Modal verbs are widely used in the English language, so if you want to speak English easily and fluently, there is no way to avoid studying this topic. True, at first it may seem somewhat confusing. Many modal verbs have very similar meanings, so they are difficult to distinguish and very easy to confuse. To prevent this from happening, in this article we will study the features of using the modal verbs can, may, must and should.
Definition
First, let's figure out what modal verbs are. Firstly, they are not used independently. In a sentence, they are necessarily combined with a semantic verb, i.e. the modal verb itself cannot denote any specific actions, it can only indicate the possibility, probability, necessity of an action expressed by a semantic one. In addition, it expresses the speaker’s attitude towards any action.
Modal verbs may (might)
These verbs are often difficult to use. They can be either interchangeable or multifunctional. The first and most important meaning that both of these verbs express is probability and uncertainty. However, it is worth remembering that may will still express a greater degree of confidence than might.
With the help of modal verbs we can express any assumptions with a degree of uncertainty about their accuracy.
Example: He may be at the concert - He may be at the concert.
The verbs may/might can be used when talking about some plans and intentions.
Example: I may be going to the cinema - Maybe I’ll go to the cinema.
In interrogative sentences, the verbs may/might can mean a polite form of address.
Example: May I show you my painting? - Can I show you my paintings?
Although in everyday colloquial speech, the verbs may/might in this function are increasingly being replaced by the verb can.
The enable or disable function uses may.
Example: You may eat only one candy at a time - You can eat only one candy at a time.
May can also be used when expressing any wishes. It is worth giving preference to might if we are talking about polite advice.
Example: You might like to try this dish - You might want to try this dish.
Might is also used when talking about some very unlikely situation.
Must
In no case should the modal verbs may/might and must be confused, since must expresses necessity, obligation, obligation, i.e. it has a much stronger meaning.
Example: We must finish this work by autumn - We must finish this work before autumn.
Must can also express some conscious necessity, which is caused not by external circumstances, but by an internal understanding of one’s duty.
Example: We must take care of parents - We must take care of our parents.
You can also use must to express a prohibition or an order.
Can
Like the modal verbs may and must, can is also very often used in speech, so it is important to know the features of its use.
Can is used when you need to talk about the physical or mental ability to do something, i.e. this verb is used when they say that they can do something.
Examples: I can swim - I can swim.
I can run fast - I can run fast.
I can drive a car - I can drive a car.
This verb can also denote theoretical and general possibilities.
Example: She can do anything right now - She can do anything right now.
Can indicates the legal possibility of doing something.
In interrogative sentences, can can mean a request to do something or surprise. Also, this verb in some functions indicates prohibition, distrust or permission.
Example: She cannot be so young! - She can't be that young! (An example of a sentence expressing distrust).
Should
This modal verb most often acts as an advice or recommendation that does not have to be followed.
Should can be used when talking about moral duty.
Example: We should think about our environment more often - We should think about the surrounding nature more often.
This modal verb can express regret about something or even reproach for some action or inaction.
Example: You should solve this problem - You should solve this problem.
Temporal forms of modal verbs
Modal verbs are called insufficient verbs. They received this name because they do not have ordinary verb forms, including tense forms. But how then to construct sentences? The main semantic verb takes on the entire load.
Let's look at a few examples. The present tense is formed quite simply. You just need to follow the formula “modal verb + semantic infinitive”: I can swim.
Some modal verbs have the past tense form (can – could), but in the future tense, can is replaced by the construction will be able to.
For comparison, consider the modal verb must. It has only the present tense form. The formation of all other forms is taken over by the semantic verb. Let's look at examples.
He must send this letter - He must send this letter.
He had to send this letter - He had to send this letter.
He will have to send this letter - He will have to send this letter.
Interrogative and negative sentences
In interrogative sentences, the modal verb is placed either first, if it is a general question, or before the question word, if a special question is used.
Example: Can I see the boss? -Can I see the boss?
There is no question word here, so the modal verb comes first.
When can he go to the cinema? - When can he go to the cinema?
In this example there is a question word “when”, so the modal verb comes after it, i.e. in second place.
Negation and modal verbs
Negation of modal verbs is formed using the negative particle not.
Example: You should not watch this film - You should not watch this film.
However, not all so simple. Some modal verbs can merge with the particle not (cannot) or form a contraction (should not = shouldn’t). But some verbs cannot form a short form or merge with a particle, for example, may is such a verb. The negative form of this verb will look like may not.
Exercises
To test yourself, do exercises on the modal verbs may, might, can, must, should.
Fill in the gaps with suitable modal verbs and translate the sentences.
1. Take your umbrella. It... rain.
Take your umbrella. It can start raining.
This sentence expresses some assumption (it may rain). Therefore we can use may.
2. You ... finish your project as soon as possible.
You must finish your project as soon as possible.
Answer: must
This phrase can be heard, for example, from a boss. This is practically an order (a call to do your job, your duties). Therefore, you can use must.
3. I...swim very well! But unfortinately, I... play the guitar.
I can swim very well. But, unfortunately, I can't play the guitar.
Answer: can / cannot
We are talking about some skills here. That's why can is used.
4. Don't wait for us. We... be late.
Don't wait for us. We might be late.
Answer: might
An assumption made with some uncertainty. You can use might.
5. You are so tired. You ... stay at home and have a rest.
You're so tired. You should stay home and rest.
Answer: Should
Polite advice that does not require mandatory and unconditional execution.
Modal verbs are used very often, so it is extremely important to pay enough attention to them and work out the features of their use in practice. You should definitely pay attention to the meaning of the sentence; it will tell you which verb will be appropriate in a given situation.
Here you can find English modal verbs/ can, may, must, ought, need, should.
MODAL VERBS (MODAL VERBS)
1. Modal verbs are the verbs can, may, must, ought (to), need, should.Modal verbs do not denote an action, but the ability, admissibility, possibility, probability, necessity of performing an action.
Compared to semantic verbs, modal verbs have a number of features:
a. Modal verbs are not used without a semantic verb. The semantic verb after modal verbs is in the infinitive without the particle to. Modal verbs in combination with semantic verbs form a complex verbal predicate:
I can look out of the window and see, can"t I?
I can look out the window and see, right?
b. Modal verbs do not change in persons and numbers, i.e. in the third person singular
do not have the ending -s (-es):
I can remember drinking tea...
I can remember how we drank tea...
All this must be changed.
All this needs to change. (lit.: All this must be changed).
c. Modal verbs form interrogative and negative forms without the help of others
auxiliary verbs:
May I ask, sir, by what right it has been taken from me?
May I ask, sir, by what right was it taken from me?
You need not be nervous about it.
You don't need to be nervous about this.
d. Modal verbs do not have infinitive, participle, or gerund forms.
e. Modal verbs do not have future tense forms.
f. The verbs can, may have a past tense form (could, might), but the verb must does not have a past tense form.
MEANING OF MODAL VERBS
2. The modal verb сan expresses the possibility or ability to perform an action. It is usually translated into Russian with the words I can, I can. In the past indefinite tense it has the form could. Does not have future indefinite forms:
It is generally acknowledged that nuclear war can lead only to the suicide of the human race.
It is generally accepted that a nuclear war can only lead to the self-destruction of humanity.
The verb can is also used to express a real or perceived possibility:
This work could be done at once.
This work could have been done right away.
3. The modal verb may expresses permission or opportunity to perform an action. It is usually translated into Russian with the words I can, it is possible. In the past indefinite tense it has the form might. The future indefinite tense has no form:
Not that comes first to the hill may sit where he will.
Whoever comes to the hill first can sit wherever he wants. (Whoever took the stick first is the corporal.)
The verb may is also used to express assumptions (with a tinge of doubt):
May not know about it.
He may not know about it. (He may not know this.)
4. The modal verb must expresses obligation, the need to perform an action due to certain circumstances, as well as an order or advice. It is usually translated into Russian with the words must, must, must.
It has only the form of the present indefinite tense must, i.e. it has no forms of the past indefinite and future indefinite tense.
Whatever his political opinions he must help us.
Whatever his political views, he must help us.
The verb must is also used to express an assumption (with a hint of probability):
Ten minutes must have passed before we again heard the lookout"s warning.
It must have been about ten minutes before we heard the observer's warning again.
5. The modal verb ought expresses the moral necessity of performing an action. It is usually translated into Russian with the words should, should, should, should. It has only the form of the present indefinite tense ought, i.e. it has no forms of the past and future indefinite tense.
After the modal verb ought, the semantic verb in an indefinite form is used with the particle to:
I suppose I ought to confiscate it, but I hate to treat an officer in that way.
I suppose I should confiscate it, but I can't stand treating an officer like that.
The verb ought in combination with the perfect infinitive indicates that the desired action was not carried out in the past:
Didn't want to have done this work.
He should have done the job.
6. The modal verb need expresses the need to perform an action. It is usually translated into Russian with the words necessary, necessary.
It has only the form of the present indefinite tense need, i.e. it has no forms of the past and future indefinite tense:
We need to talk about this no more.
We don't need to talk about this anymore.
Unlike other modal verbs, the interrogative and negative forms of the modal verb need can also be formed using the auxiliary verb to do in the appropriate form, and the semantic verb in this case is used with the particle to:
Need we answer this letter?
Do we need to answer this letter?
Do we need to respond to this letter?
You need not answer this letter.
You do not need to answer this letter.
You do not need to respond to this letter.
7. The verb should is also used as a modal verb.
The verb should expresses advice, the subjective need to perform an action. It is usually translated into Russian with the words must, should. Has only one should form:
The instructions should be written in clear language.
Instructions must be written (must be written) in clear language.
17.02.2015
There are not so many modal verbs in English. Previously, I wrote about the use of can and could, will and would, and shall and should.
Today we will look at the rules for using modal verbs must have to, may And might.
The first thing to remember about English modal verbs is that they do not change tenses (they have “substitutes” for this) and after them the main verb is used without a particle to: canplay, mustpay, wouldgo etc.
Also, modal verbs in a sentence themselves act as auxiliary verbs:
- Can you swim?
- Would you play?
- May I go?
Must vs. Have to
Modal verb must serves to express obligation (obligation) and necessity (necessity), in Russian in affirmative sentences it is translated as “must, must.”
Verb have to
does not look like a modal verb, nevertheless, it performs its function. Have to
acts as must
in past and future tenses.
Main difference in use must And haveto– this is their emotional aspect.
If must means “I have to do something because I need or want to”, then haveto means “I have to do something because someone needs it, it’s not my desire - I’m forced to do it.”
For example:
- I have to pay the bills because my wife is ill.
- I must stop smoking. It's really bad for my health.
In negative sentences must expresses the strictest prohibition “impossible, prohibited”: You mustn't smoke here.
While have to in negative sentences it is translated as “you shouldn’t, you shouldn’t, you don’t have to, but you can do it if you want” and needs an auxiliary verb: You don't have to pay for this.
Also must expresses submission to various kinds of general laws, that is, something needs to be done because it is so accepted in society.
A have to expresses obedience to private “laws”, that is, you are forced by conscience, moral principles or duties.
Eg:
- We must pay the taxes.
- He has to tell her the truth.
May vs. Might
First, modal verbs may And might are used to express “possibility of action”, both in the present and in the future tense.
For example:
- It may be true. = It might be true.
- He may know. = He might know.
- Take an umbrella with you. It might rain later.
- We haven’t decided yet where to go for our holidays. We may go to Ireland.
In fact, may expresses a slightly greater possibility of action than might(like 70% to 30%).
In some cases there is not much difference: both modal verbs can be used.
If you are talking about an unrealistic situation, it is better to use might.
To describe a possible action or event in the past, use may have (done) or might have (done).
For example:
- I wonder why Kate didn’t answer the phone. She might have been asleep.
- I can't find my purse anywhere. Oh, I may have left it in the shop.
Secondly, in order to ask or give permission, to express wishes, only may.
For example:
- Happy birthday! May all your dreams come true!
- May I stay with you tonight?
- You may have another cookie if you like.
To practice using modal verbs must And haveto I suggest you do the following exercise.
- Translate into English usingmustAndhave to. Consumehave toonly in cases wheremustcannot be used:
1. You should talk to her.
2. I had to write to my sister about this.
3. They must be talking about this now.
4. I must read this book.
5. They must be playing in the yard.
6. Mom got sick and I had to take my brother to school.
7. She must have recognized you.
8. I had to go there myself.
9. You will have to wait a little.
10. They should have taken care of her.
To practice modal verbs may And might, do the following exercise in the comments:
- Fill in the blanks with one of the modal verbs (may, might):
1. You... use my computer if you need.
2. It... be freezing outside. Most people are wearing warm coats and scarves.
4. He... have been at work.
5. He who falls today, … rise tomorrow.
6. …I bring my friend to the party?
7. She...have been asleep when you called.
8. I... come to the cinema with them. I haven't decided yet.
9. Happy New Year! … it will be luckier than the previous one!
10. Don’t throw it away, it... come in use, you never know.
Answers I'll post it in the comments a little later.
Use of verbs can And may is often problematic in modern English. It is sometimes difficult to immediately say which sentence will be correct: “May we expect you tomorrow?” or “Can we expect you tomorrow?”
Once upon a time, according to the strict rules of English grammar can expressed physical or mental ability, A may– permission And OK. It was considered wrong to use can in the meaning of permission. There was a verb for this may:
- May I accompany you to the concert, Miss Smith
- Why of course you may, honey.
And this young lady could ask about her dancing abilities like this:
- Can you do the tango?
And get, for example, such a positive answer:
- Why of course I can, Miss Smith.
Today the rules of language are not so defined. Already from the second half of the 19th century can used in informal speech to express permission. For example, you might hear the following:
Can I go to the party? -Can I go out for the evening?
And these days, can also used in informal context for expressing permission. Primary school teachers often hear
Can I go to the garden?
and his parents are being persecuted
Can I have a doll?
Children repeat what they hear from adults, and the latter, as can be seen, are increasingly moving away from may, which sometimes sounds too prim.
Linguist Weichman also separates these verbs, noting that the question with may“sounds more polite.”
Therefore, we can conclude that only in formal and official communication situations should this verb be used to request permission. For example, in a conversation with a restaurant waiter it would be more advantageous to sound
May I have more salt, please?
than
Can I have more salt, please?
And if you knock on the door, it’s better to ask
May I come in?
As for prohibitions, then use may not highly not recommended. This applies to all styles.
You can't go to the disco.
Use may in such cases, although formally acceptable, it sounds unnatural. Educated people are more likely to say “Can’t I?” not “Mayn’t I?” or “May I not?” And even according to the strict rules of English grammar, the question “Why mayn’t I go to the disco?” sounds wrong, you can say “not in English” So, in the near future the verb may not, most likely, will become archaic, if it hasn’t already.
Now let's return to the question asked at the beginning of the article. Which option would be correct: “Can or may we see you tomorrow?” First you need to understand what the speaker means: ability or permission. To do this, you can replace the verb, for example, with its equivalent:
Are we allowed to see you tomorrow?
It is immediately clear that the resolution value is not appropriate.
But the ability in this case is also not implied:
Are we mentally able to see you tomorrow?
If you think about it a little, you come to the conclusion that in this case the best option would be might:
Might we see you tomorrow?
For the difference in the use of may and might, see.
Meanwhile, “Are you coming tomorrow?” may also be suitable in this case. But if you had to choose between can And may, then it is still advisable to give preference to the first:
Can we see you tomorrow?
So, in an informal setting, the use can instead of may allowed and widely used in speech, while in formal style it is recommended to use may.
English is a very polite language. Just look at the fact that everyone addresses each other as “you”. When communicating, it is important to choose the correct forms because, although many forms have the same translation in Russian, in English they are perceived with varying degrees of politeness and formality. Expressing permission in English is a prime example of this.
There are several ways to express permission in English:
In this article we will talk about modal verbs. In colloquial speech we can ask permission, give permission or forbid. Let's look at what modal verbs express each of these functions and what are the features of their use.
Asking for permission: can, could, may, might
To ask permission in English we have a large selection of means: modal verbs can, may, could, might.
Might- the most formal option, the rest differ in the level of politeness. Could And may- more polite forms than can. Although questions with these verbs will be translated into Russian the same way ( Can I...? , May I...?), in English the choice of the correct form depending on the communication situation plays a big role. If you don't know the person very well, use may or might. If you want to politely ask a friend, then use could . Can I...? - a less formal and polite, but universal option.
Mum, can I go for a walk? - Mom, can I go for a walk?
Jane, could I take a look at your report? - Jane, can I take a look at your report?
Excuse me, may I use your pen? - Excuse me, can I use your pen?
Might I ask you a question, Mister Jones? - Can I ask you a question, Mr. Jones?
Please note that questions like these are not usually answered simply. "yes" or "no", since these are not just general questions, they convey a specific modal function. To answer briefly, they usually say "Sure", "Of course", "Certainly", "Why not?" or "I"m afraid not" .
Since we're talking about asking for permission, let's take a break from modal verbs for a moment and look at a few more expressions:
Is it OK if I ...?- Can I...? ()
Is it all right if I...?- Can I...?/ Is it okay if I...?
Do you mind if I...?- Do you mind if I...?
If you need to ask a polite question, use would to build it. Do not forget that after would should verb in the second form (V2):
Would you mind if I V2…? - Do you mind if I...?
Would it be OK/all right if I V2…? - Do you mind if I...?
Giving permission: can, may.
In order to give permission, not used modal verbs could and might. They can only be found in questions, but it is permissible to answer, that is, give permission only with the help modal verbs can and may. They are very easy to use, since they do not change in gender and number and are translated as "Can":
You may smoke in this room. - You can smoke in this room.
Now when you have finished doing your hometask you can go for a walk. - Now that you have finished doing your homework, you can go for a walk.
The main difference between can And may- what can is used primarily in informal communication, and may - more formal and polite option:
You can borrow my pencil if yours is broken. - You can take my pencil if yours is broken.
You may ask the questions at the end of my presentation. - You can ask your questions at the end of my presentation.
Refusing permission: can"t, may not, mustn"t
To refuse, withhold permission, or prohibit something, there are three options: can't, may not And mustn"t . Could not used in this function.
The most “strong” refusal is when they do not just refuse, but rather prohibit:
You musn"t eat ice-cream, you have sore throat. - You can’t eat ice cream, you have a sore throat.
Students mustn"t cheat at the exam. - Students are prohibited from cheating on the exam.
And, of course, can , which is used in everyday communication in most situations:
Could I pay in cash? - I"m sorry, but you can"t pay in cash.
- Can I pay in cash? - Unfortunately, you cannot pay in cash.
Can I drive? - You can't, I'll drive myself.
- Can I drive the car? - No, you can’t, I’ll drive myself.
When talking about permission, verbs are also used. We will talk about their use in the next article.