va a cambiar nunca; will you be staying at Jacks? te vas a quedar en casa de Jack?;
theyllve finished the bridge by then para entonces ya habrn acabado el puente; I knew they would
have finished it yo saba que lo habran acabado or que lo iban a haber acabado; at the end of this
month, hell have been working here for a year este fin de mes har or va a hacer un ao que trabaja
aqu; youll live to regret this te vas a arrepentir de esto; it was a decision he would live to regret fue una
19

decisin de la cual se iba a arrepentir or se arrepentira ms tarde; you wont leave without me, will
you? no te irs sin m no?
b (expressing resolution) (with first person): I wont let you down no te fallar, no te voy a fallar
2 a (expressing willingness): will you do me a favor? quieres hacerme un favor?, me haces un favor?;
she wont tell us what happened no nos quiere decir qu pas; we asked her, but she wouldnt tell us se
lo preguntamos, pero no nos quiso decir; I wont 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 cant do it por
mucho que lo intenta, no logra hacerlo; it can be compared, if you will, to a detective novel puede
comparrselo, si se quiere or por as decirlo con una novela policaca
b (in orders): will you stop interrupting! quieres dejar de interrumpirme!; be quiet, will you! cllate,
quieres?, quieres callarte!
c (in invitations): will you have a drink? quieres tomar algo?; wont you come in? no quieres pasar?;
youll stay for dinner, wont you? te quedas a cenar no?
3 (expressing conjecture): theres a package for you thatll be the books I ordered hay un paquete
para ti deben (de) ser los libros que encargu; wont they be having lunch now? no estarn
comiendo ahora?; you will have gathered that te habrs dado cuenta de que ; that would have been
in 1947 eso debe (de) haber sido en 1947; we had a long chat, but you wouldnt remember charlamos
un rato largo, pero t no te acordars or no creo que t te acuerdes
4 a (indicating habit, characteristic): shell be quite happy and all of a sudden shell burst out crying es
capaz de estar de lo ms contenta y de repente echarse a llorar; Ill watch anything on television yo soy
capaz de mirar cualquier cosa en la televisin; hed go out and get drunk every Saturday todos los
sbados sala a emborracharse; theyd sit up all night discussing politics solan quedarse levantados toda
la noche hablando de poltica; dont worry, these things will happen no te preocupes, son cosas que
pasan; oil and water wont mix el aceite y el agua no se mezclan; he will jump to conclusions l siempre
tiene que precipitarse a sacar conclusiones; what do you expect, if you will keep spoiling him? qu
quieres, si lo mimas continuamente?; you wont be told, will you? qu cosa! por qu no haces caso?
b (indicating capability): it will do 40 miles per gallon hace 40 millas por galn; this door wont shut esta
puerta no cierra or no quiere cerrar; the car wouldnt start, so I took a taxi el coche no arranc or no
quiso arrancar, as que me tom un taxi; I was getting nervous because the car wouldnt 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
desebamos, 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:
20

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"
Modal Use
will
FUTURE
Positive Forms
The marketing director will be replaced by

someone from the New York office.
ACTION,
PREDICTION
will
VOLUNTEERING,
PROMISING
Negative Forms
The marketing director will not
be replaced after all.
shall
I will take care of everything for you.
Fred will not be there. He has a

previous obligation.
I will never forget you.
I will make the travel arrangements. There's no

need to worry.
I will never give up the fight for

freedom.
Fred will be there by 8:00.
You can also use:
shall
15. Would v mod d es la contraccin de would, wouldnt de would not y dve de would have
1 past of will1
2 a (in conditional sentences): I would if I could lo hara si pudiera; if I had known, I wouldnt have come
si lo hubiera sabido no habra or no hubiera venido; who would have thought it? quin lo hubiera or
habra pensado?; without your help, Idve been cooking all day sin tu ayuda, habra or hubiera estado
cocinando todo el da
b (giving advice): I wouldnt worry no (hace falta que) te preocupes, yo que t no me preocupara; I
would have a word with her about it por qu no lo hablas con ella?, yo (que t) lo hablaba or hablara
con ella
c (tentatively expressing opinions): I would agree with Roy yo estoy de acuerdo con Roy, yo dira que
Roy tiene razn; one would have thought that cualquiera hubiera or habra pensado que
3 (expressing wishes): I wish youd stop pestering me! deja de fastidiarme por Dios!; I wish you
wouldnt worry quisiera que no te preocuparas; if only shed take your advice si siguiera tus consejos
!, ojal siguiera tus consejos!; would (that) he were with us! (liter) ojal estuviera con nosotros!; would
to God she had known! ojal lo hubiera sabido!
4 a (in requests): would you type this for me please? me hara el favor de pasar esto a mquina?; would
you be kind enough to open the door for me? tendra la amabilidad or la bondad de abrirme la puerta?
(frml); if youd sign here, please me firma aqu, por favor?, tendra la bondad de firmar aqu? (frml); go
and call him, would you? ve a llamarlo s? or me haces el favor?; would you let me say something!
me dejas decir algo a m?
b (in invitations): would you like a cup of coffee? quieres una taza de caf?; would you like to come
with us? Id love to quieres or te gustara venir con nosotros? me encantara
5 a (expressing criticism): she would (have to) spoil the surprise tena que estropear la sorpresa, tpico!
or no poda fallar!
b (indicating sth is natural): he said no well, he would, wouldnt he dijo que no bueno qu otra
cosa iba a decir? or era de esperar no? or es lgico no?
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"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
Using "Would" in Present, Past, and Future
Positive Forms
1. If I were president, I would cut the cost of
education.
Modal Use
would
CONDITIONAL
PAST
2. If I had been president, I would have cut

the cost of education.
2. If I had been president, I would not

have raised taxes.
3. If I were elected president next year, I

would cut the cost of education.
3. If I were president, I would not sign

the tax increase next week.
I said I wouldn't help you.
I said I would help you.
would
Negative Forms
1. If I were president, I would not raise
taxes.
OF
"WILL"
He told me he would be here before 8:00.
would
When I was a kid, I would always go to the

beach.
He told me he would not be here before

8:00.
When I was a kid, I wouldn't go into the
water by myself.
When he was young, he would always do his

homework.
When he got older, he would never do

his homework.
used to
REPETITION IN
PAST
You can
also use:
16. Used to
(accustomed) (pred): to be used TO sth/-ING estar acostumbrado A algo/+ INF; Im not used to this
heat/getting up early no estoy acostumbrado a tanto calor/a madrugar; Im used to being treated like
that estoy acostumbrado a que me traten as; to get used TO sth/-ING acostumbrarse A algo/+ INF; I got
used to him me acostumbr a l; I got used to the idea me hice a la idea; we grew used to the food nos
acostumbramos a la comida; youll soon get used to getting up early pronto te acostumbrars 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 haba una tienda al lado de casa; usednt there to be a park here? (BrE dated) no haba aqu
un parque?; things arent 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 sola jugar or ya no; they used not o (BrE colloq) usednt to charge for deliveries antes no cobraban
el reparto a domicilio; I sometimes used to read that paper de vez en cuando lea or sola leer ese
periodic.
22
17. Rather
1 a (stating preference): Id rather you didnt smoke preferira que no fumaras; Id rather not think about
that prefiero no pensar en eso; which would you rather have, an apple or an orange? qu prefieres,
una manzana o una naranja?; Id do anything rather than give up ballet hara cualquier cosa antes que
dejar de bailar; Id rather die than preferira morir a ; rather you than me! menos mal que eres t y
no yo!
b (more precisely): were acquaintances rather than friends somos conocidos, ms que amigos, no
somos amigos, ms bien conocidos; she has a shop, or rather a stall tiene una tienda, o mejor dicho un
puesto
c (instead): he wasnt upset about it; rather, he was relieved no estaba disgustado sino ms bien aliviado
2 (fairly) bastante; (somewhat) algo, un poco; its rather a long way queda bastante lejos; its rather a o
a rather good book el libro es bastante bueno or no est nada mal; she looks rather like Janet se parece
algo or un poco a Janet; I rather suspect youre right yo dira que tienes razn; I rather think that me
da la impresin or tengo la sensacin de que ; are you tired? yes, I am, rather ests cansado? s,
bastante.
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English - Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

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English Modal Auxiliaries or Modals

I could have been swimming at the beach instead of