Having become acquainted with the modal verbs can, may, must, you should have paid attention to the fact that these verbs are incomplete, they cannot form the future tense, do not change according to persons, do not obey grammatical rules. Therefore, special constructions come to the aid of each of these verbs, which are used to replace and fill in the missing forms. modal verbs, and are called their equivalents. The equivalents include the already familiar verbs to have and to be, which can be used instead of modal verbs in the present, past and future.

Unlike modal verbs, which cannot be used with the particle to, their equivalents are used only with the infinitive of the verb with the particle to.

Equivalent of the modal verb can

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The equivalent of the modal verb can is the construction to be able to, which is translated into Russian as “to be able” and is ideally suited to the modal verb can, which expresses the mental and physical ability of a person. The construction to be able to consists of the verb to be, which is the movable part of this construction, which changes in persons and numbers in the present, past and future tense, and the adjective able - able, which is the fixed part of the construction, after which it is necessary to use the infinitive of the verb with a particle to. Despite the fact that the modal verb can has the forms of the present and the past tense, and we actually need the equivalent to form the future tense, we can nevertheless use the equivalent to translate sentences in both the present and past tenses if we wish. Pay attention to the translation of the following sentences:

I can solve this task myself = I am able to solve this task myself
She could do her homework quickly = she could do her lessons quickly = she was able to do her lessons quickly
We'll be able to help you tomorrow

Equivalent of the modal verb may

The equivalent of the modal verb may is the construction to be allowed to, also consisting of the verb to be and the perfect participle formed from English verb allow - allow. Similar to the to be able to construction we talked about above, we use to be allowed to to express the future tense, but we can also use it in both the present and past tenses if desired.

You will be allowed to visit her tomorrow
You will be allowed to speak to me in two days

Equivalent of the modal verb must

The modal must fills in its missing past and future forms with the equivalent expression to have to and to have got to, after which the infinitive of the verb must also be used.

I have to perform this work today - I need (I must) do this work today
You have to perform this work today - you must complete this work today
They have to perform this work today - they must do this work today
He, she, it has to perform this work today - he, she must do this work today

I had to pay you yesterday - I had to pay you yesterday
You / they had to leave for Moscow two days ago - you / they should have (they had to) leave for Moscow two days ago
He / she / it had to translate that article yesterday - he / she had to translate this article yesterday.

The negative and interrogative form of the construction to have to is formed using the auxiliary verb do, does in the present tense and did in the past tense.

Do I / you / they have to perform this work today?
Does he / she have to perform this work today?
Did I / you / they / he / she / it have to perform that work yesterday?
I / you / they do not have to build the house
He / she does not have to cook the dinner
I / you / they / she / he did not have to consider that matter yesterday

The future tense to have to is formed using the future tense forms of the verb have: shall have for the first person singular and plural and will have for other persons

I shall have to visit my friend at a hospital
She will have to return home by 5 tomorrow
Will you have to go to the shop tomorrow morning?
You will not have to give me account

You can learn more about the have to design in our video tutorial.

If the construction to have got to (had got to for the past tense) is used as an equivalent, we do not need to use the auxiliary verbs do, does, did to form interrogative and negative forms, because in this construction, the auxiliary verb is the verb have. Pay attention to the following suggestions:

I have got to go the country
Have I got to go to the country?
I have not got to go to the country

AT English language there are other modal verbs for expressing obligation, necessity, etc., which we will talk about separately.

InformationI

Modal verbs do not denote the action itself, but indicate the attitude of the speaker towards it. The main features of modal verbs are that they:

1) require after themselves the infinitive of the semantic verb without the particle “to”: I can do this;

2) form an interrogative and negative form without an auxiliary verb: Can you help me? - No, I cannot (I can't);

3) the verbs "can" and "may" have only the present and past tenses, the verb "must" has only the present tense. Modal verbs do not form complex verbal forms;

4) do not change either in persons or in numbers: He can speak English;

5) do not have impersonal forms (infinitive, gerund, participle).

exercise 1

Fill in the gaps with the verbs "can», « May», « mustand check a friend

1. All the students … go home because there will be no meeting after classes.

2. He can help you as he is not busy now.

3. My son … skate well.

5. I am sorry, I … leave. At 5 o'clock I shall have a lecture.

6. When must you come to the lessons? We must come to the lessons at 8.

7. I … not go to the club today. I have no time.

8. There are children in this room. You must not smoke here.

9. …I open the window? Yes, you….

10. You are free and may go home.

InformationII

The verb "can" (past tense "could") expresses the physical or mental ability to perform the action expressed by the infinitive. “Can” is translated into Russian by the forms of the verbs “to be able” and “to be able”:

In the meaning of the verb "can", as well as instead of its missing forms, the combination "to be able" + infinitive with the particle "to" can be used:

I shall be able to come to see you tomorrow.

I can come to you tomorrow.

I was able (= could) to do this.

I was able to do it.

I am able (= can) to do this.

I can do it.

exercise 1

Complete the sentences according to this model and check your friend:

Model: I can't help you now, but I'll be able to do it tomorrow.

1. I cannot come today, but ….

2. They can't swim now, but they'll be able to do it next month.

3. I can't talk to her tonight, but ….

4. You can't take my book today, but you'll be able to do it tomorrow.

5. She can't cook dinner today, but ….

6. I can't lend you any money this month, but I'll be able to do it next month.

7. He can't go to the country this Sunday, but ….

8. We can't help you with the text today, but we'll be able to do it tomorrow.

Exercise 2

Translate these sentences into English and check your friend

1. I couldn't help you yesterday.

2. Can you believe this story?

3. He will be able to come to the meeting tomorrow.

4. She will be able to see you tomorrow.

6. They could go to the country last month.

7. You can help us tomorrow.

8. Can your sister play the piano?

9. What languages ​​can you speak?

10. He will be able to finish the work tomorrow.

InformationIII

The verb may (past tense might only for indirect speech) expresses:

1) resolution:

May I come in? Can I come in?

2) possibility or assumption:

It may rain today. Maybe it will rain today.

In the meaning of the verb "may", as well as instead of its missing forms, the combination "to be allowed" + infinitive with the particle "to" can be used.

He was allowed to stay here. He was allowed to stay here.

exercise 1

Use the modal verb "May» at the specified time and check a friend

1. The students (may) leave the room in half an hour. (Future Indefinite).

2. She was allowed to play the piano yesterday.

3. You (may) look some words up in the dictionary at the examination. (Future Indefinite).

4. You will be allowed to stay away from classes tomorrow.

5. She (may) swim in the morning. (Past Indefinite).

6. We were allowed to go to the theater yesterday.

8. Ann is still weak. She will not be allowed to go out tomorrow.

9. You (may) use my dictionary in an hour. (Future Indefinite).

10. Shall I be allowed to bring my friend with me tomorrow?

InformationIV

The verb "must" expresses a necessity or a moral duty. The verb “must” is translated into Russian by the words “should”, “necessary”, “must”:

I must get up early every day. I have to get up early every day.

The verb "must" has no past tense.

To express the past tense, its equivalents "to have to ..." and "to be to ..." are used. To express the future tense, only the equivalent of "to have to ..." is used.

The verb “to have” followed by the infinitive of another verb with the particle “to” expresses an obligation arising from external conditions, and is often translated into Russian as the verb “have to”.

I had to wait for the tram for 10 minutes yesterday.

Yesterday I had to wait for the tram for 10 minutes.

The verb "to be to ..." means an obligation arising from a preliminary agreement or plan.

Mister N. is to make a report at the next meeting.

Mr. N. has to give a report at the next meeting.

exercise 1

Translate the following sentences into Russian and check your friend

1. She had to ask for directions to the station.

2. The students will have to stay after their classes.

3. I have to do my homework today.

4. We were to meet at the station at 6.

5. You will have to review lecture material before the exam.

6. When are we to visit the laboratories of the Institute?

7. I will have to answer many letters tomorrow.

8. You will have to leave at 6 to catch the train.

9. Mom has to cook dinner after work.

10. The girl had to take care of her younger sisters and brothers.

11. I was supposed to arrive by the ten o'clock train, but I could not get a ticket for it.

12. We shall have to speak to him about it.

13. We must be with him no later than 8 o'clock.

14. He was to leave last night.

Exercise 2

Translate the following sample sentences and check a friend

(I) had to… (I) shall have to …

1. I had to get up early.

2. You will have to do it today.

3. We shall have to meet them.

4. He had to come at 8 o'clock.

Did (you) have to? … Will (you) have to? …

5. Did you have to wait for a long time?

6. Will I have to make a report?

7. Did he have to do this work?

8. Will we have to go there?

(I) did not have to … (I) shall not have to …

9. I did not have to write to him.

10. We won't need to call them.

11. They will not have to go there.

12. They shouldn't have gone to the station.

Examples:

• He must be at home. He must be at home.
• He must be sleeping. - He must be sleeping.
• He must have left. “He must have left.
• He must have been living in Paris for 3 years. He must have been living in Paris for three years already.
• The room must have been cleaned yesterday. The room must have been cleaned yesterday.
• I may go to the cinema on Sunday. Perhaps I will go to the cinema on Sunday.
• I might know this girl. “Perhaps I know this girl.
• He may not have my address. He may not have my address.
• The shop may be closed on Sunday. Perhaps the store is closed on Sundays.
• Can he be so silly? - Is he really that stupid?
• He can't have eaten the whole cake. It can't be that he ate the whole pie.
• They couldn't have got your letter. It is impossible that they received your letter.
• They could be waiting for us at the restaurant. “Perhaps they are waiting for us at the restaurant.
• She hasn't phoned. There has to be a reason. She didn't call. She must have a reason for that.
• Jo should be in Mexico by now, shouldn't she? “Joe should be in Mexico by now, right?”
• Henry shouldget here soon - he left home at six. Henry should be arriving soon - he left the house at six. (=wait)
• It's six o'clock. Our guests should be arriving soon. - It's already 6 o'clock. Guests should be arriving soon.
• Why is there so much traffic? The rush hour should have finished at least an hour ago. Why so many cars. Rush hour should have ended at least an hour ago. (="should have, but did not end"; compare with translating sentences with "must")
• I have an exam tomorrow. — I'm sure you will pass. I have an exam tomorrow, I'm sure you'll pass it. (= assumption-forecast about the future)
• Don't phone now-they 'll be having lunch. - Do not call. They are probably having lunch. (assumption-prediction about the present)
• It's no use phoning 'll have left by now. "There's no point in calling, he must have left by now." (assumption-prediction about the past)

Please note that verbs may/might + not do (be doing / have done) and can't / couldn't+ do (be doing / have done) have different meanings:

Compare:

It may not rain tomorrow. It may not rain tomorrow.

It can't possibly rain tomorrow. - It can't be raining tomorrow.

It may not be true. “Maybe it's not true.

It can't be true. “It can't be true.

He may not have understood me. Perhaps he didn't understand me.

He can't have understood me. It's impossible that he understands me.

As you have already noticed, only the verbs may / might are used with a negative infinitive (not do / not be doing / not have done ...). What if the sentence is negative, but we need to use another verb, such as must or can. There are several strategies:

1) use the verb fail, and it will stand in the right infinitive (simple, continued, perfect ...)

For example:

He must have failed to understand me. - He, should be, me not understood.

2) use a verb with a negative prefix (mis, dis, un…)

For example:

He can'thave misunderstood me. — Can't be, so that he me not understood.

3) use negative words like never, nothing, nobody…

For example:

He must know nothing. — Must be he knows nothing.

4) change the word to an antonym (i.e. a word with the opposite meaning)

For example:

He can't have declined the offer. — It can't be that he didn't accept this offer.

Verb must not used to make predictions about the future. It is replaced by be likely to do(most likely with a high probability of doing something) or be unlikely to do(unlikely to do something) in similar sentences.

For example:

He is likely to pass his exam. He must pass the exam.

He is unlikely to come. He is unlikely to come.

Interesting use of the verb will(Future Continuous and Future Perfect) for assumptions about the present and the past. Pay attention to the translation (not using the future tense, but the present and the past).

For example:

There's no point visiting in Sue now. It's Sunday afternoon. She 'll be playing golf. There is no point in going to Sue now. Sunday evening she plays to golf. (="always playing, so now he must be playing too")

Where's Mary? —She ‘ll have arrived at the supermarket by now and bought a few things for us. - Where is Masha? - She is already should have come to the supermarket and buy us products. (= "she always goes to the supermarket at this time, and now it must be there")

Note that some modal verbs with perfect infinitives have different meanings:

• could have done / might have done- something could happen, but did not happen

For example:

That was a bad place to go skiing - you could have broken your leg. - It's not the best the best place for skiing. You could break your leg. (= "could, but did not break")

Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Somebody could have been hurt. Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Someone could get hurt. (= "could, but did not suffer")

You were stupid to carry climbing up there. You might have killed yourself. — It was stupid to climb there. You could have been killed. (="could, but not killed")

• might have done- will do something by a certain point in the future

For example:

By the end of this year I might have saved some money. By the end of the semester, I may have saved up some money. (similar to using the Future Perfect for future actions)

• should have done- did not do something, but it was worth doing (reproach)
• shouldn't have done- did something, but should not have done it (reproach)

For example:

You should have told me about it. Why didn't you? “You should have told me about it. Why didn't he say anything?

You shouldn't have told him about it. “He shouldn't have talked about it. (= "said, but should not")

Modal suggestive verbs in songs:

Roxette: It Must Have Been Love

Coldplay: Green Eyes (possible verbs could, should, must)

Verb can, past tense form could, is the most common of the modal verbs. Used with the infinitive of a semantic verb without a particle to. Full negative form cannot[" kxnOt ] (the only modal verb with which the negative particle not spelled flat). Short negative form can't.

Verb could in the context past tense means - " could, could, ... etc. present or future tense could, could... " and is used to express a more polite request or to express a greater degree of doubt

Verb can has a modal equivalent to be able, which is used with the particle infinitive to. In this combination ( to be+ adjective ableable) auxiliary to be may take any necessary tense form: am/is/are present, was/were in the past shall be / will be in future. Please note: equivalents cannot express probabilistic concepts (assumption, doubt, disbelief, etc.).

Used:

1 For Expression physical or mental capacity perform the action expressed by the infinitive - I can, I can .

Verb can used in present time and may apply to the present and future; could used in past time, and the verb to be able (to) can be used in all times. Verb can is used much more often, and their semantic difference lies in the fact that the verb can means the possibility of performing an action in general, usually, constantly; and the verb to be able (to) means the possibility of performing a specific, single action at a specific moment. For example:

I can swim across this river.	I can swim across this river. (generally)
I am able to swim across this river.	I able swim across this river. (now when needed)

a) affirmative form:

The present:

He can speak English.	He can talk in English.
She can do it.	She is maybe do this is.
He can help you. = He is able to help you.	He maybe help you.

Regarding the future:

I can give you book tomorrow.	I can to give you a book tomorrow.
I hope you 'll be able to join us later.	I hope you you can join to us later.

In relation to the past:

Note: the form could + Perfect Infinitive regrets, what a action in the past was not fulfilled at the right time, the capability was not implemented (same as with might ).

She could have explained the mystery. She is could explain this secret. (but not explained)
They could have done it themselves.	They are we could do it's yourself. (but didn't)
You could have told me about it long ago.	You could to tell me about it for a long time. (but didn't say)

b) Interrogative form:

Can you do it/what?	Can you you do this is?
Can you come?	You come?; You can come?
Who can speak French?	Who He speaks French?

Note: In combination with the verbs of feeling and perception: to seesee, to hearhear, to feelfeel etc. verb can usually not translated into Russian:

Can you see him?	You see his?
Can you hear the music?	You hear music?

In relation to the past:

in) negative form:

I cannot (can't ) do it/that.	I I can not do this is.
I can't answer this question.	I I can not reply to this question.
He cannot (can't ) come to us now.	He can not come to us now.

In relation to the past:

2 Verb can (could) in questions, requests, prohibitions and permissions.

In these cases, you can use can, could and May. AT official style is used May, in polite form could, in ordinary colloquial, everyday style - can.

a) AT interrogative sentence: question about permission to act or request.

Can /May I ask you a question?	Can ask do you have a question?
Can / May I come in?	Can to come in ? May I come in? (With May more formally, e.g. to the principal's office)
Can /Could I take your dictionary?	Can to me take your dictionary? (With could more polite)
Can /Could I use your telephone?	I can I take advantage your phone?
could you answer my questions?	Could you you reply on my questions?
could you help me, please?	Could you you help me (please)?

The range of these questions-requests is extremely wide:

Can I see your passport?	Can i I take a look to your passport?
Can I have my bill?	Can ask check?
Can you call a taxi?	You you can call Taxi?
Can I take your order?	I can I to accept your order? (waiter)
Can I have the menu card?	Can ask menu?
Can I have a pizza, please?	Can pizza please?
Can I try it on?	Can to me try on this is? (in the shop)
Can I pay with my credit card?	Can to me to pay off(my) credit card?
could I have a ticket to London?	I can take ticket to London?
Can you help me please? I'mlooking for platform 7.	Could you you help to me. I am looking for platform 7.

b) AT negative offer: prohibition perform an action expressed by the infinitive, often translated as " it is forbidden ". Cannot or, usually, can't- the most common and neutral form of prohibition, may not- more formal must not- a categorical ban.

I'm sorry you can't park here.I'm sorry, but here it is forbidden park.
May I come with you? – I'm afraid of you can't .	May I go with you? - Unfortunately / I'm afraid that it is forbidden /No .

in) AT affirmative offer: permission perform the action expressed by the infinitive. Although the verb May and means " I allow", with a touch of formality, and can means " you can physically, in modern colloquial language is usually used everywhere can.

The present:

You can /May come in.	Can to come in .
You can go home.	Can go home.
You can use dictionaries.	Can enjoy dictionaries.
You can use my car.	You can take advantage by my car.
You can use this phone.	You can take advantage by this phone.

Future - used to express permission in the future can (May not used in the future, but its equivalent can be used shall /will allowed)

You can come at 6 o'clock.

Can come at 6:00.

Probability value

Verb can (could) is used to express doubt, surprise, mistrust . In these meanings it is used only in interrogative negative sentences with any form of the infinitive.

1 AT interrogative proposals: doubt, surprise really .

Although in Russian can and could transl. same here - really ", the form could, as a form of the subjunctive mood, expresses great degree of doubt(less likely).

a) If the action is by now , then it is used Continuous Infinitive, and with verbs that are not used in Continuous forms - a simple infinitive ( Indefinite Infinitive).

Can he be still working?	Really he still works?
Can/could they still be sleeping?	Really they are still are sleeping?
Can it be true?	Really this is true?
Can you dislike the book?	Really you I do not like this book?

b) If the action is to past tense , then it is used Perfect Infinitive: can/could + Perfect Infinitive.

Can/could they have left yesterday?	Really they left yesterday?
Can he have said it?	Really he said this is?

2 AT negative proposals: doubt, mistrust - it can't be; incredible .

a) can/could not + Indefinite /Continuous Infinitive expresses an action to the present time:

She can't be at home now?	It can't be that she is was at home now.
It c an't/couldn't be true.	Can't be (incredible), to this is was truth.
They can't all be lying.	It can't be that they all spoke lie.

b) can/could not + Perfect Infinitive to the past :

May (past tense might )

Verb May is in the past tense might and is used with the infinitive of a semantic verb without a particle to.

Verb might in the context past tense means - " could, could, ... etc. ". And used in context present or future tense is a form of the subjunctive mood (Subjunctive ii) " could, could... " and is used to express a more polite request or to express a greater degree of doubt. Full negative form may/might not, short negative form mayn't and mightn't.

Verb May has a modal equivalent to be allowed(passive voice of the verb allow – allow, allow ), which is used with the particle infinitive to. It can be used both in the missing future tense and in any other.

Used:

1 For Expression objective possibility perform an action expressed by the infinitive - can, can . In this meaning May used only in affirmative offers with indefinite infinitive relating to the present and future(a can does not have any restrictions).

I May /(can) go there today.	I can go there today.
You May order a taxi by telephone.	You can order taxi by phone.
He May find this book in the library.	You can find this book in the library.

It can also be used in the same meaning might, here - as a form of the subjunctive mood, making the supposed possibility less real.

You might find him in between eleven and twelve.	You we could catch his house between eleven and twelve o'clock.
She might have done it easily.	She is could do it's easy.

Verb May, like can, can be used to express an objective possibility (a possibility that depends on certain circumstances). Some difference is that the verb can implies a very real possibility, and the use May means, rather, a supposed possibility.

2 Verb May (might) in questions, requests, prohibitions and permissions. In these cases, they can be used as May so can. Verb May stylistically more formal, and can more commonly used in colloquial speech.

a) AT interrogative sentence: question about permission to act or request. In the meaning of asking permission to do something yourself (or other persons).

May I help you?	Allow to you help?
May I open window?	Can to me open window?
May I take this book?	Can to me take this book?
May /Might I use your phone?	Can take advantage your phone? (With might- even more polite)
May I come in? Yes, you May .; No, you may not .; No, you mustn't.	Can to come in ? Yes, can . ; Not, it is forbidden . ; Not, it is forbidden. (categorical ban)

In colloquial speech, permission can be expressed in another way: instead of the verb May the verb is used to do:

b) AT negative offer: prohibition perform the action expressed by the infinitive.

You may not enter the room until I say so.	Don't you dare come in into the room until I tell you.
You may not go.	You you can not leave. (is not allowed)
You may not smoke in here.	Here it is forbidden smoke.

May quite rarely used in negative answers to permission questions. More common in responses can't or more categorical mustn't:

May I smoke here? No, you can't. No, you mustn't.

Can (to me) smoke here? Not, it is forbidden. Not, it is forbidden. ( categorical prohibition)

in) AT affirmative offer: permission perform the action expressed by the infinitive. More often in official speech and writing; in spoken language can.

The present:

You May go.	(you you) Can/Can go .
You May take the keys.	You you can take keys.
You May use the dictionaries.	You you can(to you allowed) enjoy dictionaries.
He May come in .	He maybe to come in.

Future: To express permission relating to the future, the phrase is used to be allowed (to):

I think they will be allowed to go with us.	I think they allow go with us.
We shall be allowed to use dictionaries.	Us allow enjoy dictionaries.

Past: Past tense form might occurs in this sense. only in subordinate clauses(mostly in indirect speech), when the verb in the main part is in the past tense.

He said you might take the books.	He said that you you can take books.
I asked if they might return home soon.	I asked, can they they soon return home.

AT simple sentences its modal equivalent is used to be allowed (to):

3 For Expression disapproval, reproach, condemnation – could (but didn't). In this case, it is used form onlymight in affirmative offer.

BUT) might + Simple Infinitive- refers to present or future time. As in Russian, it has a double meaning: firstly, a reproach that something has not been done, is not being done; secondly - a frank hint that it's time to do it.

You might come to see me.	You could come visit me.
You might go and help him.	You could go and help to him.
You might tell me what he said.You could tell me about what he said.

b) might + Perfect Infinitive- refers to past . Expresses regret and annoyance that some action was not performed at the right time (as with could ).

He might have phoned same day.	He could call on the same day. (but didn't call)
She might have helped you to do your homework.	She is could help you do your homework. (but didn't help)

Probability value

Verb May (might) usually expresses assumption with a touch doubts, insecurities . In this sense it is used only in affirmative and negative sentences with any form of the infinitive (in interrogative probabilistic sentences, use can). Corresponds to Russian " maybe maybe ". Might, as a form of the subjunctive mood, expresses a great degree of doubt ( less certainty).

a) May/might(not) + Indefinite /Continuous Infinitive expresses an action related to present or future time:

Regarding the present with a simple infinitive ( Indefinite) from verbs expressing a state or with a long infinitive ( Continuous) from verbs expressing an action (it is assumed that the action occurs at the moment of speech).

He May be at home.	He, may be (perhaps) at home.
He may not be there now.	maybe , his No there now.
She May know about it.	maybe , she is knows about it.
He May be sleeping.	maybe , he sleeping.
He May by waiting for us.	Maybe , he waiting us.
He might be doing his lessons now.	May be , he does lessons now.

Regarding the future used with a simple infinitive from verbs expressing action

He May come tomorrow.	maybe , he will come tomorrow.
He May write to us.	He, Maybe , will write us.
They May return soon. They are, Maybe (maybe soon will return.

Any offer here May can be replaced with might, which would mean even less confidence in the speaker's assumption. There is no such means in Russian and the translation will sound the same (if you do not resort to additional tricks).

b) May/might(not) + Perfect Infinitive expresses an action to the past :

I May have put it on the table.	May be , I put him to the table.
She May have left .	May be , she is already left.
He May have missed the train.	May be , he late On the train.
He might have visited them yesterday.	May be , he was they have away yesterday.

Must

must- It has only one form - the present tense. In a sentence, refers to an action in the present or future tense. It is followed by the infinitive of the semantic verb without the particle to.

Expresses:

a) the need to perform an action due to personal conviction, due to circumstances, moral principles, etc. - must, need, need ;

b) assumption bordering on certainty must be probably .

1 AT affirmative and interrogative proposals related to present or future, only with a simple infinitive, must expresses obligation, necessity take action.

a ) AT affirmative proposals:

I must hurry to catch the last train.	I must hurry to catch the last train.
You must phone home at once.	You must call home immediately.
He must be at school now.	He must to be at school now.
I must do it tomorrow.	I must do it's tomorrow.
You must be back at 2 o'clock.	At two you must

Why are modal verbs needed in English? Which modal verbs are worth remembering and which are not? How to build phrases with modal verbs correctly? You will find answers and many examples of English sentences with modal verbs in this article.

What is a modal verb?

Modal verbs are unusual in that they are never used on their own. A modal verb is always used in conjunction with another - a semantic verb. It is the semantic verb that indicates what action is being discussed. And the role of the modal verb is to show the attitude of the speaker to this action.

The easiest way to understand the purpose of modal verbs is with examples. Take a look at the offer:

I play football.
I'm play soccer.

And now, let's add the modal verbs can, must, may to this sentence and see how the meaning changes:

I can play football.
I can play football.

I must play football.
I have to play football.

I May play football.
I'm allowed to play football.

In all three sentences, the same semantic verb is play (play). But look how different in meaning the sentences we got using different modal verbs.

So modal verbs should be used when talking about:

• possibility/impossibility to perform an action;
• the presence / absence of the need to perform an action;
• advice/order/recommendation to perform an action;
• assessment of the probability of performing an action.

This is not a complete list of what modal verbs are used for in English. Next, we will take a closer look at the 10 basic English modal verbs, what they have meanings and how to use them correctly. Let's start with the three most common modal verbs.

Three MAIN modal verbs.

For most situations, it will be enough to know 3 modal verbs - can, must and may. These are the most used modal verbs in English. The verb can is generally included in the top ten most used English words and not a single conversation can do without it. The main meanings of these verbs are given in the table:

Examples of using:

He can swim fast.
He can swim fast.

I must be strong.
I must be strong.

You May call me tomorrow.
You can call me tomorrow.

She May be right.
Perhaps she is right.

In fact, each of these modal verbs has many meanings. Here I give the most common translation of them. You can get acquainted in detail with all the meanings of the "big three" verbs at the links:

But in order to use modal verbs in your speech, it is not enough to know their translation. You also need to learn how to correctly build sentences with modal verbs.

Modal verbs in English: RULES of use.

Modal verbs in English behave differently than most regular verbs. To correctly build sentences with modal verbs, you need to know a few rules. Here are the basic rules for using modal verbs:

1. As already mentioned, the modal verb is always used in conjunction with the semantic verb.

Moreover, the semantic verb is always taken in an indefinite form and the particle to is not placed before it. The combination of a modal and semantic verb is called a modal predicate. In an affirmative sentence, the modal predicate is placed in the place of the usual predicate, that is, immediately after the subject.

Correctly:

I can speak Spanish.
I can speak Spanish.

You must help me.
You must help me.

Not properly:

I can speak Spanish. You must help me.

2. Modal verbs do not change by person. The ending "-s" in the third person is not added to them.

Correctly:

She can speak English.
She can speak English.

He must help me.
He must help me.

Not properly:

She can speak English.
He must help me.

3. Modal verbs do not form the future tense.

If a sentence containing a modal verb refers to the future tense, then this is usually clear from the context.

For example:

You must pass your exam later.
You must take the exam later.

I can go for a walk only tomorrow.
I can only go for a walk tomorrow.

4. Of all the modal verbs in English, only two have past tense forms. These forms are shown in the table:

1 form (present)	2nd form (past tense)
can	could
May	might

To get a question from an affirmative sentence, you just need to take the modal verb out of the first place.

You can drive. - Can you drive?
Can you drive a car?

I must go. - Must I go?
I have to go?

6. Negative sentences are also formed without the auxiliary verb to do.

Just a negative particle not placed immediately after the modal verb. At the same time, with the modal verb can, the particle not is written together - cannot. The negative form of modal verbs in English is often shortened:

AT negative form many modal verbs take on the meaning of prohibition. Moreover, the severity of the prohibition depends on which modal verb is used:

may not - softer form - "cannot be"

cannot - the mildest possible prohibition - "you can't", "not desirable"

Examples:

You must not smoke in this room!
You can't smoke in this room!

Children may not go for a walk without parents.
Children should not go for a walk without their parents.

You cannot call her. Wait 15 minutes.
Don't call her, wait 15 minutes.

There is an exception to the last two rules. The modal verb have to requires the auxiliary verb do in interrogative and negative sentences.

It is probably not superfluous to recall that modal verbs have to and ought to require particles to after themselves. Which is also an exception to the general rule for all modal verbs in English.

How often do you have to work on Sunday?
How often do you have to work on Saturdays?

Modal verbs in English - Complete list.

Are the three most common modal verbs not enough for you? It's time to dig deeper! Consider in order all the main modal verbs of the English language.

Modal verb can (could)

In affirmative sentences, it is used to talk about physical/mental ability or ability to do something.

She can play piano.
She can play the piano.

In interrogative sentences, he expresses a request:

Can you repeat your questions?
Could you repeat your questions?

In negative sentences, the modal verb can, in addition to the obvious meaning "can't / can't / can't" sometimes has the meaning of prohibition.

You can't lift this bag.
You can't lift this bag. (since it's too heavy)

You can't drive so fast.
You can't drive that fast. (you are forbidden)

The modal verb can has a past tense form - could. In addition to the actual past tense, could is used in interrogative sentences to make a polite request.

I could play the violin.
I could play the violin. (past tense)

Could you pass me pepper?
Could you pass me the pepper? (polite request)

Modal verb may (might)

If you look in the dictionary, you will find that the modal verb may is translated in the same way as the verb can - can / can / can / can. But, there is a difference between may and can and it is significant. Unlike the verb can, the modal verb may expresses not a physical or mental ability, but permission to perform an action received from someone.

She may do what she wants.
She can do whatever she wants. (She's allowed to do what she wants)

The second meaning of the modal verb may is that it allows speculate(maybe I will, maybe I will).

I may visit you tomorrow.
I may visit you tomorrow.

In such sentences, may can be replaced with might. The use of might instead of may does not indicate the past tense, as one might think, but the speaker's less certainty in the assumption being made.

Modal verb must

We use this modal verb to say that action must be performed. That is, when it comes to a sense of duty.

We must help our parents.
We must help our parents.

The modal verb must can also be used to speculate. In this sense, it is similar to the modal verb may. The use of must instead of may indicates that the speaker is more confident in what he is saying.

She must be a student.
She must be a student.

Modal verb have to

The verb have to is similar in meaning to the modal verb must. He also speaks of duty, necessity or duty. The modal verbs must and have to differ in that:

• have to expresses an obligation related to external circumstances;
• must expresses a duty associated with an internal need, a sense of duty or a personal opinion of the speaker.

Examples of sentences with the modal verb have to:

You have to work more.
You must work harder.

Modal verb should

The modal verb should can be used to:
1. Give advice

You are ill. You should go to the clinic.
Are you ill. You need to go to the clinic.

2. Report an obligation or debt. In this sense, the modal verbs should and must are similar, but should sounds softer or with a hint of doubt that the action will be performed.

Your company should send us a report today.
Your company should send us a report today.

3. Say about the expected action or action possible with a high probability.

It is night now. He should be at home.
It's night now. He must be at home.

Modal verb ought to

Like must, the modal verb ought to indicates that an action must be performed. But at the same time, a sentence with ought to sounds less categorical than a similar sentence with must and contains a connotation of friendly recommendation or advice.

Modal verb need

Unlike other modal verbs in English, the verb need can perform the function of not only a modal, but also a semantic verb.

The semantic verb need is translated as need. Use the semantic verb need when you go to say that you need some thing.

I need a good car.
I need a good car.

As a modal verb, need is only used in the negative form of "need not" and is similar in meaning to "must not". The difference between the modal verbs need not and must not is as follows:

• must not speaks of a strict prohibition on performing an action;
• need not indicates that the action is not required.

For example:

You need not account to me.
You don't have to report to me.

Modal verb shall

This modal verb has several meanings. It can express:

• Promise
• warning
• threat

For example:

He shall do his work.
She will do her job. (Promise)

Don "t give her my book. She shall lose it.
Don't give her my book. She will lose her. (warning)

Modal verb will (would)

The main meaning of the modal verb will in English is to express agreement to perform some action.

I will pay off my debts.
I will pay my debts.

will has other meanings as well.

Synonyms of modal verbs.

Some modal verbs in English have synonyms. Synonyms of modal verbs are phrases that have the same meaning as the modal verb, but at the same time they conjugate and form tenses according to general rules.

As you remember, modal verbs cannot be used in the future tense. Therefore, in the future tense, the modal verb is replaced by the corresponding synonym. For example:

You will be able to understand Chinese.
You will be able to understand Chinese.

Modal verbs in English - exercises with answers.

If you have read this far, then you probably already know a lot about modal verbs. It's time to consolidate your knowledge by completing some practical exercises. More exercises can be found at this link.

AN EXERCISE 1. Put the correct verb in place of the ellipsis. To check the correct answer, click the "Correct Answer" button.

EXERCISE 2. Translate the sentences into English.

AN EXERCISE 3. Correct the mistake in the English sentences.

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