REPHRASING MODAL VERBS

MUST = It's compulsory (es obligatorio)

              I'm sure (+ affirmative)

              I think (because of some evidence)

              It's absolutely necessary

              It is essential

MUSTN'T = It's forbidden (está prohibido)

                   It's not allowed (no está permitido)

                  

CAN'T = I'm sure (+ negative)

              I don't think (because of some evidence)

              

NEED TO = It's necessary

DON'T HAVE TO / DON'T NEED TO / NEEDN'T =

                It isn't compulsory

                It isn't necessary

               

SHOULD / OUGHT TO = If I were you

                                      Had better

   (you'd better drink more milk = you should drink more milk)

CAN / BE ABLE TO (ability) = know how to

CAN / MAY (possibility) = be likely to

             (he's likely to win = he can/may win)

MAY / MIGHT / COULD = It's possible

                                       Perhaps (quizás)

                                       Maybe (puede)

COULD = Would you mind...?

      (would you mind closing the door? = could you close the door?)