If you're learning English from scratch, be prepared to learn a radically different system of verbs. The English tense system and reading rules are very different from Russian. Quite often, beginners in learning, when faced with the first difficulties, give up. Nevertheless, the rules of English grammar are quite easy to understand.

Modal verbs

A modal verb is a special unit in the English language that 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. Regular 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 change their form completely. In addition, verbs are divided into main and auxiliary. The main ones have a lexical function and denote a specific action. Such verbs are translated into Russian. Auxiliary verbs exist only in pairs with main verbs and have a grammatical function. These verbs have no translation into Russian. Modal verbs in English have an additional function in relation to main verbs, which equates them in function to auxiliary verbs. 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 you, and so on.

Modal verbs: rules and examples

For comfortable language proficiency, you need to know the following list of modals 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 particle to after modal verbs (except need, have to, ought to)

3) the main verb after the modal is placed in the infinitive form (initial form)

For example:

I need to go, it's late. I have to go, it's 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 university rules.

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 take a closer look.

Modal verb can/could

This modal verb is translated as “I can, I am able”; it can mean a skill or ability to do something. Can- present tense form, could- past tense form. If you use modal verbs according to the rule in the future tense, use the form of the modal verb to be able to - will be able to. For example:

I can swim very well, because I had 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.

According to the rules, the negative form of modal verbs is formed by adding not - can not, the 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 of 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 reverse word order in the sentence, that is, put the modal verb first, not the subject. For example:

Can Mike take your shirt, his is dirty? Can Mike take your shirt, his is dirty?

Verb in interrogative form 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 particular, specific situations. For example:

The fire spread very quickly, but everyone 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 we were eventually 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 first. 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?

To form a negative sentence, use the particle not or an auxiliary verb. For example:

I didn't manage to do this work without instructions. I couldn't do this job without instructions.

Modal verb must

The modal verb must expresses an extreme obligation. If you are learning English from scratch, you should know that you need to be careful with this verb, since it has a commanding 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. Students of our school must follow the Charter.

The modal verb must in the negative form means “is not obliged.” 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 doesn't have to move to another city if they don't want to.

To form interrogative sentences, put must first place in the sentence.

Must the animals be kept in the cages? Should animals 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 living in the center of such a big city.

Modal verb may/might

May and might, like all modal verbs, according to the rule, complement the main verb. The translation of this verb is “maybe, it’s possible.” 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 is my bag? She could be in your room.

He might be having lunch. He might have had lunch.

It is 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 truth! It can not be true!

An interrogative sentence is formed according to the general rule: put the modal verb in first place. For example:

May I open the windows, is it very hot? Can I open the window, it's very hot in here?

Modal to

It means "have to, should, must." It has three forms in 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 will have to stay in this apartment until next summer.

She has to cook the dinner immediately. She urgently needs to prepare dinner.

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 until 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 were not obligated 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 you need to add an auxiliary verb do, does or did first place in the sentence. 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 and is synonymous. Modal verb ought to means "should, should". For example:

Girls ought to be more careful in the dark time. Girls should be careful in the dark.

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 missed all their classes.

To construct an interrogative sentence, place the modal verb ought at the beginning of the sentence. For example:

Ought I to follow his instructions? Should I follow his instructions?

Or with a question word:

When I wanted to come to you? When should I come to you?

Modal verb should

This modal verb also has the meaning of must, translated as “should, should”, 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 have to stay with him while he's sick.

You should be more carefully with your health. You should take more 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 shortened form - shouldn't. For example:

You shouldn't spend so much time with this men. You shouldn't spend so much time with this man.

The low shouldn't allow bad people to do what they want. The law should not allow scoundrels 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 less loud?

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're on vacation?

W here should I put these boxes? Where should I put these boxes?

Modal verb need

This verb is one of the most frequently used in English speech. The modal verb need is translated "to 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 needs your help, call her just now! Kate needs your help, call her 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 need to read all these books, choose one.

I don't need to listen to you anymore, I can make a decision myself. I don't need to listen to you anymore, I can make my own decision.

Use the same principle to form an interrogative sentence: put the auxiliary verb first 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?

In English, there is a concept of "modality", which reveals the broader meaning of a phrase or verb in the context of a sentence. Many may have heard about modal verbs before while studying English at school or in other educational institutions. However, this topic is worth remembering. And for those who encounter this phenomenon in language for the first time, it will be interesting to consider the material below.

What are “modal verbs” and why are they needed?

There are few purely modal verbs in English: can/couldmay/might,shouldandmust. And although each of them has its own meaning, they all perform the same function: they complement the action of the main verb.

Modal verbs
Verb	Transcription	Pronunciation	Translation
Can			be able to, be able to, be able to
Could			could, could
May			be able, have permission
Might			could
Should	[∫Ωd]		should
Must			must

They also all have common features:

• the next verb following the modal is written without the particle “to”.

Example: We can go out from here – We can go out from here

• the ending “-s” is not added to modal verbs in the 3rd person

Example: He must come straight home – He must come straight home

• modal verbs do not change and have only one form of the present tense (except could/might verbs)

Example: I'm maying to want some help– I may want some help.

Correct placement in a sentence.

1. In affirmative sentences.

Subject + modal + verb:

• We should go now - We should go now.
• You must stay - You must stay.
• She can help us - She can help us.

2. In negative sentences.

Subject + modal + not (or n’t) + verb:

• We mustn’t stay out late - We must not be absent for long.
• She may not come - She may not come.

3. In interrogative sentences.

Modal + subject + verb:

• Can you drive? - Do you know how to drive?
• Must they leave now? - Should they leave now?

4. Short answers:

Yes, No + subject + modal (+ not, n’t):

• Yes, I can.
• No, she shouldn't.

Let's look at each verb separately.

Can,could(to be able, to be able to, to be able)

It is the most common modal verb. Used to talk about the capabilities of the subject:

• in the present tense, when it is a constant truth.

I can drive - I can drive.

Can you play the piano? No, I can’t – Do you know how to play the piano? No I do not know how to.

• in the present tense, at the moment.

He can help you now - He can help you now.

• in the future, with expressions of time.

She can’t come to the party tomorrow - She won’t be able to come to the party tomorrow

• in the past tense we use could/couldn't't to talk about abilities or knowledge .

She could play the piano when she was five - She could play the piano when she was five.

She couldn’t speak English very well when she arrived here – She couldn’t speak English very well when she arrived here.

• We can't use could to talk about events that have already happened. But we can use couldn't to talk about actions or events whose implementation was impossible.

She couldn't come to the party. (For her, coming to the party was impossible)

NOT She ​​could come to the party.

They couldn't eat all their dinner. (For them, eating the entire dinner was impossible)

NOT They could eat all their dinner.

• Can And could can also be used in requirements or queries.

Can you help me? - Can you help me?

Could you open the door for me, please? – Could you open the door for me, please?

Can I have a drink? -Can I have a drink?

Could we use your phone? – Could we use your phone?

P.S. Сould is a more polite form, unlike can.

May,might(be able, have permission)

This pair of modal verbs denotes probability, possibility, permission. Might is a more polite form than may. Are used:

• To talk about possibilities in the future.

They may leave soon - They may leave soon.

They might leave soon - They could leave soon.

(It is possible that they will leave soon, but I am not sure about that.)

He may be at the office - He may be in the office.

He might be at the office - He could be in the office.

(It's possible he's in the office now, but I'm not sure.)

• For polite requests.

May I sit here? -Can I sit here?

May we come in? -Can we come in?

However, you cannot use might for the interrogative form.

NOT Might I sit here? or Might we come in?

Some notes:

• Negative form may pronounced like maynot. We can't talk mayn't.
• Negative form might usually pronounced like mightnot. Use mightn't allowed, but used very rarely.
• We can use May I...? or Maywe...? for polite requests, but we cannot use may when we ask someone to do something. NOT May you open the door, please?
• Basically we don't use may or might in interrogative form, with the exception of polite requests. But sometimes we can ask a question with Doyouthink...?

Example: Do you think they might be here soon? “Do you think they might be here soon?”

But not Might they be here soon?

Should(should, should)

We often use should to give various types of advice:

• You should go home - You should go home. (I think it would be better for you to stay at home.)
• He shouldn’t eat so many sweets - He shouldn’t eat so many sweets. (I think overeating on sweets will be bad for him.)

We can also use should both in the present and in the future tense:

• We should leave now - We should leave now.
• We should leave early in the morning - We should leave early in the morning.

We often use should With I think... or Do you think...?:

• I think we should leave - I think we should leave
• Do you think I should write to him? “Do you think I should write to him?”

Must(must)

This modal verb more strictly expresses the subject’s need to perform an action, or confidence in something. Must order of magnitude stronger than should. And its use increases the priority of the entire sentence:

• I must do some work tonight - I must do some work tonight.
• We must get up early tomorrow - We must get up early tomorrow.
• He must be there. - He should be there.

Also use must possible both in the present and in the future tense:

• We must go there now - We must go there now.
• We must go soon there - We must go there soon.

Thus, today you have learned why you need “ modal verbs” and how to use them correctly in a sentence. There are also some equivalents of these verbs, which will be discussed in future articles. That's all. Good luck

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Modal verbs in English- these are verbs that usually express the subject’s attitude to any action, convey to the action shades of necessity, desirability, prohibition, etc. In the Russian language, along with modal verbs (for example, “want”), many modal words are used like “should,” “can,” “cannot,” etc. In this regard, a significant part of English modal verbs do not have exact equivalents in Russian and can be translated by other parts of speech or descriptively. Traditionally, in English grammar, modal verbs are primarily those that:

1. have abstract meaning, are never used without a semantic verb and are not combined with the object expressed by a noun (for example, the verbcanrequires a second verb -I canhelpyou,and cannot be combined with the name -I can a sandwich)
2. do not have a whole series of temporary s x shapes;
3. do not use when forming forms of auxiliary verbs.

The second and third criteria are not always met. For example, modal verbto have tohas almost all tense forms and forms its forms using the same auxiliary verbs as all the others.
Another formal feature of “real” modal verbs (which satisfy all three criteria) is that in the initial form they are indicated without a particleto: can, may, must, might etc.

Rules of formation and features of modal verbs, their forms and constructions with them

Most modal verbs have a limited number of forms. They do not change in persons or numbers, and have almost no temporary forms. No modal verbs in English are used in the passive voice. Only the verb has completely retained the past tense formcan - could.All “real” modal verbs form questions by moving the modal verb to the beginning of the sentence, and negation by moving the particlenot:

+	I can help you.
−	I can't (cannot) help you.
?	Can I help you?

+	He shouldn't go.
−	It shouldn't go.
?	Should he go?

Basic modal verbs and modal constructions

Verb	Forms	Translation	Use Cases	Examples
can	Present tense - can, past tense and subjunctive mood - could. In negative form -can't , couldn't . Form can't - always stressed, so in sentences with it there are usually two stresses - both on it and on the main verb:I canhelpyou - Ican't helpyou.The full negative form in the present tense is written together, since the stress in it remains on the first syllable:cannot.	be able to, be able to	Basic meaningcan - physical ability or skill. But in modern language, especially in America,can widely distributed in permissive meaning.	I can't run this fast."I can't run that fast." I can't knit."I can't knit." Can I see you tomorrow?“Can I see you tomorrow”? (As a synonymMay I see you tomorrow?) Could you help me out?“Could you help me out?” I couldn't do it."I couldn't do it."
may	may. In literary languagemay can also be used in the context of the past. Historically past form from may wasmight Denial - may not (reduction may not used extremely rarely).	maybe, maybe	At the verb may , just like might And must, the main meaning in modern language is probabilistic, which corresponds in Russian to combinations with the word “possibly”. The probability level of the event is about 50% percent. Historically, the main meaning of the verb was permission, but in modern spoken language it is increasingly being replacedcan.	He may come."He might come." He may be sick."He might be sick." May I be excused?"May go out?"
will	Denial - will not (won't). Only one temporary form.	deign, wish, want	Main Use will in modern language - the formation of the future tense. Modal meaning is retained only in idiomatic constructions likeif you will"if (you, you) please."	You can come if you will.“If you want, come.”
shall	Denial - shall not (reduction shan't used extremely rarely). Only one temporary form.	to be due, undertakes	To form the future tense in the first person(I shall, we shall) verb shall is practically not used anymore. It remained in use only in the sense of strict obligation in legal and religious texts. In addition, the designs youshall not + verb express an active prohibition bordering on a threat.	The parties shall resolve conflicts in court. “The parties to the agreement undertake to resolve disputes in court.” You shall not kill."Thou shalt not kill." You shall not pass!“You will not pass!”
to have to, to have got to, gotta (colloquial)	Verb have in expression have to is always conjugated in the present tense with an auxiliary verbdo: I don’t have, he doesn’t have etc. Has all temporary forms. Form have got to follows the rules forhave got and is used only in the present tense. Short formgotta not usually used in writing.	must, need, forced, have to, had to	The most common equivalent of the Russian “should” in modern language. It is used when an action is necessary due to objective external circumstances or rules independent of the subject. Negation denotes the absence of necessity, the equivalent of the Russian “not necessary”, “not necessary”.	I have to go.“I need to go” (external circumstances force). I have to get up early in the morning. “I have to get up early in the morning” (I don’t make the rules).I had to call him."I had to call him."You're going to have to sell the house. “You will have to sell the house” (there is no other choice).You don't have to come.“You don’t have to come” (but you can come).
to get to	Has all forms of series timesSimple, educated according to the usual rules.	to have the opportunity to do something	Denotes a successful, often rare opportunity to do something. There is no exact equivalent in Russian. See examples.	You don'thaveto come with me, yougetto come with me.“You don’t have to go with me, you have the opportunity to go with me” (you should be happy about this, not complain).He finally got to drive a real Ferrari. “He finally got to drive a real Ferrari” (this is a rare opportunity).
should	In modern language it has only the present tense form -should. In literary languageshould can also be used in the context of the past. Historically - past form fromshall , but in modern language the connection between them is completely lost.	should, should, should, also translated by the infinitive	Used in the context of recommendation and advice. Unlikehave to And must should does not imply obligatory action. The choice between verbs is determined by the speaker's perception of the situation.	You should be more careful."You need to be more careful." What should we do? "What should we do?"You shouldn't laugh at this. "You shouldn't laugh at this."
ought to, oughta(colloquial)	Rarely used in modern language. It has only the present tense form, which in literary language can also be used in the context of the past. Denial - ought not to, oughtn’t to.	should, should	Almost complete synonymshould. More often used in the context of moral choice, especially in relation to children.	You ought to be nicer to him.“You should be more polite to him.”
must	In modern language it has only the present tense form -must. In literary languagemust can also be used in the context of the past. Denial -must not, mustn’t .	must, must, cannot, most likely, must be	In modern language, the meaning “should” is used much less frequently thanhave to And should . This is due to the fact that the usemust implies that (1) the speaker has the right to set his own rules or (2) he is so sure that he is right that he does not allow the existence of alternatives. Negationmust not (mustn’t) means a strict and unconditional prohibition. More often must used to express confidence in a particular state of affairs in the present or future (equivalent to Russian “most likely” or “should be”).	You must come in earlier tomorrow. “Tomorrow you must come early” (for example, a boss to a subordinate). You mustn't say that.“You can’t say that.”You must be right."You're probably right."He must be waiting for us."He must be waiting for us."
to be to	Has all the same tense forms as the verbbe "be". As a rule, used only in series tensesSimple.	must, must (by agreement)	It is used in a modal sense in the context of agreements. The past tense usually implies that the agreement was not kept.	I'm to be there by 5.“I need to be there by five” (we agreed on this time).I was to help him with his project. “I had to help him with the project.” (there was such an agreement, but I didn’t help or things turned out differently).
might	In modern language it has only the present tense form -might. In literary language it can also be used in the context of the past. Historically - past form frommay , but in modern language the connection between them is almost lost.	probably, maybe	In modern language it is used only in a probabilistic meaning along withmay And must . Indicates a low degree of probability, about 30%.	I might come.“Maybe I’ll come” (but you shouldn’t count on it).He might give you a call.“He’ll probably call” (but probably not).
had rather, would rather, ‘d rather	It has only one form, which in meaning refers to the present tense. Most often used in the abbreviated form‘d rather (I’d rather, you’d rather etc.). Form would ratherarose as a result of a false reinterpretation‘das an abbreviation forwould . In modern literary language it is considered acceptable.	better, would prefer	Denotes preference, often in combination withthan "how". Unlike other modal verbs, it can be combined not only with a verb, but also with an entire subordinate clause in the present subjunctive mood(I ask, he ask or I asked, he asked).	I'd rather take a cab than walk all the way. "I'd rather take a taxi than walk there."I’d rather he stay(ed) here longer. “It would be better if he stayed here longer.”

Equivalents of modal verbs

Since modal verbs do not have a large number of forms, modal constructions that are equivalent or similar in meaning are often used. In addition, there are a number of constructions that have semantic features compared to modal verbs. Here's a small one list of synonyms:

Design	Close verbs	Use	Examples
to have to	to have to, must, should, ought to	Verbs expressing obligation can be replaced in past and future tense contexts by formshave to.	You had to come.“You should have come” (you should have come and you came). He will have to stay at home.“He will have to stay at home” (this will be recommended to him in the future).
to be able to	can	Replaces missing forms of can in all tenses exceptPresent And Past Simple.	He won’t be able to stay any longer. "He won't be able to stay longer" I haven’t been able to locate him. "I couldn't find him."
to be supposed to	should, ought to, have to	Expresses the additional meaning that a particular action was expected of a person by virtue of an agreement or a natural understanding of the world.	You're not supposed to talk with your mouth full. “You don’t speak with your mouth full” (different behavior is expected from you). I was supposed to drive him.“I was supposed to give him a ride.”

Expressing modal values ​​in the past

Common combinations of modal verbsmay, must, could, should, ought to (rarely), can (rarely) with the so-called “perfect infinitive” to convey modal nuances to actions in the past. A perfect infinitive is a combination of an auxiliary verbto have and the third form (past participle) of the main verb:to have seen, to have returned, to have brought.

Please note that in such combinationstois omitted and the verbhave almost never pronounced in full, shortened to [əv] (sometimes this leads to erroneous but phonetically accurate spellings likeI should of come instead of I should have come).

Such combinations usually express a shade of unreality of the action or doubt that it has come true. The exact meaning depends on the semantics of the modal verb:

Verb	Design example	Meaning	Examples
should, ought to	+ I should have done [… ˈʃʊdəv …] − I shouldn't have done[…ˈʃʊdənəv…] ? Should I have done?	A missed opportunity, regret about something (not) done.	I should have known better.“You had to think with your head.” She shouldn't have risked her life. “She shouldn’t have risked her life” (but she did).
could, can	+ I could have done [… ˈkʊdəv …] − I couldn't have done[…ˈkʊdənəv…] ? Could I have done?	A missed opportunity or doubt that events happened exactly as they did.	He could have said no.“He could have said no” (but didn’t). She couldn't have done this! "She couldn't do it!" (this is incredible). Wed:She couldn't do it.“She couldn’t do it” (she was physically incapable, didn’t know how).
might, may, must	+ I might have done [… ˈmaɪtəv …] − I mightn't have done[…ˈmaɪtənəv…] ? Might I have done?	Verbs express varying degrees of certainty that the described actions (did not) occur.	He must have gone home. “Most likely he went home). He may have been here before."He's probably been here before." You might have ruined the soup. “It seems like you ruined the soup” (but most likely not).

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

In this 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 (must go, can read, should study).

Common: “I’m swimming.”
Modal: "I I can swim".

Common: “It works.”
Modal: "He must work".

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

The following modal verbs exist in English:

These verbs have features of 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.

Wrong

He will not come.
He shouldn't come.

They don't can swim.
They can't swim.

Right

He shouldnot come.
He shouldn't come.

They cannot swim.
They can't swim.

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

Wrong:

Will he help?
Should he help?

Does she may ask?
Can she ask?

Right

Must he help?
Should he help?

May she ask?
Can she ask?

An exception to this rule is the modal verb have to.

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 the action is performed by someone alone: ​​she (she), he (he), it (it), her friend (her friend), his sister (his sister).

I like ice-cream.
I like 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 it.

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 it down.

3. After modal verbs there is no need to put the particle to

Usually the particle to separates two actions, indicating that one of the verbs is in the initial form (I want to read t, I forgot yes t, I'll go swimming t).

I want to sleep.
I want to sleep.

After modal verbs we never put the particle to:

You should sleep.
You should get some sleep.

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 use from other verbs in the English language. So be careful when using them in your speech.

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

Table of basic modal verbs in English with translation

To understand what 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 (would)	We talk about mental and physical ability, 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 your room. She should go to the party. She should go to the party.
Have to/had to Should / should have / should	We talk about the need, we force it, we give instructions.	They have to wait. They need to wait. She had to help me. She should have helped me.
Must Must	We say that something needs to be done because it is necessary and important. We give strong advice.	We must hurry. We must hurry. You must read this book. You must read this book.
May/might Maybe/could	We give permission, permission to do something. We talk about the likelihood of something.	It may rain. Chance of rain. You might ask the questions. You can ask questions.
Ought to Should/must	We give advice, talk about moral duty.	They ought to apologize. They should apologize. She ought to read aloud. She should read it out loud.
Be to Agreed/agreed/must	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 provided links to articles where each verb is described in great detail. Go ahead and learn. If you know them, then proceed to the consolidation task.

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.

In English, there are special verbs that are necessary to express ability, opportunity, obligation, permission. They are not subject to the rules for forming forms of ordinary verbs. Modal verbs in English occupy a separate level of grammar; their meanings must be remembered so as not to get into an awkward situation. Let's look at the basic modal verbs, the rules for their use, and their meanings.

What is a modal verb?

A modal verb is a verb that does not express an action, but indicates possibility, necessity and other meanings. It is not used independently, but only in combination with a semantic verb expressed by an infinitive. Modal ones include might, must, can, could, ought, should and others. Only some of them have a past tense form, for example, can - could, while others use the perfect infinitive to express the completeness of the action:

He must have done it. - He must have already done it.

Among the formal distinctive features are the following:

• Lack of ending - s in the 3rd person present tense. She can swim. - She can swim. He might be there. - He should be there.
• Lack of infinitive, gerund, and past participle.
• Lack of an auxiliary verb in interrogative sentences. The modal verb comes first in general questions and after the question word in special ones. Can you help me? - Can you help me? May I come in? - Can I come in? How can I help you? - How can I help?
• Formation of a negative form using the particle not without adding an auxiliary verb. We don't need to do that. - We don't need to do this.
• Many English modal verbs have equivalents. For example, to have (must), to be (must), to be able to (can, could), to be allowed (might, may).
• Most modal verbs are followed by a semantic verb expressed by an infinitive without the particle to, however, there are exceptions. For example, You ought to be more careful. - You should be more careful. This fact ought not to be mentioned so often. - This should not have been mentioned so often.

Modal verbs in English: rules of use

Let's look at the main modal verbs in English according to their meanings. Moreover, each modal verb can have more than one meaning:

Probability Expression

Verbs are used to express possibility or probability can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would. The speaker uses must, should if he is completely confident in his words.

He hasn`t had a lunch. He must be hungry. - he didn't have lunch. He must be hungry.

It`s very dark outside. It must be dangerous to home on foot. - It's very dark outside. Walking home is dangerous.

Ask Peter. He shouldn't know. - Ask Peter. He should know.

The speaker uses could, may, might to express the possibility of something in the future.

We might come late. - We might be late.

He may travel by plane. - Perhaps he will fly on an airplane.

Unless we hurry up, we could be late. - We might be late if we don't hurry up.

To express actions possible in the present or near past, the perfect infinitive is used.

It`s practically 3 o`clock now. She could have arrived now. - It's almost three o'clock. She could have already arrived.

He might have come hours ago. - She could have arrived several hours ago.

The English modal verbs could, can in the negative form with the particle not are used to express the impossibility of something in the past or present tense.

It was a joke. She couldn`t be serious. - It was a joke. She couldn't speak seriously.

It can`t be true.- This cannot be true.

Expression of physical ability and ability to perform an action

To express a person's abilities and physical skills, the modal verb can is used. It has two tense forms: can to express a person’s abilities in the present and could - in the past. In other tense forms, the verb can be equivalent to to be able (to).

We can`t translate the text.- We cannot translate the text.

He couldn`t see me, I was too far. - He couldn't see me, I was too far away.

We'll be able to see each other very often. - We can see each other more often.

He has been able to help me. - He managed to help me.

Expressing permission to perform an action

The speaker uses the modal verb can to ask permission to do something. Past tense form could will mean the same thing, but will make the phrase more polite and formal.

Can I ask a question? - Can I ask a question?

Could I ask a question? - Let me ask a question.

The verb may has a modal meaning: to allow something to be done and can be used instead of can.

May I visit a doctor? - Can I visit the doctor?

Expression of obligation

To express obligation, the modal verbs must, have to, need to are usually used, the negative form of which is intended to express the absence of the need to do something. Most should verbs are in the present tense. Had to also has a past tense form.

I must pick up my daughter from the kindergarten. - I have to pick up my child from kindergarten.

When I was ill I had to take the pills two times a day. - When I was sick, I had to take pills 2 times a day.

To give advice to someone, we can also use the corresponding modal verbs should or ought to.

You should stop smoking. - You have to quit smoking.

You ought to cut down the amount of meat you eat. - You should reduce the amount of meat you eat.

The modal verb ought to together with the perfect infinitive will help you criticize someone's behavior.

He should have made more effort on winning the medal. “He should have put in more effort and tried to win a medal.”

Table of modal verbs

For convenience and clarity, examples of modal verbs along with their meanings can be placed in a table.

	necessity of action	You must understand it. You must understand this.
		You mustn`t turn right. Right turns are prohibited.
		You should lose some weight. You should lose weight. You should`t drink coffee before going to bed. You shouldn't drink coffee before bed.
shouldn`t + perfect infinitive	criticize someone's style of behavior	You should`t have given your telephone number to a stranger. You shouldn't have given your phone number to a stranger.
		You ought to go to the dentist. You should visit a dentist.
	the need to perform an action	We need to talk to each other. We need to talk to each other.
	ask permission; talk about skills and abilities.	Can I take these documents? Can I take these documents? I could swim when I was 6. When I was 6 years old, I could swim.

Sentences with modal verbs are very common in English. It is important to learn to understand their meaning in each specific case.