English Modal Verbs + "Să" (vreau, pot, trebuie)
The everyday "want / can / must to do" pattern — vreau să, pot să, trebuie să + verb. Adapted for English. This English reference focuses on recognition, lookup, and practical reading rather than drills.
Rule 1: Use vreau/pot/trebuie + să
Use this section to use vreau/pot/trebuie + să in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 2: Keep the second verb in the subjunctive
Use this section to keep the second verb in the subjunctive in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Rule 3: Drop the subject you already know
Use this section to drop the subject you already know in English. Check the example sentence, then compare the form with the surrounding words before applying the pattern elsewhere.
Examples
I understood the rule in this example.
I understood the rule in this example.
Use this as a English lookup example for wanting and needing.
The form changes according to context.
The form changes according to context.
Use this as a English lookup example for ability and obligation.
English lookup checklist
| Question | What to check |
|---|---|
| Meaning | What does the form contribute to the sentence? |
| Agreement | Does it match person, number, gender, case, or tense? |
| Position | Does placement change emphasis or grammatical role? |
Common Mistakes
- Do not translate the English pattern word-for-word from English.
- Check the whole phrase before deciding what a single form means.
- Watch for register: a correct written form can sound too formal in casual speech.
Lookup Tips
- Start with the example closest to your sentence.
- Identify the trigger word or ending before memorizing a rule.
- Save the topic as a focus if you expect to revisit it.