1. They are those verbs in English that help a sentence have a better meaning thanks to its function. You can use them when you want to give another meaning to a sentence.
2. Modal Verbs
3. "Shall" is used as "will" to form the future tense. You can also use "shall" for offers and suggestions or to ask about options or preferences.
3.1. Chris shall be happy to see you.
3.2. Shall we meet at 10pm?
4. "Should" indicates an obligation or recommendation. Reflects an opinion about what is right. "Should" is used in interrogative phrases to ask if there is an obligation or to ask for a recommendation.
4.1. You shouldn’t work so hard.
4.2. Should we leave a tip?
5. "Ought to" is a synonym of "should" although it is less common.
5.1. They ought to work less.
6. "Must" indicates an obligation, prohibition or necessity. You can also use "have to" in affirmative phrases. You can also use "must" to indicate probability or assume something. It is also possible to use "must" for rhetorical questions.
6.1. You must not drink and drive.
6.2. It must be difficult to learn a new language as an adult.
6.3. Must you always be late?
7. "Would" is used to declare a preference and to ask for something politely.
7.1. Would you like some coffee?
8. "Can" indicates skill or possibility. In these cases it can be translated as "power" in Spanish. In interrogative phrases, the use of "can" can request permission or ask about possibilities.
8.1. I can speak five languages.
8.2. Can I have a glass of water?
9. "Could" indicates possibility or ability in the past. You can also use "could" for future possibilities.
9.1. Could you play an instrument when you were a child?
9.2. I think it could rain later
10. As "could", "may" is used to indicate possibilities in the future. It can also be used to give permissions or instructions.
10.1. I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later.
10.2. You may use your cell phones now.
11. "Might" is used to indicate possibilities in the present or the future. It can also be used as "may", to request permits or make polite requests
11.1. It might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
12. "Will" is used to form the future tense. Also the use of "will" means will or determination.
