Instruction: Learn Modal (Connector) Verbs

Introduction to Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. In Spanish, modal verbs are often used with infinitives to create short, meaningful sentences without conjugating the main verb. This makes expressing complex ideas simpler and more efficient. Let’s explore some common modal verbs and see how they are used with infinitives.

Common Modal Verbs

Here are some common modal verbs in Spanish:

1. Quiero (I want)
2. Necesito (I need)
3. Voy a (I am going to)
4. Puedo (I am able to)
5. Debo (I must, I should)
6. Prefiero (I prefer)
7. Tengo que (I have to)
8. Me gusta (I like)

These modal verbs can be combined with any infinitive to create clear, concise sentences.

Example Sentences with Modal Verbs

Let’s use the following infinitives to create sentences: bailar (to dance), beber (to drink), aprender (to learn), cantar (to sing), estudiar (to study), leer (to read), trabajar (to work), viajar (to travel), pensar (to think), and almorzar (to have lunch).

Quiero (I want)

• Quiero bailar. (I want to dance.)
• Quiero aprender. (I want to learn.)

Necesito (I need)

• Necesito beber agua. (I need to drink water.)
• Necesito estudiar. (I need to study.)

Voy a (I am going to)

• Voy a cantar. (I am going to sing.)
• Voy a viajar. (I am going to travel.)

Puedo (I am able to)

• Puedo leer. (I am able to read.)
• Puedo trabajar. (I am able to work.)

Debo (I must, I should)

• Debo pensar en esto. (I must think about this.)
• Debo estudiar para el examen. (I should study for the exam.)

Prefiero (I prefer)

• Prefiero bailar. (I prefer to dance.)
• Prefiero leer. (I prefer to read.)

Tengo que (I have to)

• Tengo que trabajar mañana. (I have to work tomorrow.)
• Tengo que almorzar ahora. (I have to have lunch now.)

Me gusta (I like)

• Me gusta cantar. (I like to sing.)
• Me gusta viajar. (I like to travel.)

Conclusion

Using modal verbs with infinitives is a fundamental aspect of Spanish that allows you to express a wide range of ideas with ease. By mastering these common modal verbs, you will improve your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in Spanish. Keep practicing by combining these modal verbs with various infinitives, and enjoy your journey of learning Spanish! Next, practice them!