modal verbs

different uses

probability

- it is snowing, so it must be cold outside
- i dont know where jhon is, he could have meissed the train

ability

- she can speak three languages
- my father could play golf very well

obligation and advice

- students must do their homework
- we must wear uniform
- you should stop smoking

permission

- you may not use the car tonight
- can we swim in the lake?
- could I leave early today.

habits

- john will always be late
- when we lived in italy we would often eat in restaurants

different from other verbs

r

memorizar

no S with third singular person

she can paint

work with a verb in infinitive

paint

past modals

should
could + have + past participle
would

- he could have studied harder but he was too lazy.
- I shouldn't have eaten so much cake.
- if i had had enough money I would have bought a car.