Modal verb of pity. Modal verbs and their equivalents that allow the formation of all tense forms
If you are learning English from scratch, be prepared to be introduced to a radically different verb system. The system of tenses of the English language and the rules of reading are very different from Russian. Quite often, newcomers to learning, faced with the first difficulties, give up. However, the rules English grammar quite understandable.
modal verbs
The modal verb is a special unit in English language, which is subject to a separate rule. There are several types of verbs in English: regular, irregular, modal. The list of irregular verbs is separate, you need to know it by heart. correct and Irregular Verbs differ from each other in the way they form the past tense. Regular verbs form past tense forms by adding irregular verbs to change their form completely. In addition, verbs are divided into main and auxiliary. The main ones have a lexical function, they denote a specific action. Such verbs are translated into Russian. Auxiliary verbs exist only in tandem with the main ones, they carry a grammatical function. These verbs do not have a translation into Russian. Modal verbs in English have an additional function in relation to the main verbs, which equates them in function to auxiliary ones. They denote the relationship of the subject to the main action: obligation, need or ability to do something. That is, I must know or know how to swim, I can tell and so on.
Modal verbs: rules and examples
For comfortable language proficiency, you need to know the following list of modal must, may, need, ought to, should, have to, to be able to, manage to. As for the rules for using modal verbs, the basic principles are:
1) we do not add endings to modal verbs (with the exception of the modal verb manage to);
2) we do not put the to particle after modal verbs (except for need, have to, ought to)
3) the main verb after the modal is put in the form of an infinitive (initial form)
For example:
I need to go, it's late. I have to go, it's getting late.
You have to do this task till tomorrow evening. You must complete this task by tomorrow evening.
You ought to find another way. You should find another way out.
Students must follow university rules. Students must follow the rules of the university.
My mother is very clever, she can speak five languages. My mother is very smart, she speaks five languages.
Modal verbs are similar in their meaning, but there are still some differences. Let's consider in more detail.
Modal verb can/could
This modal verb translates as "I can, I can", it can mean a skill or ability to do something. Can- present tense form could- past tense form. If you are using modal verbs in the future tense, use the modal verb form to be able to - will be able to. For example:
I can swim very well, because I had a very good teacher. I can swim very well because I had a good teacher.
I could see much better several years ago. A few years ago I saw much better.
We will be able to help you explain the situation. We can help you explain the situation.
The negative form of modal verbs is formed according to the rules by adding not - can not, an abbreviated form can "t. For example:
I can't find my book in this mess. I can't find my book in this mess.
Could not, shortened form couldn "t. For example:
Students and pupils could be ready for this competition. Pupils and students could not prepare for this competition.
To formulate an interrogative sentence with a modal verb can/could you need to use the reverse word order in the sentence, that is, put the modal verb in the first place, and not the subject. For example:
Can Mike take your shirt, his is dirty? Can Mike take your shirt, its dirty?
In the interrogative form of the verb could has a polite connotation, you can use it to ask permission. For example:
Could you borrow me some salt? Can you lend me some salt?
Modal verbs to be able to/manage to
Another modal verb with the meaning "to be able to" to be able to. But if could has more general boundaries, then be able to is used in private, specific situations. For example:
The fire spread very quickly, but everybody was able to escape. The fire spread very quickly, but everyone was able to escape.
We didn't know where is my cat, but finally we managed to find him. We didn't know where my cat was, but in the end we were able to find him.
past form of the verb to be able to - was/were able to. past form of the verb manage to - managed to.
To create an interrogative sentence, you need to put an auxiliary or modal verb in the first place. For example:
Was she able to get out of the room without your help? Was she able to get out of the room without your help?
Who manage to beat the best player? Who can beat the best player?
For education negative sentence use the particle not or an auxiliary verb. For example:
I didn't manage to do this work without instruction. I couldn't do this job without instructions.
Modal verb must
The modal verb must expresses an obligation of extreme degree. If you are learning English from scratch, then you should know that you need to be more careful with this verb, since it has an orderly meaning. When you want to give a recommendation rather than a command, you should choose a different verb. For example:
Pupils of our school must follow the Regulation. The students of our school must follow the Charter.
The modal verb must in the negative form means "not required". Formed by adding a negative particle not for example:
Your family must not move in another town if they don't want to. Your family shouldn't move to another city if they don't want to.
To form an interrogative sentence, put must first in the proposal.
Must the animals be kept in the cages? Do animals have to be kept in cages?
In addition, the verb must has another meaning. We say must be in the sense of "must be, probably." For example:
You must be very hungry because you have missed the dinner. You must be very hungry because you missed lunch.
It must be very noisy to live in the center of such a big city. It must be very noisy to live in the middle of such a big city.
Modal verb may/might
May and might, like all modal verbs, tend to complement the main verb. The translation of this verb is "can, can". May is the present tense form, might is the past tense form. For example:
I may be one of the best students in this college. I can be the best student in college.
Where is my bag? It might be in your room. Where's my bag? She could be in your room.
He might be having lunch. He may have had dinner.
It is a very strange explanation, but may be true. This is a very strange explanation, but it may be true.
To make a negative sentence, use the negative particle not - may not, might not.
It may not be true! It can not be true!
An interrogative sentence is formed by general rule: Put the modal verb first. For example:
May I open the windows, is it very hot? May I open the window, is it very hot in here?
Modal to
It means "have to, should, should". It has three forms in the present, past and future tense: have/has to, had to, will have to. For example:
You will have to stay in this flat till next summer. You'll have to stay in this apartment until next summer.
She has to cook the dinner immediately. She has to cook dinner urgently.
We have to go away, there is no place for us anymore. We must leave, we don't belong here anymore.
My friends had to finish the work, but they failed. My friends had to do the work. but they couldn't.
To form a negative sentence with a modal verb have to need to add an auxiliary verb do/does/did and the negative particle not. For example:
You don't have to watch the film till the end. You don't have to watch the movie to the end.
These people didn't have to fix your car free. These people didn't have to fix your car for free.
Mary doesn't have to buy all the food for you. Marie doesn't have to buy food for you.
To write an interrogative sentence with modal verbs according to the rule, have to need to add an auxiliary verb do, does or did first in the proposal. This is called reverse word order in a sentence. If necessary, add a question word before the auxiliary verb. For example:
Do you have to stay at work till the evening? Do you have to stay at work until the evening?
How long did you have to wait for her? How long did you have to wait for her?
Modal verb ought to
This modal verb is similar in meaning to the previous one, is synonymous. Modal verb ought to means "should have". For example:
Girls ought to be more careful in the dark time. Girls should be more careful at night.
In a negative sentence, we add the negative particle not to the verb. For example:
They ought not to miss all the lessons. They shouldn't have skipped all the lessons.
To construct an interrogative sentence, place the modal verb ought at the beginning of the sentence. For example:
Ought I follow his instructions? Should I follow his instructions?
Or with a question word:
When ought I to come to you? When should I come to you?
Modal verb should
This modal verb also has the meaning of obligation, translated as "should, must", has a softer and more polite meaning than must. Modal verb should is a past tense verb. For example:
I should stay with him when he is ill. I must stay with him while he is sick.
You should be more careful with your health. You should take better care of your health.
It rains every day, you should have an umbrella. It rains every day, you should carry an umbrella with you.
The negative form of the verb is formed using the negative particle not - should not, the abbreviated form is shouldn "t. For example:
You shouldn't spent so much time with this men. You shouldn't spend so much time with this man.
The low shouldn't allow bad people do what they want. The law should not allow rascals to do what they want.
Interrogative sentences with the modal verb should are formed by rearranging the members of the sentence. The modal verb comes first. For example:
Should I close the door? Should I close the door?
Should these young people behave not so noisy? Should these young people be quieter?
Possible options with a question word:
Who should take care about your dog when you are on holydays? Who should take care of your dog while you are on vacation?
W should I put these boxes? Where should I put these boxes?
Modal verb need
This verb is one of the most frequently used English speech. translate "need". We use it in various situations. For example:
I need to see my doctor as soon as possible. I need to see my doctor as soon as possible.
Kate need your help, call her just now! Kate needs your help, call her right now!
The negative form of this verb can be formed in two ways. By adding a negative particle not to the modal verb - need not, in the abbreviated form needn "t, or, by adding an auxiliary verb do/does/did and negative particle not - don't need, doesn't need, didn't need. The meaning of the negative form is "no need", that is, there is no need, but if you want, you can do it. For example:
You needn't read all these books, choose one. You don't have to read all these books, choose one.
I don't need to listen to you anymore, I can made a decision myself. I no longer need to listen to you, I can make my own decision.
By the same principle, form an interrogative sentence: put the auxiliary verb in the first place do/does/did. For example:
Do you need to have some time to prepare? Do you need time to prepare?
Does my sister need to draw pictures? Does my sister need to draw pictures?
Modal verbs in English are one of the groups of verbs. Their main feature is a modal meaning, that is, an expression of desires, intentions to do some action or necessity. Some modal verbs are also included in the group of auxiliary verbs.
Application rules
The formation of such a group of verbs is ensured by the need to express a certain area of states: readiness, for action, probability, possibility, obligation, ability to do something, confidence in something. In addition, modal verbs in English express obligations (that is, duty), a desire for something, as well as permission to do something.
Modality
Modal verbs are called so for a reason. The concept of modality implies the attitude of the speaker to the subject. In fact, with the help of modal verbs, the speaker can express his own assessment of the action: he can consider it possible or impossible, necessary or completely unnecessary, forbidden or permitted, unlikely or quite likely, acceptable or unacceptable. He can also consider the action as an order or a request. As a rule, the study of such verbs is actually included in the third or fourth lesson of the English language. Modal verbs are very often used in everyday speech, so special attention should be paid to them.
Examples of existing verbs
The modal verbs group includes 11 verbs.
Present or future tense | Past tense |
||
be able to take action | |||
May or might | Is it possible, can | May or might | may or might |
Should, should | |||
Should, should | |||
To be capable of | Am/is/are able to | Was/were able to |
|
Need, need | |||
- (obsolete word) | |||
| will |
Important note: the grammar of the English language prohibits the use of modal verbs on their own. They can only be used with the infinitive of the semantic verb.
Formation of verbs
Modal verbs are a special group (translated from English as “defective”). Not all verbs can be declined in a variety of tense forms. For example, the verb can can be used in the formation of the past and present tense, but it cannot be used to express actions in the future. Similarly, with the verb may - it cannot be put in the future tense. However, this does not mean that modal verbs in English cannot be used in future tense forms. To express skills and abilities in the future tense, the verb will (or its obsolete form shall) is used.
The use of this group of verbs also has its good sides. Almost none of the verbs (except for have to) does not change in persons and numbers. That is, in the present tense in the third person, no endings can be added to verbs.
Almost all modal verbs in English do not require the to particle before the infinitive, but there are exceptions: have to and ought to. Only after these two verbs is it necessary to always put down the particle to.
The use of verbs in different types of sentences
In the affirmative type of sentence, the modal verb should be used after the noun and before the semantic verb. To form a negative type, it is necessary to insert a particle not / n't after the modal verb (except for the verb have to). In order to form a question, it is necessary to change the order of the noun and modal verb. In this case, no auxiliary verb should be used, since the modal verb takes its place.
Modal Verbs in English: Common Usage Examples
He can wright - He can write.
She will study there - She will study there.
I must do it - I must do it.
He ought to go to the school. - He should go to school.
You don't have to use mobile phone during the lessons - You don't have to use your phone during the lessons.
I would like to go to the cinema - I would like to go to the cinema.
Would you like a coffee? - Would you like some coffee?
You should stay home. - You should stay at home.
She ought not to play the computer so much. She shouldn't play so much on the computer.
She can swim - She can swim.
She can't swim. - She can't swim.
I can run very quickly - I can run very fast.
She can´t run very quickly - She can't run very fast.
Can she run very quickly? - She can run very fast.
Abbreviations
Quite often, in colloquial speech, native speakers prefer to shorten a number of verbs. English is no exception. The modal verbs (table in the article) below can be used both in full form and in abbreviated form.
Full form | Reduction |
Verb featurescan
This verb is used to express the ability (inability) or the ability (impossibility) to do something. In Russian, this verb is translated as "I can" or "I can." In addition, this verb is used to express states of doubt or surprise regarding the performance of any action. For example:
My girlfriend canspeak Spanish - My girlfriend can (can) speak Spanish (expressions of ability).
That child can't swim - That child cannot (cannot) swim (an expression of ability).
He cannot remember you because he doesn't see you - It cannot be that he remembers you, because he did not see you (expression of doubt).
The modal verb could has exactly the same meaning as the verb can, but it is used to express the past tense. For example:
Jon could dance very well - Jon could dance very well.
I couldn't receive driving license 2 years ago - I couldn't get a driving license 2 years ago.
Separate features of modal verbs are considered by the rules of the English language. Modal verbs, for example, can have alternative forms. For the verb can, the alternative is the verb to be able to. This form can be used as a synonym for the verb can, and can also be used to express the ability (skill) to perform some action in the future, in contrast to can (which is not used in the future).
For example, in order to translate into English "I can win competitions in the next year", you cannot say "I will can win competitions in the next year", as this would be a gross mistake. But you can say "I will be able to win competitions in the next year."
Sometimes it is quite difficult to translate modal verbs into English. Exercising and learning the rules is the only way to learn how to correctly apply a variety of verbs in appropriate situations.
Features of verbs may andmnight
These forms can only be used in the present tense. In the past and in the future they are not used. They are used to demonstrate resolution and conjecture. Translated into Russian, they sound like "may", "may", "may". For example:
You may smoke in this room - You may smoke in this room.
Elizabeth may know something about that night - Elizabeth may know something about that night.
It may windy today - It may be windy today.
My parents might come to my home today - My parents might come to my house today.
Jennifer might go to the concert tonight - Jennifer might come to the concert tonight.
In addition, the verb might is used in conditional sentences (type number 2). In such a situation, the verb in Russian will sound "could", "maybe". For example:
If Jack had a dog, he might go out twice a day - If Jack had a dog, he could go for a walk twice a day.
Just like the verb can, there is an alternative form for the verb may that can be used in past tense sentences. In order to express permission, the combination to be allowed is used (translated into Russian to be allowed, permitted). It can also be used in present and future tense forms. Example:
Gabriel was allowed to come back to home earlier - Gabrielle was allowed to come home earlier.
Nina will be allowed to take her child home tomorrow - Nina will be allowed to take her child home tomorrow.
Features of the verb should
The only case in which this verb can be used today is to express advice or duty from a moral point of view. The peculiarity of this verb is its origin. It comes from the verb shall, forming the past form.
You should drink aspirin if you feel head pain - You should drink aspirin if you have a headache.
Auxiliary and modal verbs
Some modal forms are also auxiliary verbs. They are necessary in order to form a variety of temporary forms. However, they do not have their own translation. They simply form a variety of grammatical meanings and are markers of time, number or person. Faced with one of these verbs, it is necessary to understand what meaning they have in this context. After all, they can either be used to express desires, intentions, the need to do something, or simply help to form one form or another. These include the verbs to have (to have), to do, will (would), shall (should). For example:
Have you ever been in Spain? - Have you ever been to Spain (the verb has absolutely no modal meaning, used to form the perfect present tense).
She arrived when film had already started - She arrived when the film had already started (the verb has absolutely no modal meaning, used to form the perfect past tense).
I have two old brothers and three old sisters - I have two older brothers and three older sisters (in this case, the verb is neither modal nor auxiliary, it simply conveys its direct meaning).
Lessons will start at 8 a.m. - The lesson will start tomorrow at 8 o'clock in the morning (the verb has no modal meaning, it is used as an auxiliary verb that forms a future tense).
If she finishes her homework, they will go to the cafe - If she finishes her homework, they will go to the cafe (the verb is auxiliary and forms the first form of the conditional sentence).
Modal verbs in English: examples with translation
You must come to the university at 8 o'clock - You must be at the university at 8 o'clock.
My sister must not smoke right now because she catch ill - My sister must not smoke now because she has a cold.
Nicki shouldn't do like this - Nicki shouldn't have done that.
I can play the piano but I can't swim - I can play the piano, but I can't swim.
My sister can't go to the Italy on her own because she is 13 years old - My sister cannot go to Italy on her own because she is only 13 years old.
I will to the USA with my boyfriend in the next year - I will go with my boyfriend to the USA next year.
My girlfriend would like to get a gold ring for her next birthday - My girlfriend would like to get a gold ring for her next birthday.
English verbs are very diverse. In order to make it convenient to study them, English divides verbs into groups and even subgroups. So, for example, according to their meaning, verbs can be divided into semantic and auxiliary. The latter, in their composition, have auxiliary verbs, linking verbs and modal verbs. Today we will talk about the last group and study what modal verbs are in English, what are their types, how they are formed and used in speech.
Modal verbs or modal verbs in English are verbs that do not have eigenvalue and are used to express modality, that is, the attitude of the speaker to any action. Accordingly, they can only be used in conjunction with another verb.
Modal verbs of the English language are used in speech quite often, and therefore they need to be known in order to give sentences a special meaning. Now, having considered the general definition, we can proceed to a more detailed development of this topic.
In principle, there is no need to form a modal verb. You do not have to memorize the conjugation of modal verbs for a long time, for the simple reason that they have almost no conjugations. Yes, some modal verbs can change with tense, but they don't change for person and number. Although this fact greatly facilitates the use of such English verbs, this can cause some confusion when making proposals, so let's look at this point in more detail.
If you take any modal verb, all you have to do is put it before the noun/pronoun. Since the noun has no declension in English, this should not be a problem. After the modal, an ordinary verb in the infinitive without the particle to is needed:
Often, based on this rule, at the initial stage there may be a desire to put the ending - s (-es) to the modal or main verb, but this should never be done.
If you do not want to give up so easily and strive to attach this ending at least somewhere, a single exception has been made for you in the face of the modal verb have to. When conjugated, the verb have in the modal form changes in persons and numbers in the same way as in the present tense:
| I | have to |
| He | has to |
Speaking of endings, it is also worth noting that modal verbs, in accordance with the rules of the English language, do not have a form, so the ending -ing cannot be attached to them. This applies to absolutely all verbs, even such an unusual one as have to.
They also do not require any auxiliary verbs in front of them in negative and interrogative sentences. Although in this case the modal verb have to is again an exception.
These were all the features of modal verbs in English that you need to remember when composing sentences in English.
Modal verbs in English: sentence forms
The way modal verbs are used in different sentence forms is almost identical to auxiliary verbs. Let's study the forms on the tables:
Affirmative sentences with a modal verb
To construct an affirmative sentence with a modal verb, the modal verb is placed before the subject. The semantic verb is placed after modal verbs. These two types of verbs are used together as a compound verb predicate:
The example above is used with active voice (Active Voice). However, the passive voice with modal verbs is also quite common in speech. For the passive voice (Passive Voice), the verb be is added to the sentence with the modal verb, which is placed between the modal and the main one:
To the modal verbs that are used in the Perfect tense, the third form of the verb to be - been is added in the passive voice:
Negative sentences with a modal verb
The negative English form is identical except that the modal verb has the negative particle not:
As in the affirmative form, here you can also make sentences in the passive voice. An example of a passive voice in a negative sentence:
Interrogative sentences with a modal verb
The interrogative form is formed based on the type of question:
- General questions use a modal verb before the subject:
"Passive" forms are also used in interrogative sentences. Consider such a "passive" form using the example of a general question:
It does not matter whether the sentence is "active" or "passive", it is enough to answer such a question briefly:
An exception to the rule is the modal verb have (has) to, for the formation of the interrogative form of which the auxiliary verb do (does) is required:
- In an alternative question, some second member of the sentence is added for choice and the union or (or):
This question must be answered in full:
- To form a special question for general issues A question word is added at the beginning:
These questions also require a complete answer:
- In disjunctive questions, the form of an affirmative or negative sentence is retained, to which a short question is added:
This question should be answered briefly:
In the case of the modal verb have (has) to, a short question is built using an auxiliary verb:
List of modal verbs, their meaning and usage
Let's go directly to modal verbs and their types.
Modal verb Can
Can in the meaning "to be able", "to be able" is used to express the possibility of performing an action. One of the most common and frequently used modal verbs. It refers to insufficient verbs, that is, verbs that do not have all forms. The modal verb itself has two forms:
- Can is used for present tense;
- The past tense and the subjunctive mood correspond to could.
When negated, a negative particle is added to this English modal verb as standard, but it is written, unlike other cases, together:
| + | — |
| can | cannot |
To tell the truth, very often there are disagreements on this issue: people prove that the standard form also takes place. Therefore, if you do not sit on the exam, but simply correspond with a person, separate writing will not be perceived as something wrong.
Sometimes, separate spelling is even necessary when not is part of another construct. Most often, this construction is "not only ..., but also" (not only ..., but also). To make it clearer, let's look at two examples:
If the can in the negative is not part of the construction, and you don't want to accidentally make a mistake, you can simply use the abbreviated form in everyday speech and "informal" writing:
Most often, this modal verb expresses mental or physical activity:
It can also denote the general or theoretical probabilities of an action:
Can is also used to express a request. In this case, you can use both can and could. True could will sound more polite and formal:
A modal verb can be used to ask, allow or forbid something:
And also to express surprise, reproach or disbelief:
Modal verb to be able to
If you want to express cases with can in the future tense, you need to use another probability verb - to be able to (be able / able to do). It is almost equivalent to the verb can, but in the present and past tense its use is more formal. In these tenses, the modal verb to be able to is more often used to express that the person managed to do something, he did it / succeeded. This modal verb changes for person, number and tense:
| Past | The present | Future | |
| I | was able to | am able to | will be able to |
| You | were able to | are able to | will be able to |
| He | was able to | is able to | will be able to |
Modal verb May
Modal verbs that express probability also include the verb may in the meaning of “allow”, “can”. It also has two forms:
- May for present;
- Might for past tense and subjunctive.
In negation, both forms have abbreviations:
This verb is used in the same cases as can, but may is more formal:
To ask or give permission:
Modal verb be allowed to
An analogue of the modal verb may is the modal verb be allowed to in the meaning of "permission". Such a verb is used to show that permission was given without specifying by whom it was given. Since the verb to be changes in tenses, numbers and persons, the same changes apply to the modal verb be allowed to. Consider a table with examples of use:
Modal verb Must
The modal verb must means "must". In its negative form, it has an abbreviated form:
Mainly used to:
Express a duty, a need:
Express an order or prohibition:
And an expression of confidence:
Modal verb have to
Since must has no past or future tense, the modal verb have (has) to is used instead:
The modal verb have to (have got to) is used in the meaning of "have to", "should". In addition to the above case, it is also used on its own, without replacing the verb must. It is usually used to show that some action needs to be done because it is "necessary", and not because it is wanted:
Do not forget that have to (have got to) changes in numbers, persons and tenses:
The difference between must and have to in this case is determined by the fact that:
- Using must, we feel / realize a duty. We need to do something:
That is, we decided that something will be our “rule”, and we will definitely follow it.
- By using have to, we mean that we don't want to do something, but we have to because of the circumstances:
Although, nevertheless, carriers often replace the have to must form.
You may have noticed that the verb have to can also be used as have got to. The difference between these modal verbs is minor:
- Have got to implies a specific action:
- Have to implies a repetitive action:
Modal verb should
Modal verb should in the meaning of "should", "should". Shortened form in negation:
This modal verb is used to:
Express a moral obligation:
Give advice:
This time can also be found in the instructions:
Modal verb ought to
Modal verb ought to, which means the same as the verb should. It is used, however, much less frequently. This modal verb has only one form. To use it, the to particle is required. It also has an abbreviation in negation:
This modal verb is used to express advice and commitment:
Modal verb shall and will
Modal verbs shall and will, which combine the modal meaning and the meaning of future tenses. They also have abbreviated forms in negation:
Shall is used to express an offer to do something:
The modal verb will is used in English to express promise and insistence. Also, the modal verb will can be found in interrogative sentences that imply orders:
Modal verb be to
The modal verb be to expresses an obligation. Used in past and present tenses. When using it, you must always use the particle
Used to:
Express actions that are performed according to a specific schedule:
For actions that are predefined:
To express prohibition or impossibility:
Modal verb would
Modal verb would, usually used for polite requests and suggestions. Do not confuse would in the sense of "would" and would is a modal verb.
In English, the modal verb would also has an abbreviated negative form:
Table with examples:
Would is also used for guessing:
It is worth noting that in English there are certain verbs that are often called semi-modal. Semi-modal verbs are verbs that can perform two functions in a sentence. On the one hand, they can be used as main verbs, preceded by an auxiliary verb in question and negation. On the other hand, they can be words expressing the properties of modal verbs. These verbs include:
Modal verb used to
The modal verb used to is a verb, the modality of which is very often disputed. It is used only to express past situations and only in one case.
Among the features of this time, the options for its formation for negation and question:
This verb is used to express an action/state that happened in the past. With a translation into Russian, such sentences may appear with the adverb "before":
Modal verb need
Another semi-modal verb is the verb need, which denotes the need to perform an action. Shortened form of negation:
Usually replaces the modal verbs must and have to in negative and interrogative sentences.
Used in affirmative proposals in the meaning of "need":
Also used in questions when you want to hear a denial in response:
In its meaning, the modal verb dare does not differ from the semantic verb dare. The only difference is that the modal verb dare does not require the use of auxiliary verbs.
Modal verb let
The semi-modal group also includes the let verb. Let as a modal verb in English is used in the meaning of "let", "allow", "allow". If the verb is used as a semantic one, it practically does not change its meanings.
Modal verbs in English: additional cases of use
Let's look at a few more points of using modal verbs:
- All of the above verbs can be used in indirect speech. However, there are a number of nuances here:
- Some modal verbs in indirect speech do not change. These include could, might, should, would, ought to. Example:
- Modal verbs that change include:
- It is also worth noting that modal verbs can be used with the perfect infinitive.
- Can + Perfect Infinitive to show that the person does not believe in an action that has already happened. Could + Perfect Infinitive is used in the same meaning, but in a less solid form.
- May + Perfect Infinitive expresses uncertainty about the event. Might + Perfect Infinitive - even less confidence.
- Must + Perfect Infinitive shows confidence or talks about the likelihood of an action in the past.
- Need + Perfect Infinitive questions the wisdom of the action taken.
- Ought + Perfect Infinitive expresses censure for past actions.
- Will + Perfect Infinitive shows the determination to carry out an action up to a certain point in the future.
- Would + Perfect Infinitive is used to express an action that you would like to do, but did not succeed.
- Should + Perfect Infinitive expresses an action that should have been performed in the past, but it was not performed.
Note that in both English and Russian translations, with the exception of will, the perfect modal verb implies the past tense.
Let's look at a few examples:
You can write about modal verbs as much as there is enough space. However, briefly presented information about each modal verb should be enough for a complete mastery of this topic of English grammar. Modal verbs expressing a whole range of feelings are indeed used very often. And this means that they must be learned and used correctly to be able to express their thoughts. If you encounter difficulties, go back to the rules above, make up your own examples and practice English by devoting as much time as possible to this language.
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In English, in addition to verbal units expressing the actual action, one can come across a whole group of verbs that serve in speech to fix the category of modality, in other words, they are aimed at expressing various kinds of modal relations (necessity, possibility, probability, etc.) to those or other actions. Due to this, there is a corresponding adjustment of the semantics of the base or semantic verb, in conjunction with the infinitive of which the modal unit is used, forming a complex (or compound) predicate of the verb-modal type.
In total, we can fix the use in speech of four actually (purely, exclusively) modal verbs (can, may - possibility; ought (to), must - necessity), their four main equivalents (to be allowed (to), to be able (to) - possibility; to have (to), to be (to) - necessity), as well as the use, in addition, in the modal function of six units of a multifunctional type (will, would - desire, probability; shall, should - obligation , obligation; need - necessity; dare - ability).
Lessons similar to English modal verbs:
Let's make a classification of English modal verbs in relation to their semantic criterion.:
table of modal verbs of the English language - semantic classification
| Features of semantics | ||
| characteristic values | Usage examples | |
| can | Ability (physical or mental type) to perform an action at the present, past or future moment | What weight can(physical. s-t in present) you carry? (How much weight can you lift?) He could(ums-th sp-th in th) speak French but he couldn't write it very well. (He could speak French well, but he could not write very well.) |
| Request for sov-e dey-i in wop-ah | could I have your umbrella with me? (Could I take your umbrella with me?) | |
| Prohibition in rejects | You can not go now, stay with us for a while. (You can't leave now, stay with us for a while) | |
| Permission | You can write her a letter, if you want. (You can write her a letter if you want) | |
| Possibility (often within the framework of conditional incl.-i) to perform an action | We can hardly lose one another in the crowd. (We can hardly lose each other in the crowd = we are unlikely to have such an opportunity). The enemy could have lost three ships in the naval battle, if only… | |
| Probabilistic value (doubt, mistrust, etc.) | He can not feel bewildered or embarrassed, we have spoon-fed everything to him. (It can’t be that he was confused, but we chewed everything up for him (explained it)). | |
| May | The possibility of an objective type of committing an action at the present, or bud-th moment | You May order everything you want (You can order whatever you want) She might(less real) order everything she wanted. (She could order whatever she wants) |
| Request for sov-e dey-i in wop-ah (more official har-r) | May we have a short talk with your chief now? (Can we have a little chat with your boss now?) | |
| Prohibition in otr-yah (more official har-r) | You may not drink alcoholic drinks here. (Alcohol is not allowed here) | |
| Permission (more official har-r) | You May go. (you can go (you are free)) | |
| Reproach, disapproval | They might change their employer. (They might change jobs.) | |
| must | Necessity in mind personal conviction, large category | I'm sure that you must have an hour's talk with your professor. (I'm sure you should talk to your professor for an hour). |
| Assumption on the verge of certainty | They must be at the railway station by now, they started three or two hours ago. (They must have been at the station by this time, they left (departed) two or three hours ago). | |
| Revealing the necessary deed-I dey-th in the wop-ah | Must we start this subject? (Are we supposed to start this conversation?) | |
| Category. prohibition in negatives | Hunters must not start a hare in early spring (Hunters are prohibited from raising a hare in early spring). | |
| ought (to) | The need in mind to convince third parties, reflecting generally accepted truths, judgments, principles | Everybody ought to pay his debts. (Everyone must pay their debts). |
| Assumption with a touch of confidence | You ought to be ready to start working by now. (You should be ready to start work by this time.) | |
| advice | You ought to traverse this subject. (You should discuss this issue from all sides). | |
| to be able (to) = can | Opportunity to make a specific action in the definition. moment | She was able to change the situation then. (She was then able (could) change the situation). |
| to be allowed (to) = may | The possibility of committing an action in the present, past or future + shade of resolution | my sister is allowed to play outdoors. (My sister is allowed to play outside). |
| to have (to)= ought, must, should | The need to take action in the present, past or future at certain ob-wahs | They will have to set up in business soon. (They will soon have to open their own business). |
| to be (to)= ought, must, should | The need for con-I dey-I in the present-m, past-th in the presence of a certain. plans, schedules, etc. | We are to send Nick about his business. (We should (= plan to) send Nick out) |
| need | Only in denials (lack of necessities) and questions (doubt) constructs | I need not have told you about that. (I didn't have to tell you this). need I tell her about that? (Does she need to talk about it?). |
| dare | Have the courage to do something | I dare not protest. (I dare not object.) How dare you listen to a private conversation? (How dare you eavesdrop on someone else's conversation!) |
| will | Firm intention, desire in the bud | I will jump the stream! (I will definitely jump over this stream). |
| Order, duty | You will take a dare! (You will (must) accept the challenge!) | |
| would | Firm intention, desire in the past | I would close the horse in the stall. I wear! (I would lock the horse in the stable, I swear). |
| assumption | That would be his mother, I think. (It must be his mother, I think.) | |
| In the construction would (‘d) + rather (better), etc. - perhaps | I would be better leave things as they are. (I'd rather leave it as is). | |
| shall | The need for f-me orders, promises; assurance, promise | You shall close the hole in the wall with plaster. (You should patch up the hole in the wall with plaster.) We shall Close this discussion! (We promise to stop this discussion) |
| Request for half of advice in wop-ah | Shall we close up the old well, it seems to be rather dangerous? (We need to fill in the old well, does it seem quite dangerous? | |
| should | Necessity in mind of some subject-th opinion (should), advice | I should end my remarks by quoting Lincoln. (I should end my comments with a quote from Lincoln.) |
| Assumption with a touch of confidence | You should be running out of stock. (You are probably running out of supplies). | |
| Reproach, regret | The whole affair should not have ended fail! (The case should not have ended in failure!) | |
The above English modal verbs are often positioned in grammars as insufficient due to the lack of a number of grammatical forms typical of other willows. Thus, modal units do not have the traditional form of the third person singular in Present Ind-t (+ -s), with the exception of equivalent modal verbs. As a rule, modal verbs in English have a single aspect tense (present tense). Out of the general trend are only the units can and may, which can have and Past form Ind-t (could and might) and some equivalent modal verbs that can form in threes (now-m, bud-m and past - to be able (to) = to be allowed (to) = have (to) ), two (present and past - to be (to), dare) times, or have a single form of the future (shall, will), past (would) or present (should and need) time.
In addition, modal verbs do not have impersonal participial, infinitive, or gerundial forms, and as a result, they are unable to form complex or analytical type tense forms (long, perfect, and other tenses).
Let's make a classification of English modal willows in relation to the features of their shape change:
table of modal verbs of the English language - form change
| Proper (purely) modal units | Features of shaping | ||||||||||
| Structure | Change in Indicative - Times | ||||||||||
| present | Past | Future | |||||||||
| can | can | could | — | ||||||||
| May | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | May | might | — | |||||||
| ought (to) | ought + to | — | — | ||||||||
| must | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | must | — | — | |||||||
| Modal units of equivalent type | |||||||||||
| to be able (to) = can | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la c (to) | am | able + to | was | able + to | shall be | able + to | ||||
| are | were | will be | |||||||||
| is | was | will be | |||||||||
| are | were | shall be | |||||||||
| are | were | will be | |||||||||
| are | were | will be | |||||||||
| to be allowed (to) = may | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la c (to) | am | allowed+ to | was | allowed+ to | shall be | allowed + to | ||||
| are | are | ||||||||||
| is | was | will be | |||||||||
| are | were | will be | |||||||||
| are | were | shall be | |||||||||
| are | were | will be | |||||||||
| will be | |||||||||||
| to have (to)= ought, must, should | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la c (to) | have | + to | had + to | shall | have + to | |||||
| have | will | ||||||||||
| has | will | ||||||||||
| have | shall | ||||||||||
| have | will | ||||||||||
| have | will | ||||||||||
| to be (to)= ought, must, should | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la c (to) | am | able + to | was | able + to | — | |||||
| are | were | ||||||||||
| is | was | ||||||||||
| are | were | ||||||||||
| are | were | ||||||||||
| are | were | ||||||||||
| Verbal units of multifunctional type as modal ones | |||||||||||
| need | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | need | needed | — | |||||||
| dare | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | dare | dared | — | |||||||
| will | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | — | — | will | |||||||
| would | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | — | would | — | |||||||
| shall | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | — | — | shall | |||||||
| should | Maud. g-l + inf-in the sense of g-la without (to) | should | — | — | |||||||
You will also need to remember the following:
a. The infinitive of the base verb, which is connected with the modal verb, as a rule, excludes the use of the particle to with it. However, the equivalents to be allowed (able), the actual modal unit ought, as well as multifunctional verbs with modal semantics to be and to have ignore this rule and retain the use of the above particle after them. —
You must(mod ch.) + be(inf-in the main ch-la without to ) extremely attentive in order not to aggravate the situation. (You have to be very careful not to aggravate the situation).
You May(mod ch.) + try(inf-in the main ch-la without to ) your chance, if you have the following intention, of course. (You can use your chance, of course, if you have such an intention).
Jane ought+ to change(inf-in the main chapter with to ) the course of events. (Jane should change the course of events).
We have + to amend(inf-in the main chapter with to ) the bill. (We are forced to change the bill)
b. Application within the framework of negative and interrogative constructions involves the use of modal English units (in addition to to have) without auxiliary verbs. —
You must be extremely attentive in order not to aggravate the situation. (You have to be very careful not to aggravate the situation). — why + mus t (mod ch-l) + we (sub-e) be extremely careful in order not to aggravate the situation? (Why should we be very careful not to make things worse?) - You must + not(negative hour.) + be(main inf.) extremely attentive in order not to aggravate the situation. (You don't have to be very careful not to make things worse).
We have to amend the bill. (We are forced to change the bill) - When + do (auxiliary) + we (sub-e) + have to amend the bill? (When are we forced to change the bill?) - We do (auxiliary) + not (negative hour) + have+ to amend(main inf.) the bill. (We don't need to change the bill).
in. Although modal units themselves do not have complex infinitive forms, they are nevertheless capable of being used together with any variants of the infinitive. So, to denote present or future actions, they will be used in conjunction with a simple or long type infinitive. —
His memory can +fail(simple infin-c) him. (His memory can change him) - a designation of the possibility of performing a simple action in the present.
They May+ be drawing(long infin.) from life now. (Perhaps they are now drawing from nature) - designate the likelihood of performing the action “now”.
To fix relations to past actions - together with the infinitive of the perfect type. —
why could+she have depicted(perf inf.) him to us as a traitor? (Why could she characterize him as a traitor to us?) - possible to commit. action in the past
I could+ have lost(perf-th inf.) my patience. (I could lose my patience) = but didn't.
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Modal verbs(Modal Verbs) - these are verbs that do not denote actions, but express the attitude of the speaker to the action. In other words, modal verbs express the possibility, probability, necessity of performing some action.
Grammatical features of modal verbs
Modal verbs are always used in combination with a semantic verb (that is, with its indefinite form) without a particle to.
The exception is modal verbs ought to, be to, have to, followed by the infinitive with the particle to.
I can swim. - I can swim.
You may go. - You can go.
You ought to know it. “You must know this.
Interrogative and negative forms of modal verbs are formed without the help of an auxiliary verb. In an interrogative sentence, the modal verb comes first before the subject, and negative form formed by a particle not, which is placed after the modal verb. Exception is .
Can you swim? - You can swim?
May I go? — May I go?
Ought we to consult a doctor? Should we consult a doctor?
Do you have to read a lot? - Do you have to read a lot? (excl.)
I cannot swim. - I can not swim.
You must not cry. “You shouldn't cry.
You don't have to explain the details. “There is no need to explain the details. (excl.)
Modal verbs are characterized by abbreviated negative forms:
cannot = can't, must not = mustn't, should not = shouldn't, ought not = oughtn't etc.
Modal verbs and are used only in two tenses - in present simple (can, May) and in past simple (could and might).
Most modal verbs have more than one meaning. They may present an action from the speaker's point of view as necessary, possible, desirable, doubtful, problematic, or obligatory. Since modal verbs do not express the action itself, but the attitude towards it, they are not used in the form of the imperative mood, that is, they cannot express the motivation for action. Due to the absence of a number of forms (for example, infinitive, participle, gerund), such verbs are still called insufficient.