This document summarizes the uses of several modal verbs in English including can, can't, could, must, musn't, and should. It explains that can is used to express abilities or possibilities in the present. Can't expresses impossibility or lack of ability now. Could expresses ability, possibility, or polite requests in the past. Must shows obligation or logical deduction about present facts. Musn't expresses prohibition. And should expresses advice or opinion.

1. MODAL VERBS Miguel Ángel Rodríguez López

2. Can/Can’t CAN Uses: Abilities or capacities (to know or to be able to “saber”). Mary can speak two languages. Possibility (“poder”) I can meet you later.

3. CAN’T Uses: Impossibility in the present Mary can’t buy sweets now Lack of ability (not to know) or capacity (not to be able to): I can’t speak Italian Prohibition You can’t drive without a licence

4. Could It is the past of can and it is used to express: Ability or capacity in the past (“sabía”) She could run fast when she was a child Polite request (“podría”) Could you help me with these suitcases? Possibility –less probable than with can- (“podría”) Mark could join us the cinema.

5. Must It expresses obligation (“deber”): You must bring your books to class Must is also used to express a logical deduction about present fact. There is a light at her home. She must be there.

6. Musn’t Musn’t shows prohibition: You musn’t exceed the speed limit

7. Should It expresses advise or opinion (“debería”): You should visit the doctor, you’ve got a cold.