Italian Modal Verbs
In linguistics, modal verbs are a special category of auxiliary verbs that are used to specify the way an action is performed. They express abilities, possibilities, permissions, obligations, and knowledge.
Unlike other verbs, modals cannot stand alone, but they must be linked to another verb – the main verb – that expresses the meaning of the action itself. In Italian, the main verb is always conjugated in the present infinitive.
Italian modal verbs are potere (can, be able to), volere (want), dovere (must), and sapere (know how to, be able to). Being able to use them and conjugating them in different tenses is essential for fluent communication.
Future Tense of “Potere”, “Volere”, “Dovere”, and “Sapere”
Future Tense of Italian Modal Verbs
As you probably know already, we use the future tense to talk about something that will happen or will be true in the future. Just like in English, in Italian we often use the present tense to talk about the future, but it’s important to know how to use and spot the future tense.
Here, I will focus on the future tense of the Italian modal verbs, as they are irregular, meaning they do not follow a predictable conjugation pattern. So, we just need to know it by heart.
As you know already, potere, volere, dovere, and sapere are usually followed by a verb in the infinitive. This happens regardless of the verb tense the modal verb is conjugated in. Look at the examples below:
Non potrò venire quest’estate.
I will not be able to come this summer.
Luigi non vorrà andare al mare.
Luigi will not want to go to the sea.
Dovrete pulire tutto.
You will have to clean everything.
Da adulto saprai prendere le decisioni giuste.
As an adult, you will be able to take the right decisions.
Future of Potere
The verb potere simply means “can” or “to be able to”. We use it to talk about a possibility.
Let’s have a look at the conjugation of this verb in the future tense:
| io | potrò |
| tu | potrai |
| lui / lei | potrà |
| noi | potremo |
| voi | potrete |
| loro | potranno |
Here are some examples:
Purtroppo, stasera non potremo venire.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to come tonight.
Certo che potrai andare in vacanza.
You will be able to go on holiday for sure.
Future of Volere
Volere means “to want to”. We use it when we want to express our will to do something.
Here’s its conjugation in the future:
| io | vorrò |
| tu | vorrai |
| lui / lei | vorrà |
| noi | vorremo |
| voi | vorrete |
| loro | vorranno |
And here’re some examples:
Lei non vorrà mangiare fuori.
She will not want to eat outside.
Cosa vorranno fare?
What will they want to do?
Future of Dovere
Dovere means “must” or “to have to”. We use it to talk about an obligation or necessity.
Let’s have a look at it’s conjugation in the future tense:
| io | dovrò |
| tu | dovrai |
| lui / lei | dovrà |
| noi | dovremo |
| voi | dovrete |
| loro | dovranno |
Let’s now look at some examples:
Cosa dovrete comprare?
What will you have to buy?
Dovremo studiare tanto per quell’esame.
We’ll have to study a lot for that exam.
Future of Sapere
Sapere means “to know how to” or “to be able to.” It is used to express knowledge, awareness, or ability to do something.
Here is its conjugation in the future tense:
| io | saprò |
| tu | saprai |
| lui / lei | saprà |
| noi | sapremo |
| voi | saprete |
| loro | sapranno |
Let’s look at some examples:
Quando saprò i risultati?
When will I know the results?
Saprete usare quel programma entro la fine del corso.
You will know how to use that program by the end of the course.
