English modal verbs Modal verbs in English: rules of use

If you are learning English from scratch, be prepared to be introduced to a radically different verb system. The system of tenses of the English language and the rules of reading are very different from Russian. Quite often, newcomers to learning, faced with the first difficulties, give up. Nevertheless, the rules of English grammar are quite easy to understand.

modal verbs

The modal verb is a special unit in English that obeys 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. correct 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 to change their form completely. In addition, verbs are divided into main and auxiliary. The main ones have a lexical function, they denote a specific action. Such verbs are translated into Russian. Auxiliary verbs exist only in tandem with the main ones, they have a grammatical function. These verbs do not have a translation into Russian. Modal verbs in English have an additional function in relation to the main verbs, which equates them in function to auxiliary ones. 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 and so on.

Modal verbs: rules and examples

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

3) the main verb after the modal is put in the form of an infinitive (initial form)

For example:

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

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 consider in more detail.

Modal verb can/could

This modal verb translates as "I can, I can", it can mean a skill or ability to do something. Can- present tense form could- past tense form. If you are using modal verbs in the future tense, use the modal verb form to be able to - will be able to. For example:

I can swim very well, because I had a 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.

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

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

In the interrogative form of the verb 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" is to be able to. But if could has more general boundaries, then be able to is used in private, specific situations. For example:

The fire spread very quickly, but everybody 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 in the end we were 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 in the first place. 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 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 obligation of extreme degree. If you are learning English from scratch, you should know that you need to be more careful with this verb, since it has an orderly 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. The students of our school must follow the Charter.

The modal verb must in the negative form means "not required". 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 shouldn't move to another city if they don't want to.

To form an interrogative sentence, put must first in the proposal.

Must the animals be kept in the cages? Do animals have to 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 to live in the middle of such a big city.

Modal verb may/might

May and might, like all modal verbs, tend to complement the main verb. The translation of this verb is "can, can". 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 may have had lunch.

It is a 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 true! It can not be true!

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

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

Modal to

It means "have to, should, should". It has three forms in the present, past and future tenses: have/has to, had to, will have to. For example:

You will have to stay in this flat till next summer. You'll have to stay in this apartment until next summer.

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

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 till 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 didn't have 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 need to add an auxiliary verb do, does or did first in the proposal. 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, is synonymous. Modal verb ought to means "should have". For example:

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

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 skipped all the lessons.

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

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

Or with a question word:

When ought I to come to you? When should I come to you?

Modal verb should

This modal verb also has the meaning of obligation, translated as "should, must", 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 must stay with him while he is sick.

You should be more careful with your health. You should take better 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 abbreviated form is shouldn "t. For example:

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

The low shouldn't allow bad people do what they want. The law should not allow rascals 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 quieter?

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 are on vacation?

W 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 "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 need your help, call her just now! Kate needs your help, call her right 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 have to read all these books, choose one.

I don't need to listen to you anymore, I can made a decision myself. I no longer need to listen to you, I can make my own decision.

By the same principle, form an interrogative sentence: put the auxiliary verb in the first place 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?

Modal verbs and their equivalents - Modal verbs in English and their equivalents

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

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

Features of modal verbs in English

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

Modal verbs can be divided into two categories:

Table of modal verbs in English

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

Expression of obligation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permission expression, permission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expression of ability, possibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expression of confidence, probability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expression of desire, intention, determination

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

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

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

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

Related content:

The category of modality is an important link in the language system. Without it, speech would be devoid of many shades, sometimes of decisive importance. So, for example, English modal verbs and their equivalents in relation to the main action allow you to express:

• opportunities;
• advice, suggestions;
• prohibitions;
• requests and permissions;
• need.

Agree, there is a difference between the expressions " I'm writing a letter" and " They made me write a letter". The fundamental meaning of the phrase is the same - a person writes a letter, but the modal transmission of circumstances reveals the essence of the action in a completely different light. Today we will study representatives of the class of modal verbs, and also select synonyms for them.

To simplify the perception of information, we will distribute all modal verbs and their substitutes into meaningful categories.

Opportunities

The main exponent of physical, mental and other abilities to perform actions is the verb can, which is translated into Russian in the meaning of "I can, I can."

• We can speak SpanishwellWe are good at speaking Spanish.
• He does not change either in numbers or in persons. In addition, can creates questions and negatives on its own.
• Can she write verses? Does she know how to write poetry?
• Mychildren can 't read yetMy children can't read yet.

In the past tense, the form could is also the same for everyone. Sometimes it is replaced by a similar value managed ( succeeded). But for the education of the future, they use to be able to ( be able to).

• NextyearI will be able to speak Polishfluently– Next year I will be able to speak fluent Polish.

Formal opportunities, requests and permissions

Formal possibilities, that is, possibilities related to external circumstances, are expressed by may and its past form might. It translates as "to be able", but in a more abstract sense, close to its synonym to be allowed to ( be allowed). That is, an action can be performed because circumstances, desires or opportunities have developed that way.

• We may play footballonFridayWe can play football on Friday.

It is common to see the use of may in an interrogative form as a request.

• Mom, may Jack visit us? “Mom, can Jack come visit us?”

Accordingly, sentences with negations will express refusal.

• You may not use mycomputerYou can't use my computer.

By the way, more and more often in the request-prohibition function, the British use can. But, can and may are not able to create the context of the future, therefore, in such situations, the already mentioned tobeallowedto.

• Our company will be allowed to start the building of cottagesOurcompaniesallowto beginconstructionthesecottages.

The most numerous group, the meanings of which reflect many modal verbs and their equivalents. Moreover, each representative has a special semantic shade.

The modal verb must is responsible for categorical necessity. It expresses an obligation determined by a person for himself independently, i.e. it is not external pressure, but decision-making based on personal motives and principles.

• I must go home– I have to go home.

In the negative form, this verb plays the role of a strict prohibition, almost an order.

• You mustn 't talk thatwaywithyourparents. “You shouldn't talk to your parents like that.

Must is the same for all persons, but does not form the future and past tenses. It is replaced by the verb of obligation have to. Its main purpose is to indicate the forced need to perform an action, i.e. to side pressure.

• We had to make thereportyesterdayWe were supposed to do this report yesterday.

In the present tense, the verb have to has two forms: for the 3rd person singular. - has, for everyone else - have. Questions and negatives are built using the auxiliary do.

• She has to go to the office on SaturdayShe isforcedgoinofficeinSaturday.
• Do I have to make this report? -Ishoulddothisreport?

Both verbs are also used to express assumptions, but must is used in this role incomparably more often than have to. In Russian translation, this meaning is expressed by the introductory combination " should be».

• It must be true“That must be true.

If necessity and duty were formed as a result of a preliminary agreement, then another equivalent comes into play - the verb to be to. It varies in numbers and persons, and expresses the meaning "must, must" (because it was agreed in advance).

• The driver is to meet you at 3 o'clock -The driver mustmeetyouin 3hours.

This form can be used in past and future tenses. Moreover, in the construction of the future, to be is replaced by have.

• The guide will have to meet this delegation next MondayThe tour guide is to meet this delegation next Monday.

The weakest degree of duty and necessity, maneuvering on the verge of urgent advice and moral duty, is expressed by the verbs should to and ought to. They have one form, so they are used only with the present tense.

• You ought to help your little brotherYoushouldto helpjuniorbrother.
  

Sometimes necessity is expressed by the verb need to. It forms all tenses, but builds questions and negations with the help of the auxiliary do.

• I don't need to go to the shopto menotneedgoinscore.

Modal verbs and their equivalents in a pivot table

We will try to summarize the knowledge gained, in which the table of modal verbs in English and their analogues will help us.

Everyone knows that a verb denotes an action. But it is not always the case. There are several special verbs in English that do not denote an action, but are used in combination with other verbs to indicate an attitude towards an action. These verbs are called modal.

Action attitude is when you can/can't or should/shouldn't do something. Modal verbs are used to express attitude towards an action. A table of basic modal verbs is given below. There are 11 English modal verbs in the table with translation, examples and a detailed explanation of the main meanings! Can, must, may, etc. The table will help you quickly navigate when translating sentences containing modal verbs into English.

How to build sentences with modal verbs?

Modal verbs behave differently than normal verbs. In order to construct a sentence with a modal verb grammatically correctly, you need to know and follow a number of rules.

1) Modal verbs are not used on their own. Any sentence with a modal verb must also contain a second - semantic verb. Pay attention to the following points:

• The semantic verb is placed immediately after the modal verb.
• The particle to is not placed between the modal and the semantic verb. Exceptions to this rule are the modal verbs ought to, be to, have to.
• The semantic verb always goes in the indefinite form.

2) Modal verbs do not change by person. The ending -s in the third person is not added to them. The exception is have to.

To write correctly:

She can play the piano.
She can play the piano.

Wrong to write:

She can play the piano.

3) Interrogative and negative sentences with modal verbs are formed without the auxiliary verb do. In interrogative sentences, the modal verb is placed immediately before the subject. The exception, again, is have to.

Examples interrogative sentences with the translation:

Can I help you?
I can help you?
Will you give me some money?
Could you give me some money?

Examples of negative sentences with translation:

I can't go faster.
I can't go faster.

I don't have to do it.
I shouldn't do this.

4) Combinations of modal verbs with the particle not have an abbreviated form. Look at some examples of abbreviated forms of English modal verbs in the table below:

The general rule is this - instead of a particle not ending is added to the modal verb n't. But there are 3 exceptions to this rule. They are shown in the following table.

Modal verbs are a special group of English verbs that have a number of features

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

2. do not have a number of grammatical categories

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

1) can

2) could

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

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

3) may

4) might

5) must

6) must not/may not

7) need not / don't have to

9) to

10) should

11) will

12) would

13) need / have to

have to used instead must in the past time