They do not obey the general rules by which other verbs operate. They are not used separately and have no independent meaning. Modal verbs “can”, “could”, “must”, “may” express the speaker’s attitude to the main action. What does it mean? Some verbs express the degree of possibility, others express obligation. After modal verbs the particle “-to” is not used, with the exception of the verbs “to be able to” and “manage to”. Examples:
I can swim. (I can swim).
She must obey her parents. (She must obey her parents.)
Who could see my cat? (Who could see my cat?).
Workers are not able to finish this building. (The workers are unable to complete the construction of this building).
She managed to find her mobile phone immidiately when we went away. (She was able to find her cell phone right after we left).
Rules for using modal verbs
As mentioned above, modal verbs exist according to their own rules. But they are not difficult to remember, since the list of such verbs is small:
To be able to - I can;
Manage to - I can;
Can/could - I can, could;
Must - must;
May - maybe.
As you can see, some of them have synonymous meaning. There is a common misconception that the modal verbs “can”, “could”, “must” and “may” change in person, number and tense. In fact, this is not true. That is, we do not add any endings to these verbs and do not change them. The exception is the verb "manage" - we can put it in the past tense by adding - "managed". And also, the verb “to be able to” - here the auxiliary verb “to be” changes according to the general rules.
Verbs "to be able to" and "manage to"
The verb “to be able to” is translated as “to be able, capable, able.” For example:
These people are able to do the work in time. (These people are able to complete the work on time).
The verb changes as follows:
The meaning of the verb "manage to" is "can". It changes according to the following scheme:
In a word, nothing complicated. The main thing is to understand these simple rules.
Verbs "can" and "could"
The next rule is more complicated, but not much. The modal verbs “can” and “could” are translated as “I can, I am able” and have a common meaning. While “manage to” and “to be able to” are used mainly in special cases. Although, only mostly. In principle, the verbs “can”, “could”, “managed”, “be able to” operate according to similar rules.
*Worth paying attention. It has no future tense form. Therefore, it is appropriate to use an analogue - “manage to” or “to be able to”.
Verbs "must" and "may"
Next point. The verbs "can", "could", "must", "may" have separate forms in different tenses. This makes them easier to use. The verb "must" has the sharpest degree of obligation. For example:
You must go home now, it won't be discussed! (You must go home and this is not discussed!).
If you want to use a softer degree of should, give advice or recommendation, then the verb “should” should be used. For example:
You shouldn't eat so much sweet, if you won't to be fit. (You shouldn't eat so much sweet if you want to be slim).
The verb "may" is translated as "I can" and, usually. used in polite requests. For example:
I"m sorry, may I take your pen for a minute? (Sorry, can I take your pen for a minute?).
The verb "must" has no forms in tenses other than the present. Therefore, we substitute similar values. In this case, it is appropriate to use “to” - “must, forced”.
The main thing is to figure everything out. Actually, nothing complicated.
The use of modal verbs in negative and interrogative sentences
The word order in English sentences is strictly fixed. This means that, regardless of the context, in an affirmative sentence the subject will come first, then the predicate, then additional members of the sentence. In a negative sentence, everything is the same. Only after the predicate does “not” appear. This word order is called direct. The word order in an interrogative sentence is called reverse. Here, at the beginning of the sentence there is a predicate, then - the subject, then - additional members of the sentence. In the case of modal verbs "can", "could", "may" and others, everything is according to the rules. They function as auxiliaries. For example:
I can't (can't) swim.
She must not (mustn"t) do it, if she doesn"t wont. (She doesn't have to do this if she doesn't want to).
They will not (won"t) be able to cook the dinner without the light.
Can you help me with the dinner? (Can you help me with dinner?).
Shall I go with her? (Should I go with her?).
May I go for a walk, I "m tired. (Can I go for a walk, I'm tired.).
In special interrogative sentences, question words come at the beginning of the sentence:
Who can speak English? (Who can speak English?).
Examples of using modal verbs
Let's look at a few short dialogues:
1). - I want to be a dentist in a future.
So, you should study hard in the school.
I want to become a dentist in the future.
Then you should study hard at school.
2). - You must be gentle with your younger sister.
I will try, but she is too noisy.
You must be gentle with your little sister.
I'll try, but she's very noisy.
3). - What abilities do you have?
I can play guitar and piano.
What can you do?
I can play the guitar and piano.
Practical part
Try to translate the following sentences into English. Use modal verbs:
1). Can I open the window?
2). My parents should pay more attention to each other.
3). She couldn't have decorated this room better.
4). I was happy and able to do absolutely anything!
5). Were you able to find the keys?
2) My parents should put more attention to each other.
3) She wasn't able to decorate this room better.
4) I was happy and able to do absolutely everything!
5) Did you manage to find the keys?
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.
There is a whole category of words in English that can safely be called special, different from other groups of vocabulary. These words are modal verbs: Can, Could, Must, May, Might, Should, Need, Have to. Although they are not used as independent lexical units, since they express only the necessity, ability or possibility of performing an action, their role in the language is incredibly large. What are these words and when are they used?
Can
Can is rightfully considered the most common word in the modal group. Thanks to him, we can report that we know/can do something or are capable of something.
Can is used to indicate:
- intellectual or physical real ability to accomplish something;
- requests, permission, prohibition;
- doubts, mistrust, surprise.
But it must be remembered that the modal verb can itself does not denote an action, therefore it must be followed by another verb that directly indicates the execution of the process. This rule applies to all other words discussed below.
Could
Must
The modal verb must denotes obligation, namely:
- an obligation or a certain duty due to personal beliefs, principles, traditions;
- advice, recommendation or order;
- probability/supposition of the action taking place.
Must is used not only in the present tense, but also in the future. It is important to remember that in all cases its shape does not change.
May
The modal verb may indicates the possibility of performing an action or the assumption of such a possibility. In the general sense, it is translated as you can/can/can, etc. May is used when it is necessary to express:
- the objective possibility of performing an action that is not prevented by anything or anyone;
- formal request or permission;
- an assumption caused by doubt.
Might
Might is the past tense form of May. Also used to indicate the possibility/request/suggestion of performing an action. One of the special meanings of the word Might is an expression of slight condemnation or disapproval. It is interesting that although the modal verb might is considered a past tense form, it is used to denote the execution of a process both in the present and in the future.
The modal verb should is similar in meaning to Must, but is not as strict. Thus, Should is used when the task is to express an obligation or duty, stylistically weakened to a recommendation or advice. Should is also used to denote reproach or regret due to the fact that the desired action was not previously performed or can no longer be performed.
Need
The modal verb need should be used to express a need or urgent need to carry out an action. Accordingly, if Need is present in a negative construction, it denotes the lack of need/permission to do something. Need is also found in interrogative constructions - here it indicates doubts about the advisability of performing the process in question.
The main distinctive feature of Have to is that it denotes the obligation to perform actions due to specific circumstances. Based on this, the modal verb have to is recommended to be used only when it is necessary to indicate the compulsion of actions due to the current situation, and not personal desires. Have to can be used in all tenses, but each has its own form: present - Have to or Has to, past - Had to, future - Will have to.
Without a doubt, without modal verbs it is impossible to construct competent and stylistically neat speech. Therefore, when choosing methods of learning English that you can familiarize yourself with, be sure to include the study of this category of vocabulary in the chosen method. Moreover, now you have a useful theoretical basis that will help you successfully cope with the task.
In English, they differ from other verbs in that they are not used independently and do not denote a specific action or
state, they reflect its modality, that is, the speaker’s attitude towards it. Together, the modal verb and the infinitive of the meaningful verb form a compound modal predicate.
I can swim. I can swim.
The speaker can evaluate the action as possible, necessary, permitted, requested, prohibited, ordered, unlikely, very probable, etc.
Can or May?
The use of the verbs can and may in modern English is often confusing. Once upon a time, according to the strict rules of English grammar
can
expressed physical or mental ability, A
may
– permission and approval. It was considered incorrect to use can in the meaning of permission.
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. IN
formal and official
in communication situations the verb should be used may
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?
As for prohibitions/denials , then use may not extremely NOT recommended. This applies to all styles.
Use may in such cases, although formally acceptable, it sounds unnatural. Educated people are more likely to say
"Can't I?" rather than “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, one might say "Not
in English".
When is what used? Can or could, may or might?
CAN is used:
1.
When expressing capabilities
or possibilities
do something. (Indefinite Infinitive)
I can swim. You can play. / I can swim. You can play.
2. When do something.
I cannot swim. He cannot see / I can't swim. He can't see.
3.
When the possibility that an action could have been denied
come true in reality. (Perfect Infinitive)
You cannot have done it. / It can’t be that you did this.
COULD is used:
1.
When expression capabilities or abilities
in past
. (Indefinite Infinitive)
They could swim. / They didn't know how to swim.
2.
When expression denial of possibility or ability
taking any action in past
.
She couldn't swim. / She didn't know how to swim.
3. When consumed indirect speech , depending from a verb in the past tense . (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)
I said that you couldn't have done that. / I said you couldn't do it.
4. In the main part of conditional sentences.
In conditional sentences of the second type and third type (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive).
If he tried, he could do
If he had tried, he could have done it. / If he tried, he could do it.
MAY is used:
1. To express permission for any action (Indefinite Infinitive)
You may go home now. / Now you can go home.
2. To express an assumption: relating to the present and future (Indefinite Infinitive) or to the past (Perfect Infinitive)
It may rain today. / It might rain today.
She may have returned to Moscow. / She may have returned to Moscow.
MIGHT is used:
1. When using indirect speech depending on the verb in the past tense.
to express permission (Indefinite Infinitive) or express assumption (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)
She said that he might take her cellphone. / She said he could take her phone.
He said that she might know their address. / He said that she might know their address.
2. In the main part of conditional sentences: in conditional sentences of the second (Indefinite Infinitive) and third type (Perfect Infinitive)
Using the phrase to BE ABLE TO
As you probably already noticed when considering the verb can
, it has only two forms, these are - can and could
, i.e. when expressed in the present or past tense. But how can we convey the meaning of this modal verb in other tenses?
forms? For this it has a synonym expressed by the combination "to be able to"
. This phrase, like the verb can, denotes ability, ability.
I can swim = I am able to swim - I can (able) to swim.
BUT it wouldn't be that simple! When using this phrase it is necessary
consider the difference between a modal verb can and the expression itself
to be able to.
The point is that if we use to be able to in the present or past tense as a direct replacement can or could, then the very meaning of the entire sentence changes! In such a case, the combination shows that a person can or cannot do something in a particular case in question, at a certain point in time. Let's try to figure it out using an example, say, with the same verb swim. Let's say I can swim. And this morning, while going down the stairs, I twisted my leg, and that’s why today I can’t swim. But the fact that I twisted my leg did not change my ability to swim.
I can swim. But I’m not able to swim today. / I can swim. But today I am not able to swim.
What about other temporary forms? For example, how we will do something in the future.
I will be able to go to you tomorrow. / I can come see you tomorrow.
To give denial
, particle is used not
by joining.
I am not able to... I will not (won’t) be able to... I was not (wasn’t) able to... etc.
It is necessary to remember
— With all personal pronouns, the modal verb does not change.
I,WE,YOU,THEY,HE,SHE,IT - can (cannot/can’t), could (couldn’t) - verb “ability” (do, play, see, come..)
— Between the modal verb and the verb “ability”
absent
TO!
Statement of a question
In an interrogative sentence, the first place comes
, followed by 2.Modal verb, then 3.Agent and finally 4.Action verb.
(1)When (2)can (3)you (4)get home? / When can you come home?
Will you be able to give me your book? – Can you give me your book? (As you can see, in the case of the phrase be able to, the formulation of the question remains unchanged, as with a regular verb.)