This document provides definitions and examples of usage for various English modal verbs and their Spanish translations. It discusses modal verbs related to ability, possibility, prohibition, obligation, lack of obligation and formal requests. Examples are provided to illustrate the proper usage of each modal verb in different contexts.

1. MODAL TASK
Paula Iglesias Capel
1r B

2. CAN → PODER
ABILITY
They can speak many languages.
POSSIBILITY
You can follow him on his new
instagram.

3. BE ABLE TO → SER CAPAÇ DE
ABILITY
Spiderman is able to climb skyscraper, he’s my favourite superhero.

4. CAN’T→ NO PODER
PROHIBITION
You can’t eat in the class.
INABILITY
I can’t run the marathon because I
haven’t trained enough.

5. COULD → PODIA
PAST ABILITY
When I was nine, I could eat
everything I wanted without fatten
me.

6. MAY → POT
POSSIBILITY
I may travel to Tokyo this summer, so I
won’t be here for the presentation.
POLITE REQUEST
May I sharpen the pencil?

7. MIGHT → PODRIA
POSSIBILITY
She might forgive him, they were really good friends.

8. SHOULD/ OUGHT TO → HAURIA DE
OPINION
You should cut your hair.
ADVICE
He ought to study for the maths exam.

9. NEED TO → HAVER DE
NECESSITY
I need to practise grammar if I want to
pass the exam.
OBLIGATION
He needs to keep in silence in the class.

10. HAVE TO → HAVER DE
OBLIGATION
He has to pay the fine before Monday.
NECESSITY
I have to contact with her right now.

11. MUST → HAVER DE
OBLIGATION
You must wear a tracksuit to play in the team.

12. MUSTN’T → NO PODER
PROHIBITION
We mustn’t drive a car with sixteen years old, in Spain.

13. DON’T HAVE TO → NO HAVER DE
LACK OF OBLIGATION
You don’t have to come at 8 a.m
tomorrow.
NECESSITY
I don’t have to buy many things to feel
happy.

14. NEEDN’T → NO HAVER DE
LACK OF OBLIGATION
You needn’t wear the same clothes as
your friend, you can have your own
style.
NECESSITY
You needn’t ask for money, I invite
you to a coffee.

15. WOULD→ T’AGRADARIA/ PODRIES...
FORMAL REQUEST
Would you like to come to an AC DC concert?