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 is necessary to remember 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.
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 not able 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?
May And might are modal verbs that have many interesting qualities. In some cases they can replace each other, in others they can act as a form of present and past tense, in others they can have completely different meanings. May And might sometimes cause difficulties for English learners, so in this article we will talk about the difference between them and examine in detail the cases of their use.
Features of the modal verbs may and might
To begin with, we propose to understand how sentences are constructed with may And might, because such proposals have several distinctive features.
In affirmative sentences after may And might we use the infinitive without a particle to. In questions may And might must be placed before the subject. In negative sentences we add to may/might particle not. To Russian may/might most often translated by the words “could”, “could”.
I might go. - I could go.
May she enter the room? - She Maybe enter the room?
I may not come. - I I can't come.
Pay attention to one feature: negation may not no shortened form.
We may not may not be at home today. - Us may not be today at home.
Negation might not may be reduced - mightn't, however, this form is rare.
It might rain today, mightn't it? - It might rain today is not it?
Let's consider other features of modal may And might:
- Might is the past tense form of the verb may, But might also used as a stand-alone modal verb.
- U may And might there are general functions and there are private ones: in some cases we can only use may, in others – only might.
- WITH may And might we can use the regular infinitive ( may/might do), long ( may/might be doing) and perfect ( may/might have done). Regular infinitive ( may/might do) indicates an action in the present or future, continuous - a long-term action in the present or future, perfect - an action in the past.
Also, different functions may have their own peculiarities of using infinitives. We will talk about them further.
Well, now let's figure out how may And might are used in speech.
When we use the modal verbs may and might
First, we will look at cases where both verbs can be used - may And might. Here they are:
- Possibility, uncertainty– probability, uncertainty.
The most important function may/might is a probability. In this function may shows a greater degree of confidence than might. In translation into Russian we will use the words “may”, “maybe”, “should be”, “possibly”.
This function has one feature: we can use long ( may/might be doing) and perfect ( may/might have done) infinitives to describe actions in the present, past and future. Regular infinitive ( may/might do) works according to standard rules: shows the present or the future. You can observe this feature in the cases listed below, since probability and uncertainty can manifest themselves in different ways:
- We describe a typical situation or talk about a well-known fact.
A driver may fall asleep if he doesn’t stop every two hours. - Driver can fall asleep, unless it stops every 2 hours.
The flowers might have faded if I hadn't watered them regularly. - Flowers could wither, if I didn't water them regularly.
- We make a guess about what might be true. As a rule, in this case we are not very confident in our words.
– Where is Ken? -Where is Ken?
– No idea. He may be in the kitchen. - Don't know, May be, in the kitchen.He might not have been at the concert. – Maybe, his did not have at the concert.
- Nothing prevents us from performing or not performing any action. Circumstances are such that we can do something.
We may go out tonight or we may not. – Maybe, We let's go for a walk tonight, a maybe we won't go.
I might not answer the phone as I’ll be sleeping in the afternoon. - I I may not answer on the phone, since I will sleep during the day.
- We talk about our possible plans or intentions. Here may/might usually used with the continuous infinitive.
Don't call me at midday. I might be having lunch at this time. - Don't call me at noon. I I can have lunch at that time.
I may be going to Switzerland soon. – May be, I I'll leave to Switzerland soon.
And now a little life hack: if we can replace may/might in a word perhaps(possible), which means we are talking about probability.
He might not have been at the concert. = Perhaps he was not at the concert. – Maybe, he was not at the concert.
I may be going to Switzerland soon. = Perhaps I'm going to Switzerland soon. – May be, I'm leaving for Switzerland soon.
- We describe a typical situation or talk about a well-known fact.
- Request, asking for permission- request, request for permission.
According to the rules of classical grammar, we use may/might when we want to politely make a request to someone or ask permission to do something. However, in spoken English, native speakers increasingly use a modal verb in this function. May/might preferable can in a formal context. Also in this meaning might a more polite verb than may.
May I show you the papers, sir? – Can Shall I show you the papers, sir?
Sorry to bother you, Mr. Smith. Might I have a day-off tomorrow? - Sorry to bother you, Mr. Smith. Can i Should I take tomorrow off?
- Design may/might as well.
Expression may/might as well used in such cases:
- when we have to do something because we have no other choice;
- if there is not much difference, what to do.
This expression implies the following idea: it is better to do this than to do nothing at all. There are several translation options: “there is nothing (else) left (as)”, “why not”, “it is possible and”, “it is quite possible”, “it is possible at least”. It should be noted that the combination might as well occurs more often than may as well.
We've missed our train. We might as well wait for the next one. - We missed the train. There is nothing else left but wait for the next one.
– Are you leaving now? - Are you leaving now?
– I don’t know. I might as well. - Don't know. It is possible Now.There is nothing to do here. I may as well go somewhere else. - There's nothing to do here. Quite possible, I'll go somewhere else.
- Design may/might not...but.
We use the design may/might not...but when we want to highlight some good quality in a person or thing. This construction is usually translated with the words “could not have been..., if not for...”, “would not have been, if not for...”.
These memoirs may not be a masterpiece, but the author’s life experience is invaluable. – These memoirs wouldn't be masterpiece if not the author's invaluable experience.
This girl might not have become a famous singer, but her voice was beautiful. - This girl might not be famous singer, if not her beautiful voice.
We got acquainted with the general functions of verbs may And might. Now we will look at each of them separately.
When to use the modal verb may
Some tasks are modal may didn't want to share with might. Let's figure out which ones exactly.
- Permission and prohibition– permission and prohibition.
We use a modal verb may, if we allow or allow someone to do something. To disable an action, we add to may negative particle not. It should be noted that may And may not in this meaning are often found in formal speech. We also use this modal verb when we speak with an unfamiliar person, boss or subordinate. To Russian may usually translated by the word “to be able”, may not- “impossible”, “must not”, “prohibited”.
You may eat only one ice-cream at a time. - You you can eat it only one ice cream at a time.
Mr. Hicks, you may participate in the debate on Saturday. - Mr. Hicks, you you can take part in Saturday's debate.
Customers may not enter this room. – Buyers forbidden to enter to this room.
You may not play football on the grass. - You shouldn't play football on the grass.
- Wishes– wishes.
By using may we can express our wishes to someone. In this case may goes to the beginning of a sentence. In Russian we will translate the modal verb with the word “let”.
May this marriage brings you a lot of joy and happiness. – Let this marriage will bring you a lot of joy and happiness.
May all your wishes come true. – Let all your wishes will come true.
- Certainty- confidence.
If we believe that some action is likely to happen, if we are almost certain of it, we can add to may adverb well. This combination will be translated by the words “probably”, “quite possible”.
He may well take a taxi not to wait for a bus. - He, will probably take taxi so as not to wait for the bus.
Adam may well not want to go to the hospital with us. – Adam may well not want to come with us to the hospital.
When to use the modal verb might
U might English also has its own problems. Let's see what functions this modal verb performs.
- Polite advice- polite advice.
Might as an independent modal verb, it is used to politely give advice or make an assumption about something. Most often in such cases might goes with the words: like(like, want), prefer(prefer) or want(want).
You might like to try one of our wonderful desserts. - You, maybe you want try one of our wonderful desserts.
You might prefer a cheaper accommodation. It will help you to save some money. – Maybe, You would you prefer cheaper housing. This will save you money.
- Action that never happened- an action that did not happen.
Verb might shows an action that could have happened but did not. At the same time, for might followed by a perfect infinitive ( have done). Often this feature indicates that the speaker is unhappy that something was not done. This construction is translated as “could”.
He might have eaten a jar of jam if he hadn’t been full. - He could eat a jar of jam, if I weren't full.
You might have washed the dishes! – I could wash it dishes!
- Hardly possible situation- an unlikely situation.
When we say that some situation is possible, we use and may, And might. But if we are talking about a situation that is impossible or unlikely, then we should use might. The context helps us understand whether the situation before us is real or not: something would have happened if some circumstances had not interfered. Often used to express this function. We will translate into Russian might as "could".
Alice might come here tonight, but she is working till late. – Alice could come today, but she works late.
I might finish my report if you didn’t ask me stupid questions. - I could finish report, if you didn't ask me stupid questions.
If it hadn’t been so hot yesterday, we might have gone somewhere. – If it hadn’t been so hot yesterday, we would go somewhere.
- Typical situation in the past- a typical situation in the past.
Verb might can be used in situations where we want to communicate that some action was habitual, typical, or usual in the past. Usually in such cases we mention that the action took place a long time ago. Even though we are talking about action in the past, might will be used with the regular infinitive ( might do).
During the Middle Ages a girl might get married at the age of 12. – In the Middle Ages young woman could get married at the age of 12 years.
Years ago you might see just a couple of cars in the street. – Many years ago on the streets could be seen just a couple of cars.
- Verb Substitute may.
When agreeing tenses and in indirect speech we will use might, even if according to the rules there should be may.
Action in the present Action in the past Caroline isn't talking to Rick. They may/might have had an argument. Caroline not talking with Rick. Maybe, they quarreled.
Caroline wasn't talking to Rick. They might have had an argument. Caroline didn't talk with Rick. Maybe, they quarreled.
Direct speech Indirect speech Our coach told us, “You may stay up a little bit later tonight.” Our trainer said to us: “You you can go to bed a little later today."
Our coach told us that we might stay up a little bit later tonight. Our trainer said us that we we can go to bed a little later today.
Typically, English learners have the most difficulty with the notorious perfect infinitive. Let's watch a video in which they will tell us about the cases of using the perfect infinitive and other subtleties may And might.
And to finally consolidate the topic and understand how well you understand it, take our test.
Test
Modal verbs may and might in English
It is impossible to imagine the English language without modal verbs. Should, ought to, must, can and others like them - that integral part of the language that is taught in schools, studied in courses and worked on in every possible way. However, many, especially those who have just begun to immerse themselves in English, still have many questions - not only regarding the grammatical, but also the semantic aspect. Let's figure it out together.
We can speak English
If speak about "can"(“to be able”), then we, as a rule, use it to denote the physical (im)ability to do something ( physical ability of doing something), designation of the potential (im)possibility of something ( possibility/impossibility), as well as requests ( requests), failures ( refusals) and offers of help ( the offer).
For example:
- He can swim as well as a professional sportsman(“He can swim as well as a professional athlete”) - physical ability of doing something;
- She can't pass the salt to you right now(“Right now she can’t pass you the salt”) - physical disability of doing something;
- Chinese can be really difficult if you haven’t learned any Eastern language before(“Chinese may seem difficult if you have not studied any Eastern language before”) - possibility;
- It can’t be Ruth, she is on the islands now(“It can’t be Ruth, she’s on the islands now) - impossibility;
- Can you please give me some bread?(“Can you pass me the bread?”) - request;
- No, you can't do this(“No, you can’t do that”) - refusals;
- Can I help you?(“How can I help?”) - offer.
It should be mentioned that when we use "can" in negatives, although we mean that someone is not allowed to do something, this is not a strict prohibition, which, for example, is implied in the meaning of “must not.” So, it would be wrong to translate "No, you can't do this" as “No, you are not allowed to do this” - the correct translation would be "No, you can't do that". Such semantic and stylistic nuances are extremely important when using modal verbs, otherwise, if you choose the wrong verb, the meaning of the entire sentence may be completely distorted.
Can in the past tense
Modal verb "can" can also be used in the past tense - like "could" And "could have". The first, in addition to standard cases of use (we can express through could all the same things that we discussed above - from describing the possibility of something to refusal; the main difference will be that we are talking about the past), we often use to do our request is more polite (especially if we are addressing a stranger or simply conducting a formal, very polite dialogue): “Could you please show me the way?”(“Could you show me the way?”). We can use the second if we want to talk about something that is possible now or was so in the past: "He could have been in your office now"(“He could be in your office right now”) or “He could have run away even yesterday”(“He could have escaped yesterday”).
We order in English
"Must", unlike “can”, it means “must”, which is why it is used in rules and orders ( obligations) - when we want to convey that doing something is strictly prohibited, or vice versa, it must be done:
- You must be quiet on the lessons(“You must be quiet in class”);
- You must not smoke here(“Smoking is prohibited here”) = It is strictly forbidden to smoke here.
Also, if you "can" there is a past tense form "could", then "must" there is none, this verb is most often used in the present tense. If you still need to talk about the past, then the past form is formed using “have” and the third form of the semantic verb. Usually, "must have" implies something that should have happened, according to logic and deduction: “His bed is still warm, he must have been here”("His bed is still warm, he should have been here") or “If he had had gone to Mexico, he must have met Pablo and given it to him”("If he was in Mexico, he should have met Pablo and given it to him").
Ask permission in English
Modal verb "may" also translated as “to be able”, but, unlike “can”, it does not imply the physical ability and ability to do something, but an abstract one, and is used when we ask permission ( asking for permission), formulate a polite request ( request), we speak out about the likelihood of something (possibility of something) or we do not allow someone to do something ( refusal):
- May I ask, Sir?(“May I ask a question, sir?”) – asking for permission;
- He may pay you a visit tomorrow(“Maybe he’ll come see you tomorrow”) – possibility of something;
- May I offer you a seat?(“May I offer you a seat?”) – request;
- You may not take my clothes without my permission, Sarah!(“You’re not allowed to take my things without permission, Sarah!” – refusal.
It is also important to understand that "may not" does not imply such a strong prohibition as is inherent in "must not"– if we need to make it clear that something is strictly prohibited, we need to use “must not”.
"Might", in addition to being used as the past form of "may", can be used, again, in polite requests or statements that something might happen: "Might I ask you a question, Sir?" or "It might be raining tomorrow».
If everything could already happen...
We can also use "may have" And "might have" to indicate an action that could happen now or could happen some time ago:
- Three hours before midnight. She may have gone to her favorite club now(“Three hours to midnight. Maybe she left for her favorite club.”) - it is implied that she may have left now;
- She may have gone to her favorite club an hour ago(“Maybe an hour ago she left for her favorite club”) - implies that she could have left some time ago.
Despite their nuances of use and stylistic shades, modal verbs are very important for the language - they will help you most accurately and expressively formulate the message that you want to convey to your interlocutor, and will also give you the opportunity to understand the semantic connotation of the phrases in which they appear.
InformationI
Modal verbs do not denote the action itself, but indicate the speaker’s attitude towards it. The main features of modal verbs are that they:
1) require after themselves the infinitive of the semantic verb without the particle “to”: I can do this;
2) form an interrogative and a negative form without an auxiliary verb: Can you help me? – No, I cannot (I can’t);
3) the verbs “can” and “may” have only present and past tense forms, the verb “must” has only the present tense form. Modal verbs do not form complex verb forms;
4) do not change either by person or by number: He can speak English;
5) do not have impersonal forms (infinitive, gerund, participle).
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with verbs "can», « may», « must"and check your friend
1. All the students… go home because there will be no meeting after classes.
2. He can help you as he is not busy now.
3. My son... skate well.
5. I am sorry, I... leave. At 5 o'clock I shall have a lecture.
6. When must you come to the lessons? We must come to the lessons at 8.
7. I… don’t go to the club today. I have no time.
8. There are children in this room. You must not smoke here.
9. ...I open the window? Yes, you….
10. You are free and may go home.
InformationII
The verb "can" (past tense "could") expresses the physical or mental ability to perform the action expressed by the infinitive. “Can” is translated into Russian by forms of the verbs “to be able” and “to be able to”:
In the meaning of the verb “can”, as well as in place of its missing forms, the combination “to be able” + an infinitive with the particle “to” can be used:
I shall be able to come to see you tomorrow.
I can come to you tomorrow.
I was able (= could) to do this.
I was able to do it.
I am able (= can) to do this.
I can do it.
Exercise 1
Complete the sentences according to this model and check with your friend:
Model: I can’t help you now, but I’ll be able to do it tomorrow.
1. I cannot come today, but….
2. They can’t swim now, but they’ll be able to do it next month.
3. I can’t talk to her tonight, but….
4. You can’t take my book today, but you’ll be able to do it tomorrow.
5. She can’t cook dinner today, but….
6. I can’t lend you any money this month, but I’ll be able to do it next month.
7. He can’t go to the country this Sunday, but….
8. We can’t help you with the text today, but we’ll be able to do it tomorrow.
Exercise 2
Translate these sentences into English and check your friend
1. I couldn't help you yesterday.
2. Can you believe this story?
3. He will be able to come to the meeting tomorrow.
4. She will be able to see you tomorrow.
6. They could go to the country last month.
7. You can help us tomorrow.
8. Can your sister play the piano?
9. What languages can you speak?
10. He will be able to finish the work tomorrow.
InformationIII
The verb may (past tense might only for indirect speech) expresses:
1) resolution:
May I come in? Can I come in?
2) possibility or assumption:
It may rain today. Maybe it will rain today.
In the meaning of the verb “may”, as well as in place of its missing forms, the combination “to be allowed” + an infinitive with the particle “to” can be used.
He was allowed to stay here. He was allowed to stay here.
Exercise 1
Use the modal verb "may"at the specified time and check your friend
1. The students (may) leave the room in half an hour. (Future Indefinite).
2. She was allowed to play the piano yesterday.
3. You (may) look some words up in the dictionary at the examination. (Future Indefinite).
4. You will be allowed to stay away from classes tomorrow.
5. She (may) swim in the morning. (Past Indefinite).
6. We were allowed to go to the theater yesterday.
8. Ann is still weak. She will not be allowed to go out tomorrow.
9. You (may) use my dictionary in an hour. (Future Indefinite).
10. Shall I be allowed to bring my friend with me tomorrow?
InformationIV
The verb "must" expresses necessity or moral obligation. The verb “must” is translated into Russian with the words “should”, “need”, “must”:
I must get up early every day. I need to get up early every day.
The verb "must" has no past tense.
To express the past tense, its equivalents “to have to...” and “to be to...” are used. To express the future tense, only the equivalent “to have to...” is used.
The verb “to have” followed by the infinitive of another verb with the particle “to” expresses an obligation arising from external conditions, and is often translated into Russian by the verb “have to”.
I had to wait for the tram for 10 minutes yesterday.
Yesterday I had to wait 10 minutes for the tram.
The verb “to be to...” means an obligation arising from a preliminary agreement or plan.
Mister N. is to make a report at the next me ting.
Mr. N has to make a report at the next meeting.
Exercise 1
Translate the following sentences into Russian and check your friend
1. She had to ask for directions to the station.
2. The students will have to stay after their classes.
3. I have to do my homework today.
4. We were to meet at the station at 6.
5. You will have to repeat the lecture material before the exam.
6. When are we to visit the laboratories of the Institute?
7. I will have to answer a lot of letters tomorrow.
8. You will have to leave at 6 to catch the train.
9. Mom has to cook dinner after work.
10. The girl had to take care of her younger sisters and brothers.
11. I was supposed to arrive by the ten o'clock train, but I couldn't get a ticket for it.
12. We shall have to speak to him about it.
13. We must be with him no later than 8 o’clock.
14. He was to leave last night.
Exercise 2
Translate the following sentences using examples and check with your friend
(I) had to... (I) shall have to …
1. I had to get up early.
2. You will have to do this today.
3. We shall have to meet them.
4. He had to come at 8 o'clock.
Did (you) have to? … Will (you) have to? ...
5. Did you have to wait for a long time?
6. Will I have to make a report?
7. Did he have to do this work?
8. Do we have to go there?
(I) didn't have to... (I) shall not have to...
9. I didn’t have to write to him.
10. We won't need to call them.
11. They will not have to go there.
12. They shouldn't have gone to the station.