Modal verbs in the negative form. Modal verbs and their equivalents that allow the formation of all tense forms

Modal verbs and their equivalents - Modal verbs v English language and their equivalents

Annotation to the material: Unfortunately, the topic of modal verbs and their equivalents in English is often poorly disclosed, especially in school textbooks. The maximum that an interested reader can find in them is only "superficial" information, which in a real language situation with a native English speaker can only aggravate the situation. As a result, one's own experience, often negative, becomes a teacher and a valid means of revealing this topic. The purpose of this material is to correct the current situation.

The first and main concept in this topic is the concept of modality in linguistics: modality- an expression of the speaker's attitude to the content of his statement.
Modal verbs express the attitude to the action (its necessity, probability, possibility of its commission, etc.).

Features of modal verbs in English

1. Do not change by person, do not have the ending -s / -es in the third person, singular(except for the equivalents of modal verbs: to have (to), to be (to), to be obliged (to)).
She can swim; he must be tired; it might rain later.
She has to wake up early; we are to read "War and Peace"; I am bound to you for your recent help.
2. Auxiliary verbs are not added to them when constructing interrogative and negative sentences. In such sentences, the modal verb itself plays the role of an auxiliary: in questions it takes place before the subject, and in negations the particle not is added to it (exceptions: to have (to) is used in questions and negations with an auxiliary verb; to be (to) and to be required (to) be in questions is used before the subject in the corresponding person and number (am / are / is) and adds the particle not in questions).
Shall we go for a walk? Can I help you? What should I do?
He can't dance; you mustn "t steal; you shouldn't lie.
Does he have to know I've never been kissed? Are we to meet inside? Is he bound to attend the audition?
She doesn't have to drink coffee; I am not to work today; I am not responsible to pay for this.
3. Not all modal verbs have the forms of the future and past tenses, and when they are expressed, they are replaced by equivalents. The aspectual forms of modal verbs are more correctly considered as separate modal verbs, and not as forms of one, due to their significant difference in use; in some cases this also applies to negative forms. All explanations and examples for this paragraph- further in the material.
4. They do not have an indefinite form of the verb (infinitive) as well as -ing forms. In such cases, the equivalents are used:
I'd love to be able to ski; I hate having to get up on cold mornings.
5. After them, the particle to of the semantic verb is not used (except for equivalents). The exception is the modal verb ought to.
You must go; I'll help you; you have to visit him; you ought to see a doctor.
6. Can be used with the perfect infinitive to describe actions that happened in the past:
You should have told me that you can't swim: you might have drowned!
7. Each modal verb has at least two meanings:
a. Expresses probability or possibility
b. Expresses opinion, judgment, attitude.

Modal verbs can be divided into two categories:

1. Directly modal verbs and their equivalents. These are verbs that are only modal, as well as their equivalents, which are used in tenses in which modal verbs themselves are not used.
2. Multifunctional verbs that perform the function of modal. This category includes verbs that can perform various functions, including the function of modal verbs.

Table of modal verbs in English

Modal verb and its equivalent	Meaning	present	Past	Future
Directly modal verbs and their equivalents
can to be able (to)		can am/are/is able (to)	could was/were able (to)	--- will be able (to)
may to be allowed (to)		may am/are/is allowed (to)	might was/were allowed (to)	--- will be allowed (to)
must		must	---	---
ought (to)		ought (to)	---	---
Equivalents of must verbs (must, ought, shall, should)
to have (to) to have got(to) (British colloquial)		have/has (got) (to)	had (got) (to)	will have (got) (to)
to be (to)		am/are/is (to)	was/were (to)	---
to be committed (to)		am/are/is official (to)	was/were required (to)	will be required (to)
Multifunctional verbs that perform the function of modal
shall		---	---	shall
should		should	---	---
will		---	---	will
would		---	would	---
need		need	---	---
dare		dare	dared	---

Abbreviations: can not = can "t = cannot, could not = couldn" t, may not = mayn "t, might not = mightn" t, must not = mustn "t, shall not = shan" t, should not = shouldn "t, will = "ll, will not = won"t, would = "d, would not = wouldn"t, need not = needn"t, dare not = daren"t ().

Expression of obligation

The modal verb must, the equivalents to have (to), to be obliged (to), to be (to), as well as the multifunctional verb will express a strong form of obligation.

Must is an personal the verb of obligation and expresses personal desire or even demand of the speaker. This modal verb must be used very carefully:
You must come up to the reception in order to join a library. You have to go to the reception desk to sign up for the library (meaning I want, demand, actually order you to come to the reception desk, not just say it). The reaction of people who heard such "advice" will be quite obvious.
But you can say:
I must get my hair cut. I have to cut my hair (I want to).
In addition, must is used in official and written speech, often in impersonal sentences:
Books must be returned on or before the due date. Books must be returned no later than the specified deadline (library rule).

To have (to) expresses an obligation based on some rules or laws, on the authority of another person or on circumstances.
I can "t play tennis tomorrow. I have to go to the dentist. I won't be able to play tennis tomorrow. I need to go to the dentist (I have an appointment).
Children have to go to school until they are sixteen. Children under the age of sixteen must go to school (law).
Mum says you have to tidy your room before you go out. Mom says you should clean up your room before you leave. This sentence reflects the mother's order and not the speaker's order; On behalf of the mother, this requirement looks like this:
You must tidy your room before you go out. You must tidy up your room before leaving (I so want to, I order you to do this).
Compare:
Mum says you must tidy your room before you go out. In fact, this sentence means: "Mom says that me (speaking) I demand that you clean your room before you leave." Must is a personal modal verb; when someone's personal speech is transmitted in an indirect form, it is replaced by to have (to) / to have got (to).
Some examples for comparing must and to have (to)/to have got (to) :
I must stop smoking. I have to quit smoking (I want it).
I "ve got to stop smoking. I must stop smoking (doctor's order).
Questions with must are possible, but very rare. To have (to) is used much more often:
Must you buy these shabby jeans? Do you really need to buy those faded jeans? (Do you want it that way?)
Do you have to wear a tie at work? Do you have to wear a tie to work? (Do you have such a rule?)

The negative forms must not and do not have (to) differ significantly. Mustn't used to express prohibitions; don't have (to) denotes the absence of an obligation (any action can be performed if you want, but this is not mandatory).
You must not leave bicycles in front of the portal. It is forbidden to leave bicycles in front of the main entrance.
Passengers must not speak to the driver! Passengers are not allowed to talk to the driver!
You mustn "t steal other people" s things. It "s wrong! You can't steal other people's things! It's against the law!
Some people iron their socks, but you don't have to. I think it's a waste of time. Some people iron their socks, but you don't have to. I think it's a waste of time.
When you go into a shop, you don "t have to buy something. You can just look. When you go to the store, you don't have to buy something. You can just look.

To be committed (to) is also the equivalent of the modal verb must, but is used much less frequently than to have (to). The difference is that to be obliged (to) is a bit more formal and expresses an obligation related to social, legal and moral aspects:
"The Constitution does not oblige government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion"s role in society," Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion. "The Constitution does not oblige government to avoid public recognition social role religion," said Anthony Kennedy.
I am obliged to you for your gracious hospitality. I thank you for your hospitality.

Equivalent to be (to) expresses an obligation by virtue of any agreement, in accordance with a plan or schedule.
The train is to arrive. Why is it still at the station? The train must depart (according to the schedule). Why is he still at the station?

Should and ought (to) express a weak duty or advice. Both modal verbs express what the speaker thinks is true.
You "re always asking me for money. I think you should spend less. You constantly ask me for money. I think you should spend less.
You ought to be more careful with your money. You need to be more careful with your money.
You shouldn't sit so close to the TV! It's bad for your eyes. You shouldn't sit so close to the TV! It's bad for the eyes.
There is practically no difference in the use of should and ought (to), but sometimes the latter expresses a moral duty:
You ought to visit your grandmother. You must visit your grandmother.
or regret:
You ought to help me! You must help me! (But you don't help.)

Multifunctional verb will as a modal verb in the 2nd and 3rd person singular. and many others. numbers expresses an order, obligation or recommendation. The use of this verb is more often resorted to in military institutions and schools.
You will do as you "ve been told. You will do as you were told.
The crew will come forward at midnight! The crew to move out at midnight!

Permission expression, permission

Can, could, may, might, to be allowed (to) are used to express permission and permission.

Can is used for questioning and asserting permission, while can't to deny this permission.
- Can I ask you a question? Can I ask you a question?
- Yes, of course you can. Of course you can.
I'm sorry, you can't come in here. Unfortunately, you can't come here.

Modal verb could used as a more polite form.
Could you do me a favour? Could you do me a favor?

modal permission verb may more formal and much less common than can:
May I come in, sir? May I enter, sir?
Can and could (but not may) are used to talk about what is normally allowed.
Can you park in this street in Sundays? Is it possible to park on this street on Sundays?

Equivalent to be allowed (to) replaces may in the past and future tenses, is used as an infinitive and participle, and has no significant difference in meaning with the modal verb may.
You "ll be allowed to go out. You will be allowed / allowed to go out.

Past form of may - might used in the meaning of permission / permission is used only in the subordinate part of the sentence (mainly in indirect speech), when the verb of the main part is in the past tense, in other cases the equivalent to be allowed (to) is used.
Austin said you might take his diary. Austin said you could take his diary.
I was allowed to take the diary. I was allowed to take the diary.

Expression of ability, possibility

The ability or ability to perform some action is expressed using the modal verb can, its equivalent to be able (to) and the expression managed (to).

To be able (to) means the same as can, but can is used much more frequently. To be able (to) is more formal.
Can you come to a meeting next week? Can you come to the meeting next week?
Please inform us if you are able to attend a meeting next week. Please let us know if you can attend next week's meeting.
To be able to have temporary? e forms that the modal verb can does not have:
I "d love to be able to fly. I would really like to be able to fly.
I like being able to jollify if I want. I find it nice to be able to have fun whenever I want.
I "ve never been able to cook. I never knew how to cook.
She "ll be able to see you tomorrow. She will be able to meet you tomorrow.

To express ability/opportunity in the general past tense, a modal verb is used could.
I could swim when I was four. I could swim when I was four years old.
And to express a one-time action in a certain situation in the past, it is used to be able (to) or expression managed (to).
The woman was drawing, but a lifeguard managed to swim to her and pull her out of the water. That woman was drowning, but the lifeguard was able to swim up to her and pull her out of the water.
The prisoners were able to escape by bribing the guards. The prisoners were able to escape by bribing the guards.
An exception to this rule are the verbs of feeling and perception. With such verbs, the modal verb could is used.
When we came into the building, I could smell something burning. When we entered the building, I smelled something burning.
We could remember where I lost my passport. I was able to remember where I had lost my passport.

Couldn't used to express the inability / impossibility of performing an action in the past.
My mother couldn't swim until she was 47. My mother couldn't swim until she was 47.
I couldn't find my wallet anywhere. I couldn't find my wallet anywhere.

Note: Can and can "t can be used to express a future action if the speaker decides at the moment of the conversation (that is, he knows for sure) that he can or cannot take it.
I can see you tomorrow morning for half an hour. I can meet you tomorrow morning for half an hour.
Compare:
One day we will be able to live without wars. Someday we will be able to live without warriors.

Shall I/we ... ? used as a request for advice, as a proposal or invitation (it is often translated into Russian as an affirmative rather than an interrogative sentence).
Shall I carry your bag? Let me carry your bag.
What shall I do? What should I do? (Advise me.)
Shall we dance? Let's Dance.
Shall we go to the seaside or the mountains? Shall we go to the coast or to the mountains? (Advised.)

Expression of confidence, probability

In addition to obligation, permission and ability, modal verbs can express degrees of certainty and probability. The following modal verbs are arranged in order of "fading" of the degree of probability they express: must, will (would) could, may, might, can "t. For greater clarity, the above modal verbs can be assigned an approximate percentage of probability:

Must and can't are used to express a logical conclusion: must - logically possible and can "t - logically impossible. Both verbs do not mean one hundred percent certainty of the possibility or impossibility of an action due to the lack of certain facts, but express a very high degree of it.
Martin must have some problems - he is kind of sullen. Martin must be in trouble: he's kind of gloomy.
There "s the doorbell. It must be Rodger. He always comes home at this time. Someone rings the doorbell. It must be Roger. He always comes home at this time.
Suzie can "t have a ten-year-old daughter! She" s only twenty-five herself! Susie can't have a ten year old daughter! She's only twenty-five herself!
You can "t be serious. I know you are joking. You're not serious. I know you're joking.

could, may and might usually accented in speech.
Dave and Lucy aren't at home. They could be in the theater, I suppose. Dave and Lucy aren't at home. I think they might be in the theater (≈80% sure; Dave and Lucy often go to the theater).
We may go to Greece for our holidays. We haven't decided yet. Maybe we'll spend our holidays in Greece. We haven't decided yet (≈50% certainty).
She may be at home. She may be at home (≈50% certainty).
Ann might be there too. Maybe Ann is there too (≈20%; low certainty)
According to the radio, it may rain today (≈50%). It might even snow (≈20%). According to the radio it might rain today. Or maybe even snow.

The continuous infinitive is used after the modal verb of probability to express the possible activity taking place at the moment.
His light "s on. He must be working late. The light is on. It must be working.
It "s only 8:10. They can" t be having a break yet. It's only ten past eight now. They can't have a break.

Design modal verb + perfect infinitive expresses the degree of probability in the past:
They could have moved house. They could have moved.
Robert must have gone out. Robert must have left (he is not at home now).
She passed me in the street without speaking: she can "t have seen me. He walked past me without even saying hello: I think she didn't see me.
I rang Helen but she didn't reply, so I suppose she may have been in the bath. I called Helen, but she didn't answer, I think she was in the bathroom.

As already mentioned at the beginning of this material, each modal verb can express probability and judgment. The listed must, could, may, might, can "t more than express everything possible ways indications of probability and are suitable for almost all life situations. But despite this, probability can also be expressed: should, ought (to), will, would and need. Cases of their use in this sense are quite rare, but they still exist.

Should and ought (to) express an assumption based on facts.
They should all be of equal speed. They probably all have the same speed.
It ought not to be very hard to get the village. Probably, getting to this village will not be very difficult.

Will and would express an assumption based on the subjective opinion of the speaker.
We heard the phone call. "That would be Charles", I said, knowing I was right. We heard a phone call. "I guess it's Charles," I replied, knowing I was right.
That will be the postman, I expect. It must be the postman.

need used in negative sentences in the sense of the assumption that the action is optional.
It needn't take you very long. It probably won't take you long.

Expression of desire, intention, determination

Desires and intentions are expressed by multifunctional verbs will and would used with the 1st person unit. and many others. number in a construction with an imperfect infinitive. Usually, shall is used with the first person, and the use of will gives a shade of determination and desire. In such cases, the modal verb will is not reduced to "ll" and is stressed in the sentence; it either does not translate into Russian at all or is translated as "want", "definitely", etc.
I will do it whether you like it or not. I'll do it anyway, whether you like it or not.
I will answer you as soon as I can. I will certainly answer you as soon as I can.
I will let you know! I will definitely let you know!
I would tell you, I wear! I would tell you, I swear!
In addition, would is quite often used in constructions:
would rather
would better
would sooner
I "d rather go for a walk. Perhaps I'll go for a walk.
I "d better pay more at once instead of paying every week. I'd rather pay more right away than pay every week.
She "d sooner break up with me then apologize to me. She would rather break up with me than ask for forgiveness.

Will and would in negative form used with animate nouns to express refusal and unwillingness, and with inanimate nouns indicate non-functioning, resistance or opposition:
I won't come back here again. I will never come back here again.
She won "t go to the cafe. She doesn't want to go to the cafe.
Would in the meaning of negation can be used for both the present and the past tense:
I wouldn't lend him even a penny. I don't want to lend him even a penny.
I invited Eric several times, but he wouldn't come. I invited Eric several times, but he did not want to come.
The window won "t open. The window does not open in any way
The car wouldn'r start. The car won't start.
The pen won't write. The pen doesn't write.
Will and would in questions express polite requests, suggestions and invitations. Would is a less formal and more polite verb and is more commonly associated with colloquial style.
Will you have some more juice? Want more juice?
Will you give him this package? Will you pass this message to him?/Give him this message, please.
Will you wait a few? Wait a bit, please./Won't you wait a bit?
More polite would:
Would you show me that vest? Please, show me that vest over there.
Would you help me? Could you help me?
In addition, would is often found in colloquial speech in such set expressions as:
Would you mind...
Would you like ...
Would you be so kind as to...
Would you mind clothing the door? Do you mind closing the door? / Please close the door.
Would you like to take a walk? Do you want to go for a walk?/Do you want to go for a walk?
Would you be so kind as to remove your finger from the pie? Please take your finger off the pie.

Modal verb need expresses necessity and is used only in questions and negations.
You needn "t lie to me. You don't need to lie to me.
In speech, need is mainly used not as a modal, but as an ordinary (semantic) verb and, accordingly, is used with auxiliary verbs, the particle to, and takes time-dependent endings.
You don "t need to lie to me. You don't need to lie to me.

A similar situation is observed in the case of the verb dare, which has translations: “dare”, “dare”, “dare”, “dare”, etc. Dare can also be used as a semantic and as a modal verb, but in reality it is used mainly as a modal (as opposed to need). Dare is used as a modal verb only in interrogative and negative sentences.
Dare you use my own knowledge against me? You dare to use my knowledge against me?
I dare to ask you a private question. I dare to ask you a personal question.

Application rules

The formation of such a group of verbs is provided 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 obligation (that is, duty), 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 as in full form, as well as 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 instance:

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 instance:

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 the competition in 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 instance:

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 instance:

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 instance:

Have you ever been in Spain? - Have you ever been to Spain (the verb has absolutely no modal meaning, used to form the present perfect 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 auxiliary verb, forming the future tense form).

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.

Modal verbs - a special group English verbs, which has a number of features

1. do not name actions, but only express the attitude of the speaker

2. do not have a number of grammatical categories

3. are used without the particle ‘to’ (exceptions have to, to be to, ought to)

1) can

meaning	example
ability to do sth. in the present(substitute form: to be able to) ability of physical or mental action (synonymous with to be able to)	I can speak English. I can (can) speak English
permission to do sth. in the present (substitute form: to be allowed to) permission (synonym: to be allowed to)	Can I go to the cinema? Can I go to the cinema?
request request	Can you wait a moment, please? Could you wait a minute?
offer sentence	I can lend you my car till tomorrow. I can lend you my car until tomorrow.
suggestion sentence	Can we visit Grandma at the weekend? Let's visit grandma this weekend.
possibility opportunity	It can get very hot in Arizona. It can get very hot in Arizona.

2) could

meaning	example
ability to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to be able to) the ability of a physical or mental action in the past (synonymous with to be able to)	I could speak English. I could speak English.
permission to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to be allowed to) permission in the past (synonym: to be allowed to)	I could go to the cinema. I could go to the cinema. (I was allowed.)
polite request polite request form	Could you wait a moment, please? Could you wait a minute?
polite offer polite sentence form	I could lend you my car till tomorrow. I could lend you my car until tomorrow.
polite suggestion polite sentence form	Could we visit Grandma at the weekend? Could we go to grandma's for the weekend?

To express a single action in the past, managed to, was/were able is used instead of could:

I managed to climb the mountain without nobody "s help. (I managed to conquer the mountain without anyone's help.)

3) may

4) might

5) must

6) must not/may not

meaning	example
prohibition ban	You mustn "t work on dad" s computer. You are not allowed to work on your father's computer. You may not work on dad's computer.

7) need not / don't have to

9) to

10) should

11) will

12) would

13) need / have to

meaning	example
necessity need	I need to/have to study tonight. You don't have to practice today.

have to used instead must in the past time

Modal verbs in English, these are verbs that by themselves do not denote an action, a state, but reflect, as they say in textbooks, “the attitude of the speaker to the action”.

What does it mean? Let's take a verb can(to be able, to be able to do something) - by itself, it does not denote actions or states, like the verbs “fly”, “see”, “be frightened”. But in combination with another verb, it denotes the very attitude to action - in this case it is ability perform an action.

I can fix your TV in two minutes – Me can fix your TV in two minutes.

I can swim in cold water - I can swim in cold water.

Modal verbs include:

(could)- to be able, to be capable.
- to be proper.
– should, be due (eg “you should…”).
(might)– expresses that there is permission, (e.g. “I can…”)

Note: this article discusses the most common modal verbs.

Why is it important to know modal verbs?

Modal verbs are VERY often used in spoken and written speech. Especially - it is included in the 10 most common verbs in the English language (see) and almost no conversation can do without it.

In addition to the basic meanings, it is useful to know the basic nuances of using modal verbs. For example, in the phrase “You must help Bill” must verb expresses an obligation: "You must help Bill." And in the sentence "You must be Bill" the same must has a completely different meaning: "You must be Bill."

Features of modal verbs

Modal verbs are a special group of verbs (fortunately, very few) that live by their own separate rules. Here are their main features.

1. Modal verbs in English are used with the semantic verb in, while the to particle is not placed between the verbs.

Right:

I canbuy you a candy - I can buy you candy.
I mustdecline your offer - I must reject your suggestion.

Not properly:

I can tobuy you a candy.
I must todecline your offer.

2. Modal verbs are not conjugated, no endings are added to them, including the ending -s in the third person singular.

Right:

He can walk on a wire. - He can walk on a tightrope.
She must go. - She should go.

Not properly:

He cans walk on a wire.
She musts go.

3. Modal verbs are not used in the future tense with an auxiliary verb.

In most cases, modal verbs can refer to an action in the future, this becomes clear from the context.

I can help you tomorrow. - I AM I can (can) help you tomorrow.
We must get back home by midnight. - We must return home by midnight.
He may pass his exam later with another group. - He can (could) take the exam later with another group.
You should ask her out tomorrow. - You should invite her somewhere tomorrow.

4. The verbs can and may have past tense forms.

These forms are respectively:

I also note that should is the past tense form of the modal verb shall, which is rarely used in modern English, see.

5. The interrogative form is formed without an auxiliary verb - the modal verb is placed before the subject:

I can drive- Can I drive?
She could help us- could she help us?
We must go- Must we go?
I may ask- May I ask?
You should try- Should I try?

6. The negative form is formed with the particle not, it is placed after the modal verb (and with the verb can it is written together). In colloquial speech, usually negative forms are reduced.

cannot-can't
could not - couldn't
may not - mayn't
might not - mightn't
should not - shouldn't
must not - mustn't

Note:

Mustnot has the opposite must meaning. For instance:

You must not- does not mean “should not”, that is, “you do not have an obligation” (here “you don’t have to” is suitable), but “you can’t”, “you are forbidden”, “it is forbidden”. In Russian, sentences with a prohibition pronounced must not are often translated into impersonal sentences.

You mustn't enter that room - to you forbidden go into that room.
You mustn't smoke here prohibited smoke.

May not also has the meaning of a ban, but softer than must not.

You may not go there - to you it is forbidden go there.
You may not touch it - to you it is forbidden touch it.

Cannot can mean both physical impossibility, inability, and a mild prohibition.

You can't take in all those kittens. - You can not adopt all these kittens (this is impossible).
You can't park here it is forbidden parking (this is prohibited).

Synonyms of modal verbs

Modal verbs have non-modal synonyms that are conjugated according to the general rules.

Here are the synonyms:

Can = be able to (be able)
Must = have to (to be due)
May = be allowed to (have permission)
Should = be supposed to (to be implied, to be due) - not in all cases.

Modal verbs are considered insufficient - this means that they do not have future tense forms, some (must) do not have a past tense form. With the help of synonyms, you can replace the missing forms of modal verbs.

Table: modal verbs and their synonyms

present	Past	Future
I can fly / I am able to fly	I could fly / I was able to fly	I will be able to fly
I must go / I have to go	I had to go	I will have to go
I may ask / I am allowed to ask	I might ask / I was allowed to ask	I will be allowed to ask

Replacing a modal verb with a synonym is not entirely complete and accurate. For example, must can mean a moral necessity, a duty, and have to means a forced necessity.

I must help my parents. - I AM must help your parents (duty, obligation).

My colleague is being late for the meeting, I have to wait for him. My colleague is late for a meeting, I must(I have to) wait for him.

The main cases of using modal verbs

Modal verb Can (could)

The verb can is used for:

1. Expressions of opportunity, ability to do something, question, polite request:

Can is used in the present and future tenses, could in the past.

Present tense:

I can show you new world - I can show you a new world.

I can't believe it! - I can not believe it!

In an interrogative form, a request is received:

Can I help you? - I can can i help you?

Can you do me a favour? - You you can do me a favor?

Sentences with the negative form can’t can express not only the impossibility, but also the prohibition:

You can't move this stone. - You can not move this stone (it's too heavy).

You can't walk on the grass. - It is forbidden walk on the grass (this is prohibited).

Past tense:

He could play guitar - He could play the guitar.

I couldn't forgive him - I could not forgive him.

Interrogative sentences with could express a polite request in relation to the second person. More polite than with can.

could you pass me that book? - Could you will you hand me that book?

Future– the verb can does not change in any way, its relation to the future is clear from the context:

I can talk to you later. - I AM I can (can) talk to you later.

James can fix your car tomorrow. – James can (could) fix your car tomorrow.

2. “It can’t be that…”

This combination is also used in negative sentences when the speaker does not believe, does not allow the possibility that the action has actually taken place. When translating such turns into Russian, the words “cannot be”, “could not”, “really” are usually used.

Lara cannot have done it! – Lara could not such do!

No, he cannot have said it! - No he could not such to tell!

Can she have said it? - Really she is said?

Modal verb Must

1. Must (to be obliged to do something)

You must be Peter - You should be, Peter.

These must be his footsteps - This, should be, its traces.

You should have turned left! - You should have turned left! (and turned right)

You should have seen this place! - You should have seen this place! (and you didn't see)

3. “The idea is to”

At the verb should there is also the meaning “should, in theory”, that is, there is some expected, intended action, but it may not be performed. In this case, turnover is more often used. be supposed to.

I should (am supposed to) be at work now, but the show is so damn interesting - I must be (in theory) at work now, but this series is damn interesting.

Doctors say we should (are supposed to) exercise if we want to stay healthy - Doctors say we need to(we are supposed to) exercise to stay healthy.

Modal verb May (might)

1. Have permission, permission

In present and future tense

You may do what you want - you can do whatever you want (present tense)

You may play with your friends later. – You can play with your friends later (future tense)

May I ask you a question? - I can(can) I ask you a question?

In negative form may not expresses prohibition:

You may not play with them. - You it is forbidden play with them (I forbid).

In the past time to express permission, the verb might is not used (it expresses an assumption, see below), but a turnover be allowed to- have permission.

I was allowed to continue working on my project. - To me allowed continue working on my project.

We were not allowed to wear uniform. - US not allowed wear a uniform.

2. Guess

The verb is used to guess. may or might, in this case it is translated as “maybe”, “maybe”, etc. The difference between may and might is that may expresses the speaker’s greater confidence in the assumption. However, this difference may be highly dependent on the context or be insignificant.

Present and future tense

Scheme: May / might + infinitive (without to)

You might know that place - you maybe, you know this place (present tense).

He may visit us tonight - He, may be, will visit us in the evening (future tense).

Past tense:

Scheme: May / might + have + Past Participle

She might have forgotten the documents at home. - She, perhaps forgot home documents.

I may have seen you before. - I AM, may have seen you before.

Video tutorials on modal verbs

In the grammar section of Puzzle English there are several video lessons on the topic of modal verbs, here is the first of them: “Verb Can”.

By going to the “Grammar” section on the Puzzle English service, you can watch the rest of the video lessons (they are available for free), as well as complete the exercises.

Modal verbs in English form a special group and have differences in usage from all other verbs. With the help of such verbs, we talk about our skills, requests, ask permission, forbid something, give advice and talk about obligations. That is why it is very important to deal with this topic.

In the article we will look at:

What are modal verbs?

Modal verbs unlike other verbs, they do not indicate an action (go, read, study), but show an attitude towards these actions (I must go, I can read, I should study).

Normal: "I'm swimming."
Modal: "I know how to swim".

Normal: "It works."
Modal: "He must work".

With the help of such verbs, we express the possibility, duty, necessity, readiness, desire, permission to do something.

In English, there are the following modal verbs:

These verbs have features in use that distinguish them from other verbs.

Features of modal verbs in English

When using modal verbs, you must remember:

1. Modal verbs are independent and do not require auxiliary verbs

That is, in negative and interrogative sentences, we do not need to use do/does, did, will, am/are/is.

To compose negative sentence, we need to add a negative particle not to the modal verb itself.

Not properly

He will not come.
He shouldn't come.

They can't swim.
They cannot swim.

Right

He shouldnot come.
He shouldn't come.

They cannot swim.
They cannot swim.

To Ask a Question with a modal verb, we just move it to the first place.

Not properly:

Will he must help?
Should he help?

Does she may ask?
Can she ask?

Right

Must help?
Should he help?

May she asked?
Can she ask?

The exception to this rule is the modal have verb to (must).

He didn't have to go.
He didn't have to go.

Did he have to go?
Did he have to go?

2. Such verbs do not change their ending depending on the character.

In some tenses, we change the ending of the verb if one person does the action: she (she), he (he), it (it), her friend (her friend), his sister (his sister).

I like ice cream.
I love ice cream.

She like s ice-cream.
She loves ice cream.

Modal verbs always remain the same, regardless of who performs the action:

She should read.
She should read.

The exception is the same verb have to, which changes to has to if the action is performed by he, she, it.

They have to write.
They need to write it down.

He has to write.
He needs to write.

3. After modal verbs, you do not need to put the particle to

Usually the to particle separates two actions, showing that one of the verbs is in the initial form (I want to read be yes forgot be I'll go swimming be).

I want to sleep.
I want to sleep.

After modal verbs, we never put the particle to:

You should sleep.
You should sleep.

The exceptions are those modal verbs that themselves go in conjunction with to: have to, had to, ought to, be to.

I have to sleep.
I need to sleep.

As you can see, modal verbs have significant differences in usage from other English verbs. So be careful when using them in your speech.

Now let's look at what modal verbs exist in English.

Table of the main modal verbs of the English language with translation

To understand which modal verbs exist and when to use each of them, let's look at the table.

Modal verb	Use cases	Examples
Can/could I can / could (could)	We talk about mental and physical ability, about the ability and ability to do something	He can run fast. He can run fast. They could speak English. They could speak English.
Should Should	We give advice, we say that something is right and reasonable	You should clean the room. You should clean the room. She should go to the party. She should go to the party.
Have to/had to Should/should/should	We talk about the need, we force, we give instructions.	They have to wait. They need to wait. She had to help me. She was supposed to help me.
Must Must	We say that something needs to be done because it is necessary and important. We give solid advice.	We must hurry. We must hurry. You must read this book. You must read this book.
May/might Can/could	We give permission, permission to do something. We are talking about the likelihood of something.	It may rain. Chance of rain. You might ask the questions. You can ask questions.
Right to Should/should	We give advice, we talk about moral duty.	They ought to sorry. They must apologize. She ought to read aloud. She should read aloud.
Be to agreed / agreed / should	We talk about mutual agreement, give orders, talk about rules and instructions.	We are to go to the cinema. We agreed to go to the cinema. He is to be here at 5 p.m. He should be here at 5 pm.

If you are just starting to learn modal verbs, then study them separately. At the beginning of the article, I indicated links to articles where each verb is described in great detail. Move on and learn. If you know them, then proceed to the task of fixing.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English:

1. He can speak French.
2. You must go to this lecture.
3. We agreed to go to the store.
4. She can take my phone.
5. He needs to talk to her.
6. You should rest.
7. He should make peace with her.

Leave your answers in the comments below the article.