Verbos Modales en Inglés: Guía Completa, Ejemplos y Test
Los verbos modales son la clave para expresar matices de significado en inglés, desde la habilidad y la posibilidad, hasta la obligación y el permiso. Dominarlos te permitirá comunicarte con precisión y naturalidad, sonando como un verdadero nativo. En esta guía completa, te ofrecemos la explicación de todos los verbos modales, con más de 100 ejemplos prácticos y un resumen comparativo para ayudarte a usarlos sin errores.
Estructuras Básicas de los Verbos Modales
A diferencia de otros verbos, los modales tienen reglas de conjugación muy sencillas. No cambian su forma según el sujeto, y siempre van seguidos de la forma base del verbo principal (infinitivo sin "to").
1. Forma Afirmativa
Estructura: Sujeto + Verbo Modal + Verbo principal (forma base) + Complemento
He can play the piano.
We must be on time.
She should study more.
They will arrive tomorrow.
You might see a whale.
I could swim when I was young.
He would like a coffee.
You may sit down now.
I must finish this work.
They should leave now.
2. Forma Negativa
Estructura: Sujeto + Verbo Modal + not + Verbo principal (forma base) + Complemento
Las contracciones son muy comunes: `can't`, `couldn't`, `mustn't`, `shouldn't`, `won't`.
You mustn't touch the art.
She can't come with us.
He shouldn't drive so fast.
I might not go to the party.
They won't be here on time.
We couldn't find the address.
You should not worry about it.
He wouldn't tell me the truth.
She may not be aware of the changes.
The dog can't catch the ball.
3. Preguntas
Estructura: Verbo Modal + Sujeto + Verbo principal (forma base) + Complemento?
Simplemente invierte el orden del sujeto y el verbo modal.
Can you help me?
Should I go now?
Will they be here soon?
Could you close the door?
May I borrow your pen?
Must we leave so early?
Would you like some tea?
What should I do?
Where could they be?
How can I help you?
Usos Específicos de los Verbos Modales
Aprende los diferentes matices de significado que cada modal puede aportar a tus oraciones. A continuación, tienes 10 ejemplos prácticos para cada uso.
Can, Could, (be) able to
Para expresar habilidad, posibilidad, y permiso.
I can speak English.
I could swim when I was four.
After the accident, he was able to walk again.
They will be able to go on vacation next year.
He couldn't hear the music.
Can you help me with this exercise?
We could take a taxi to the station.
She has been able to save enough money.
I hope I am able to attend your party.
She can't remember his name.
Must, Mustn't, Needn't, Have to
Para expresar obligación, prohibición y ausencia de necesidad.
You must submit the report by Friday.
We have to wear a uniform at work.
You mustn't use your phone while driving.
She doesn't have to work on weekends.
It's a holiday, so you needn't go to school.
I must finish this project; it's a personal goal.
He had to pay the fine.
You must be tired after a long flight.
The package doesn't have to be signed for.
You needn't worry about me.
Should, May, Might
Para expresar consejo y diferentes grados de posibilidad.
You should try this new cafe.
It may be a good idea to bring a jacket.
They might get delayed due to traffic.
You shouldn't tell him about the surprise.
May I speak with the manager?
She might have left her keys at home.
The project should be finished by next week.
We may go to the park if the weather is nice.
He shouldn't have done that.
I might not be able to make it to the meeting.
Will, Would, I'd better...
Para expresar futuro, peticiones, situaciones hipotéticas y sugerencias fuertes.
The sun will rise at 6 a.m.
Would you like some water?
I'd better go now; it's getting late.
If I were rich, I would buy a big house.
He will probably be here soon.
Would you mind helping me with this?
She would always read before bed.
You'd better not be late again.
I think it will snow tomorrow.
It's time to go home.
Resumen Comparativo de Verbos Modales
Aprende las diferencias clave entre los verbos modales más comunes para evitar errores y sonar más preciso.
Must vs. Have to
Must: Obligación personal interna (yo lo decido).
I must study for my exam.
Have to: Obligación externa o una regla.
I have to wear a helmet.
May vs. Might
May: Posibilidad fuerte, más formal.
It may rain tomorrow.
Might: Posibilidad más remota o débil.
He might win the lottery.
Can vs. Could
Can: Habilidad en el presente.
I can speak French.
Could: Habilidad en el pasado o posibilidad.
I could swim when I was 5.
¡Test de Práctica!
Completa las oraciones con el verbo modal correcto. Escribe solo el verbo modal, sin espacios ni conjugaciones adicionales, a menos que se indique lo contrario.
Presiona el botón para empezar el test.