Guía de Autoaprendizaje – Verbos Anómalos en Inglés (EPJA)

📘 Guía de Autoaprendizaje

Verbos Anómalos en Inglés

Nivel: EPJA – Enseñanza Media (3° y 4° Medio)  |  Asignatura: Inglés  |  Duración estimada: 2-3 horas

🎯 Objetivos de Aprendizaje

Al finalizar esta guía, podrás:

  • ✅ Identificar y usar correctamente los Verbos Modales Puros (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would).
  • ✅ Identificar y usar correctamente los Verbos Semi-modales (ought to, need, dare, used to).
  • ✅ Identificar y usar correctamente los Verbos Primarios / Auxiliares (be, have, do).
  • ✅ Distinguir entre las diferentes categorías de verbos anómalos.
  • ✅ Aplicar estos conocimientos en ejercicios de lectura, escritura y comprensión.

📖 Parte 1: Gramática de Referencia

1.1 Verbos Modales Puros Solo funcionan como auxiliares

📌 Características principales:
  • No se conjugan en tercera persona (he/she/it no lleva -s).
  • No necesitan el verbo auxiliar do/does/did para formar negativas o preguntas.
  • Van seguidos de infinitivo sin “to” (excepto ought to).
  • Expresan actitud del hablante: habilidad, permiso, obligación, posibilidad, consejo, etc.
Verbo Significado Uso Principal Ejemplo
Can Poder, saber hacer algo Habilidad, capacidad, permiso informal She can speak three languages.
Could Podía, podría Habilidad en pasado, posibilidad, permiso formal He could swim when he was five.
May Poder, tener permiso Permiso formal, posibilidad May I come in?
Might Podría (posibilidad remota) Posibilidad menos segura que may It might rain later.
Must Deber, obligación Obligación fuerte, deducción lógica You must wear a seatbelt.
Shall Debería (sugerencias/u ofertas) Sugerencias, ofertas (principalmente en inglés británico) Shall I open the window?
Should Debería (consejo) Consejo, recomendación, obligación moral You should see a doctor.
Will Auxiliar para el futuro Futuro, promesas, decisiones espontáneas I will call you tomorrow.
Would Terminación “-ía” (condicional) Condicionales, peticiones corteses, hábitos en pasado I would like some water.

📌 Ejemplos adicionales:

  • Can I use your phone? → ¿Puedo usar tu teléfono?
  • You must not smoke here. → No debes fumar aquí.
  • She should study more. → Ella debería estudiar más.
  • They will arrive at 8 PM. → Ellos llegarán a las 8 PM.

1.2 Verbos Semi-modales / Marginales Pueden funcionar como verbo principal o auxiliar

📌 Características principales:
  • Comparten características de los modales pero también pueden actuar como verbos principales.
  • Ought to siempre lleva “to”.
  • Need y dare pueden usarse como modales o verbos principales.
  • Used to expresa hábitos o estados pasados que ya no son ciertos.
Verbo Significado Uso Principal Ejemplo
Ought to Deber (obligación moral) Consejo, obligación moral (similar a should) You ought to apologize.
Need Necesitar Necesidad (como modal: solo en negativas/preguntas) You needn’t come if you’re busy.
Dare Atreverse Atreverse (como modal: solo en negativas/preguntas) He dare not speak.
Used to Soler, acostumbrar hacer algo en el pasado Hábitos o estados pasados que ya no son ciertos I used to play the piano.

📌 Ejemplos adicionales:

  • You ought to eat more vegetables. → Deberías comer más verduras.
  • She used to live in Paris. → Ella solía vivir en París.
  • Need I say more? (modal) → ¿Necesito decir más?
  • I need to go to the store. (verbo principal) → Necesito ir a la tienda.

1.3 Verbos Primarios / Auxiliares Pueden actuar como verbo principal o auxiliar

📌 Características principales:
  • Son los verbos más importantes en inglés.
  • Actúan como auxiliares para formar tiempos verbales compuestos.
  • Actúan como verbos principales con significado propio.
  • Se conjugan en todos los tiempos.
Verbo Significado Como Auxiliar Como Verbo Principal
Be Ser o Estar Forma tiempos continuos (I am working) She is a doctor. (ser)
Have Tener (poseer o haber) Forma tiempos perfectos (I have seen it) They have a car. (tener)
Do Hacer Forma negativas y preguntas (Do you like it?) I do my homework. (hacer)

📌 Ejemplos adicionales:

  • She is reading a book. (auxiliar) → Ella está leyendo un libro.
  • I have finished my work. (auxiliar) → He terminado mi trabajo.
  • They do not speak French. (auxiliar) → Ellos no hablan francés.
  • We have a meeting at 3 PM. (principal) → Tenemos una reunión a las 3 PM.

1.4 Tabla Comparativa de Tipos de Verbos Anómalos

Característica Modales Puros Semi-modales Primarios / Auxiliares
Se conjugan? ❌ No (solo forma base) ✅ Algunos sí (need, dare) ✅ Sí (am/is/are, have/has, do/does)
Llevan “to”? ❌ No (excepto ought to) ✅ Ought to siempre ✅ Sí (to be, to have, to do)
Forman preguntas solos? ✅ Sí (Can you…?) ✅ Algunos sí (Need I…?) ✅ Sí (Are you…?, Have you…?)
Forman negativas solos? ✅ Sí (cannot, must not) ✅ Algunos sí (needn’t, daren’t) ✅ Sí (isn’t, haven’t, don’t)
Ejemplo She can swim. She used to swim. She is swimming.

📚 Parte 2: Vocabulario Asociado

Expresiones Comunes con Verbos Modales

Can I help you?¿Puedo ayudarte?
Could you repeat that?¿Podrías repetir eso?
May I ask you something?¿Puedo preguntarte algo?
Might I suggest…?¿Podría sugerir…?
You must be careful.Debes tener cuidado.
Shall we go?¿Vamos?
You should try this.Deberías probar esto.
I will help you.Te ayudaré.
I would like coffee.Me gustaría café.
You ought to rest.Deberías descansar.
I used to live here.Solía vivir aquí.
I need some help.Necesito ayuda.

Frases Útiles para Conversación

I can’t believe it!¡No puedo creerlo!
You must be joking!¡Debes estar bromeando!
Could you please…?¿Podrías por favor…?
May I leave early?¿Puedo salir temprano?
I should probably go.Probablemente debería irme.
Would you like some…?¿Te gustaría un poco de…?
We will see each other.Nos veremos.
I used to do that.Solía hacer eso.

📖 Parte 3: Lecturas de Comprensión

Reading 1: A Day at Work

I can speak two languages, so I can communicate with many tourists at my job. I work at a hotel in the city center. I have to wake up early every day because my shift starts at 6:00 AM. I must be at work on time; otherwise, my boss gets upset.

Right now, I am helping a guest who is having problems with his room. He says the air conditioning does not work. I told him I would call the technician. “You should wait in the lobby,” I said. “He will be here in 15 minutes.”

Last year, I used to work at a restaurant, but I didn’t like it. The hours were very long. I could earn more money at the hotel, and the atmosphere is better. I can also practice my English with the guests. I ought to learn a third language, but I don’t have enough time now.

My coworker says I should take a vacation next month. She says, “You need to rest! You have been working too hard.” I think she is right. I will ask my boss tomorrow. I hope he will say yes.

Comprehension Questions: Answer in complete sentences.

  1. How many languages can the narrator speak?
  2. Why does the narrator have to wake up early?
  3. What is the problem with the guest’s room?
  4. What does the narrator say the guest should do?
  5. Where did the narrator use to work last year?
  6. Why does the narrator prefer working at the hotel?
  7. What language does the narrator want to learn?
  8. What does the coworker suggest the narrator should do?

Reading 2: A Trip to the Mountains

Every winter, my family and I used to go to the mountains. We would stay in a small cabin and would ski all day. But this year, we can’t go because my father has to work. He has a new project, and he must finish it by Friday.

“We could go next month,” my mother said. “I have a free week in March. We might go if the weather is good.” I think that would be great. I can take a few days off work. My brother is also free in March.

Right now, I am looking at photos from our last trip. We had a wonderful time. I remember that I could ski very well by the end of the week. My father said, “You should try skiing again this year. You might be even better!”

I don’t know if we will go. I need to save money, but I would love to go. I think we ought to make a plan soon. I will talk to my mother tonight.

Comprehension Questions: Answer in complete sentences.

  1. Where did the family used to go every winter?
  2. Why can’t they go this year?
  3. What did the mother say they could do?
  4. When might they go?
  5. What is the narrator doing right now?
  6. What could the narrator do by the end of the week?
  7. What did the father say the narrator should try?
  8. What does the narrator think they ought to do?

✏️ Parte 4: Ejercicios de Práctica

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Modal Verb
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb from the box. (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would)
1. I _______ speak four languages. (habilidad)
2. You _______ see a doctor. (consejo)
3. _______ I open the window? (permiso formal)
4. It _______ rain tomorrow. (posibilidad)
5. You _______ wear a seatbelt. (obligación)
6. I _______ like a cup of tea, please. (petición cortés)
7. She _______ swim when she was five. (habilidad en pasado)
8. _______ we go to the cinema tonight? (sugerencia)
9. I _______ help you with that. (ofrecimiento / futuro)
10. He _______ be at work now. (deducción lógica)
Exercise 2: Semi-modals and Primary Verbs
Complete the sentences with the correct verb from the box. (ought to, need, dare, used to, be, have, do)
1. She _______ be more careful with her work. (obligación moral)
2. I _______ live in London. (hábito en pasado)
3. You _______ go now if you want to arrive on time. (necesidad)
4. He _______ not speak to her. (atreverse – negativo)
5. They _______ playing football in the park. (acción continua)
6. I _______ already eaten lunch. (tiempo perfecto)
7. _______ she like chocolate? (pregunta con auxiliar)
8. You _______ to call your mother. (consejo / ought)
9. She _______ a new car. (tener – posesión)
10. I _______ not understand the question. (negativa con auxiliar)
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Find and correct the mistakes in these sentences.
1. She can to speak English very well. → ______________________
2. You must to go now. → ______________________
3. He doesn’t can swim. → ______________________
4. I would like some water. → (correct or incorrect?) ______
5. She used to lived in Paris. → ______________________
6. You should to study more. → ______________________
7. May I to leave early? → ______________________
8. We are have a meeting now. → ______________________
9. He doesn’t have a car. → (correct or incorrect?) ______
10. I can’t to believe it! → ______________________
Exercise 4: Fill in the Blanks (Story)
Complete the story with the correct verb (modal, semi-modal, or primary).

A Busy Day

Today is a very busy day. I _______ (must / can) finish my report by 5 PM. My boss says I _______ (ought to / used to) work faster, but I _______ (can’t / don’t have) because there is too much information.

I _______ (am / have) been working on this report since Monday. I _______ (used to / need) more time, but the deadline is tomorrow. My coworker says, “You _______ (should / shall) ask for help.” I _______ (think / will) I _______ (will / would) do that.

Yesterday, I _______ (could / was) not finish because I _______ (had to / must) attend a meeting. I _______ (used to / might) have more time next week, but I _______ (must / can) finish this project first.

I _______ (hope / will) I _______ (can / may) finish on time. I _______ (should / would) ask my boss for an extension, but I _______ (don’t / doesn’t) want to look bad.

Exercise 5: Transformation
Rewrite the sentences using the verb in parentheses.
1. It’s possible that she is at home. (might) → ______________________
2. I advise you to see a doctor. (should) → ______________________
3. Is it okay if I use your phone? (may) → ______________________
4. She has the ability to play the piano. (can) → ______________________
5. In the past, I played tennis every Saturday. (used to) → ______________________
6. I need to finish my homework. (must) → ______________________
7. It’s a good idea to call her. (ought to) → ______________________
8. I am going to help you. (will) → ______________________
9. She is required to wear a uniform. (must) → ______________________
10. Would you like something to drink? (can) → ______________________

🔑 Parte 5: Clave de Respuestas (Answer Key)

✅ Reading 1 – Answers

  1. She can speak two languages.
  2. Because his/her shift starts at 6:00 AM.
  3. The air conditioning doesn’t work.
  4. The guest should wait in the lobby.
  5. She used to work at a restaurant.
  6. Because she can earn more money and practice her English.
  7. She wants to learn a third language.
  8. The coworker suggests she should take a vacation.

✅ Reading 2 – Answers

  1. They used to go to the mountains.
  2. Because the father has to work.
  3. They could go next month.
  4. They might go in March.
  5. She is looking at photos from their last trip.
  6. She could ski very well.
  7. He said she should try skiing again.
  8. She thinks they ought to make a plan soon.

✅ Exercise 1 – Answers

1. can
2. should
3. May
4. might
5. must
6. would
7. could
8. Shall
9. will
10. must

✅ Exercise 2 – Answers

1. ought to
2. used to
3. need
4. dare
5. are
6. have
7. Does
8. ought
9. has
10. do

✅ Exercise 3 – Answers (Corrected)

1. She can speak English very well.
2. You must go now.
3. He cannot / can’t swim.
4. ✅ Correct
5. She used to live in Paris.
6. You should study more.
7. May I leave early?
8. We are having a meeting now.
9. ✅ Correct
10. I can’t believe it!

✅ Exercise 4 – Answers

must, ought to, can’t,
have, need, should, think, will,
could, had to, might, must,
hope, can, should, don’t

✅ Exercise 5 – Answers

1. She might be at home.
2. You should see a doctor.
3. May I use your phone?
4. She can play the piano.
5. I used to play tennis every Saturday.
6. I must finish my homework.
7. You ought to call her.
8. I will help you.
9. She must wear a uniform.
10. Can I get you something to drink?

🎓 Parte 6: Autoevaluación

¿Qué tan bien comprendiste cada tema?

Habilidad 👍 ¡Lo tengo! 🤔 Necesito más práctica 😕 Aún no lo entiendo
Verbos Modales Puros (can, could, may, etc.) ☐ ☐ ☐
Semi-modales (ought to, need, dare, used to) ☐ ☐ ☐
Verbos Primarios / Auxiliares (be, have, do) ☐ ☐ ☐
Distinguir entre los diferentes tipos ☐ ☐ ☐
Formar negativas y preguntas con modales ☐ ☐ ☐
Usar modales en contexto (lectura y escritura) ☐ ☐ ☐

🔍 ¿Qué hacer después?

  • Si marcaste “¡Lo tengo!” en todas las habilidades, escribe un párrafo usando modales para dar consejos o expresar posibilidades.
  • Si marcaste “Necesito más práctica” en alguna habilidad, revisa la sección de gramática y vuelve a hacer los ejercicios.
  • Si marcaste “Aún no lo entiendo” en alguna habilidad, pide a tu profesor o profesora materiales adicionales de práctica.

📝 Tarea Final de Escritura

✏️ Escribe un párrafo corto usando al menos 5 verbos modales o anómalos.

Puedes escribir sobre:

  • Consejos para aprender inglés.
  • Posibilidades para el futuro.
  • Obligaciones y recomendaciones en el trabajo o la escuela.
  • Hábitos del pasado y cómo han cambiado.

Verbos sugeridos: can, could, should, must, will, would, may, might, used to, ought to, need

Ejemplo:

When I was a child, I used to live in a small town. I could play outside every day, and I would ride my bike to school. Now, I live in a big city. I must be careful because there is a lot of traffic. I think you should always look both ways before crossing the street. You can also use public transportation to stay safe. I ought to learn more about the city’s rules. I will do that soon.

Escribe aquí tu párrafo…

📚 Guía de Autoaprendizaje – Verbos Anómalos en Inglés

Diseñada para estudiantes de EPJA – 3° y 4° Medio · Asignatura: Inglés

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