Modal Verbs en Inglés: Can, Must, Might, Should y Más con Ejemplos Prácticos

1.- Can or Be able to

• I couldn't overtake him because he was too fast.

• He could drive since last Tuesday, when his car was stolen.

• If you keep training, you will be able to run the Marathon in April.

• The train was busy, so we were able to get seats together.

• If I don't save, I won't be able to buy a new surfboard.

• She walks everywhere because she can't drive a car.

• Because I ran as fast as I could, I was able to catch the last train.

• He could ski very well because he had had a lot of lessons.

• It was a tough game, but he was able to score a goal.

• Sorry, I can't come out tonight. I have to do my homework.

2.- MUST, MIGHT, MAY, COULD, CAN'T

• If I'm bored on Saturday, I might/may/could go to the cinema.

• She can't be in Italy. I saw her today!

• I don't know. I may not have time to finish tonight.

• Well done! You must be very pleased.

• I'm not sure, but she might/may/could know the answer.

• President Jones might/may/could win the next election, but no one knows.

• That can't be David! He hasn't got a bike.

• There's someone at the door. It might/may/could be the postman.

• It doesn't make sense. It can't be the right answer.

• I've no idea where Jane is. She might be anywhere.

• They didn't let him into the pub. He must be under 18.

3.- MUST, HAVE TO, DON'T HAVE TO, NEED TO, MUSTN'T, SHOULD, OUGHT TO

• We must go or we will be late.

• You don't look well. You shouldn't/oughtn't to go to school today.

• We have to wear a helmet on the road, but we don't have to wear a school uniform.

• She didn't have to pay to go to the museum; it was free.

• You mustn't throw food to the animals at the zoo.

• You should ring your mother. She'll be worried.

• He doesn't have to buy new rugby boots. He can borrow mine.

• Athletes have to take drug tests after the competition.

• You must be respectful to the elderly.

• I don't have to go to work today. It's a holiday.

• You don't have to be friendly to your neighbours, but it is a good idea.

• You mustn't make noise here after 11 pm. It's illegal.

• When I was at school, we had to stand up when a teacher came into the class.

Modal + passive

• I cooked a hazelnut cake because I didn't know that you were allergic to nuts.

• You should have told me that you were allergic to nuts.

• I took my umbrella but it didn't rain.

• I needn't have taken my umbrella.

• It was wrong of Luis to shout at the referee.

• Luis shouldn't have shouted at the referee.

• It's possible that Liz left her kit at home.

• Liz may/might/could have forgotten her kit at home.

• It's impossible that he has passed the exam. He didn't even open the book.

• He can't have passed the exam.

• It was a mistake to cheat in the race.

• I shouldn't have cheated.

• It wasn't necessary for you to run because the bus is still here.

• You needn't have run...

• I regret not training more.

• I should have trained more.

• Maybe Joana missed the last bus.

• Joana might/may/could have missed the bus.