Learn Spanish: Modal Verbs for Abilities and Permission

These Spanish lessons help you to improve your speaking, reading and writing skills and explain how to use basic expressions in everyday conversation. We first show you how to pronounce the sounds ‘s’, 'z’ and 'c' when combined with nouns and then explore the variations of the 'k' sound in Spanish. The course then compares the pronunciations of 'y' and 'll' to help you understand different Spanish dialects.

The second topic examines modal verbs such as 'deber’, 'saber’, 'querer’, 'soler’ and 'poder’, which are often used before a main verb to provide extra information. We compare these modal verbs' affirmative, negative and question forms while exploring how the modal verb 'poder' can be used to ask for permission or make requests. The course then covers infinitives and explains how to use them as subjects or direct objects. We examine adverbs of manner and show you how to describe how well someone can perform an action. The topic wraps up by identifying which pronouns can be used as direct objects.

The final section of this Spanish class looks at vocabulary. We demonstrate how to discuss activities such as singing, hiking and playing an instrument, to name a few. Once you have mastered these, you can easily discuss pastimes and describe abilities using the modal verbs 'can' and 'can't’. We also explain how to compare activities and clarify which you can and cannot do. Spanish is a fascinating global language with a rich history. Register for these Spanish lessons and take another step towards proficiency in Spanish.