G5.2 – I verbi modali
G5.2 – I verbi modali
The modal verbs, dovere, potere, and volere, all express the modality of the action, for example; the obligation possibility and desire to do something.
They are all irregular verbs and are usually followed by an infinitive.
- Io devo andare a scuola -> I must go to school
- Tu puoi mangiare con me -> You can eat with me
- Lui vuole guardare la TV -> He wants to watch TV
Please note that the verb volere can also be followed by a noun
- Io voglio la pizza
| Dovere (to have to / must) | Volere (to want) | Potere (to can / to be able to) | |
| io | devo | voglio | posso |
| tu | devi | vuoi | puoi |
| lui / lei / Lei | deve | vuole | può |
| noi | dobbiamo | vogliamo | possiamo |
| voi | dovete | volete | potete |
| loro | devono | vogliono | possono |
Modal verbs with reflexive or reciprocal verbs
If accompanied by a reciprocal or reflexive verb, the reflexive pronoun can be either attached to the infinitive or placed before the modal verb.
- Possiamo incontrarci al cinema –> We can meet each other at the cinema
- Ci possiamo incontrare al cinema. –> We can meet each other at the cinema.
