Perfect Modals What are perfect modals?

 

Perfect Modals What are perfect modals?

Modal perfect verbs are known in Spanish as modal verbs and are those that express a possibility or probability. It is important to note that when this type of verb is used with the infinitive form of the perfect, that is, have + past participle, it indicates some speculation about things that have happened in the past.

Characteristics of modal perfect verbs

After commenting on what modal perfect verbs consist of, we consider it necessary to mention some of their main characteristics:

In the third person singular of the present simple they do not have the ending -s.

To create the negative and interrogative form, it is not necessary to do it through -do or -does.

Modal perfect verbs never have an infinitive with "to" after it since they do not have an infinitive, participle or compound tenses.

subject + ordinary modal + have + past participle

1. To indicate that something is probable or possible, or not so.

For example:

It is sunny today; it must be warm outside. = It is sunny today; it is probably warm outside.

His mobile is not reachable; he may/might/could be traveling by meter. = His mobile is not reachable; it is possible that he is traveling by meter.

This can't be our bill. = It is not possible that this is our bill.

2. 'Can' and 'could' are used to refer to skills and abilities.

For example:

He can cover a hundred meters in under ten seconds.

My father could see perfectly before the age of fifty.

I can't ride a horse.

3. 'Must' is used to indicate that something is necessary or of extreme importance, and 'should' is used to suggest that something is advisable.

For example:

You must do your homework.

You mustn't skip school.

You shouldn't smoke.

4. 'Can', 'could' and 'may' are used to ask for, give and withhold permission.

For example:

Can I try my hand at it?

Could we disperse early today?

You may not enter the premises.

5. 'Will' and 'would' are used to refer to habits and inclinations.

For example:

When I was a child, I would often climb trees.

I will never refuse you anything.

He would never do such a thing.