Reference
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs used to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and advice. Os verbos modais são verbos auxiliares usados para expressar habilidade, possibilidade, permissão, obrigação e conselho.
Overview
Modal verbs do not change form and are followed by the base verb (without 'to'). Verbos modais não mudam de forma e são seguidos pelo verbo na forma base (sem 'to').can, could, may, might, must, should, will, wouldShe can swim. Ela pode nadar.You must wear a seatbelt. Você deve usar cinto de segurança.
Ability (Can / Could)
We use can for present ability and could for past ability. Usamos can para habilidade no presente e could para o passado.I can drive. Eu sei dirigir.She could read at age five. Ela sabia ler aos cinco anos.
Possibility (May / Might / Could)
These modals express possibility. Esses modais expressam possibilidade.It may / might / could rainHe might be late. Ele pode se atrasar.We may see her later. Podemos vê-la mais tarde.
Permission (Can / May)
We use can for informal permission and may for more formal situations. Usamos can para permissão informal e may para situações formais.Can I leave early? Posso sair mais cedo?May I come in? Posso entrar?
Obligation (Must / Have to)
Must shows strong obligation or rules. Have to shows external obligation. Must indica obrigação forte ou regra; have to indica obrigação externa.You must wear a helmet. Você deve usar capacete.I have to work tomorrow. Eu tenho que trabalhar amanhã.
Advice (Should / Ought to)
We use should and ought to to give advice. Usamos should e ought to para dar conselhos.You should drink more water. Você deveria beber mais água.She ought to rest today. Ela deveria descansar hoje.
Exercises
1. You ___ wear a seatbelt.
2. She ___ swim when she was five.
3. It ___ rain later.
4. ___ I open the window?
5. You ___ see a doctor.
6. We ___ finish this today.
7. He ___ be at home. The lights are on.
8. You ___ park here. It’s forbidden.
9. She ___ speak three languages.
10. You ___ be tired. You worked all day.