Modal verbs can could may. English modal verbs can and may

Examples:

• He must be at home. He must be at home.
• He must be sleeping. - He must be sleeping.
• He must have left. “He must have left.
• He must have been living in Paris for 3 years. He must have been living in Paris for three years already.
• The room must have been cleaned yesterday. The room must have been cleaned yesterday.
• I may go to the cinema on Sunday. Perhaps I will go to the cinema on Sunday.
• I might know this girl. “Perhaps I know this girl.
• He may not have my address. He may not have my address.
• The shop may be closed on Sunday. Perhaps the store is closed on Sundays.
• Can he be so silly? - Is he really that stupid?
• He can't have eaten the whole cake. It can't be that he ate the whole pie.
• They couldn't have got your letter. It is impossible that they received your letter.
• They could be waiting for us at the restaurant. “Perhaps they are waiting for us at the restaurant.
• She hasn't phoned. There has to be a reason. She didn't call. She must have a reason for that.
• Jo should be in Mexico by now, shouldn't she? “Joe should be in Mexico by now, right?”
• Henry shouldget here soon - he left home at six. Henry should be arriving soon - he left the house at six. (=wait)
• It's six o'clock. Our guests should be arriving soon. - It's already 6 o'clock. Guests should be arriving soon.
• Why is there so much traffic? The rush hour should have finished at least an hour ago. Why so many cars. Rush hour should have ended at least an hour ago. (="should have, but did not end"; compare with translating sentences with "must")
• I have an exam tomorrow. — I'm sure you will pass. I have an exam tomorrow, I'm sure you'll pass it. (= assumption-forecast about the future)
• Don't phone now-they 'll be having lunch. - Do not call. They are probably having lunch. (assumption-prediction about the present)
• It's no use phoning 'll have left by now. "There's no point in calling, he must have left by now." (assumption-prediction about the past)

Please note that verbs may/might + not do (be doing / have done) and can't / couldn't+ do (be doing / have done) have different meanings:

Compare:

It may not rain tomorrow. It may not rain tomorrow.

It can't possibly rain tomorrow. - It can't be raining tomorrow.

It may not be true. “Maybe it's not true.

It can't be true. “It can't be true.

He may not have understood me. Perhaps he didn't understand me.

He can't have understood me. It's impossible that he understands me.

As you have already noticed, only the verbs may / might are used with a negative infinitive (not do / not be doing / not have done ...). What if the sentence is negative, but we need to use another verb, such as must or can. There are several strategies:

1) use the verb fail, and it will stand in the right infinitive (simple, continued, perfect ...)

For example:

He must have failed to understand me. - He, should be, me Not Understood.

2) use a verb with a negative prefix (mis, dis, un…)

For example:

He can'thave misunderstood me. — Can't be, so that he me Not Understood.

3) use negative words like never, nothing, nobody…

For example:

He must know nothing. — Must be He knows nothing.

4) change the word to an antonym (i.e. a word with the opposite meaning)

For example:

He can't have declined the offer. — It can't be that he didn't accept this offer.

Verb must not used to make predictions about the future. It is replaced by be likely to do(most likely with a high probability of doing something) or be unlikely to do(unlikely to do something) in similar sentences.

For example:

He is likely to pass his exam. He must pass the exam.

He is unlikely to come. He is unlikely to come.

Interesting use of the verb will(Future Continuous and Future Perfect) for suggestions about the present and the past. Pay attention to the translation (not using the future tense, but the present and the past).

For example:

There's no point visiting in Sue now. It's Sunday afternoon. She 'll be playing golf. There is no point in going to Sue now. Sunday evening she plays to golf. (="always playing, so now he must be playing too")

Where's Mary? — She ‘ll have arrived at the supermarket by now and bought a few things for us. - Where is Masha? - She is already should have come to the supermarket and buy us products. (= "she always goes to the supermarket at this time, and now it must be there")

Note that some modal verbs with perfect infinitives have different meanings:

• could have done / might have done- something could happen, but did not happen

For example:

That was a bad place to go skiing - you could have broken your leg. — It's not the best place for skiing. You could break your leg. (= "could, but did not break")

Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Somebody could have been hurt. Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Someone could get hurt. (= "could, but did not suffer")

You were stupid to carry climbing up there. You might have killed yourself. — It was stupid to climb there. You could have been killed. (="could, but not killed")

• might have done- will do something by a certain point in the future

For example:

By the end of this year I might have saved some money. By the end of the semester, I may have saved up some money. (similar to using the Future Perfect for future actions)

• should have done- did not do something, but it was worth doing (reproach)
• shouldn't have done- did something, but should not have done it (reproach)

For example:

You should have told me about it. Why didn't you? “You should have told me about it. Why didn't he say anything?

You shouldn't have told him about it. “He shouldn't have talked about it. (= "said, but should not")

Modal suggestive verbs in songs:

Roxette: It Must Have Been Love

Coldplay: Green Eyes (possible verbs could, should, must)

Modality is a very important grammatical category that determines the speaker's attitude to action. We can trace the meaning of this by using the modal verbs may can must in sentences. You will see that these verbs perform the same function, but carry a different meaning.

Modal verb can

With this verb, the speaker reports his own skill or ability to do something, and also expresses an opinion about the abilities of other people as an outside observer.

Jane can speak Chinese well. Jane can speak Chinese well.

In the past tense, the verb can takes the form could.

I could read comics when I was four years old. I could read comics when I was four years old.

This form is also used in polite questions:

Could you show me the way to the river, please? Could you show me the way to the river?

You can often find this word in the subjunctive mood.

If Jane were (was) rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons. If Jane were rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons.

In the future tense, the verb can is not used, but you can get out of the situation by using the construction to be able to:

I will be able to send you some candies. I will have the opportunity to send you some candy.

Such a replacement can be carried out at all times, but there will be a slight semantic difference (to be able to do something).

Modal verb must

This is the strictest modal verb of duty, with which the speaker indicates that some action must be performed without fail.

Shannon must get visa to visit her friends in Russia. To visit friends in Russia, Shannon needs a visa.

The modal verb must is used exclusively in the present tense, and therefore, in order to make a sentence in the past and future tense, you need to find a replacement for it. Most often (especially in American English) they use the modal verb have to.

Shannon will have to get visa. Shannon will need a visa.

Shannon had to get visa. Shannon needed a visa.

As a substitute for the verb must in all tenses, the expression to be obliged to can also be used:

If you choose a doctor's career, you will be required to be loyal to the Hippocratic Oath. If you choose the profession of a doctor, you will have to abide by the Hippocratic Oath.

Modal verb may

When the speaker reports the likelihood of an event or asks permission to do something, he uses the modal verb may:

It may rain on Thursday. Rain is possible on Thursday.

Mom, may I take another portion of ice cream? Mom, can I have another ice cream?

The verb may can be in the past tense form might:

Mom said that I might eat one more portion of ice cream. Mom said I could have one more ice cream.

In modern English, might can also be used in the present tense. Moreover, using this verb, when someone talks about the likelihood of an event, he expresses a fairly large degree of uncertainty about it.

It might get a bit warmer tomorrow. Tomorrow may be warmer (or not).

Perfect Infinitive (perfect infinitive)

All of the above verbs can also be used with other types of the infinitive, of which there are six in English. The most common of these is the perfect infinitive. Pay attention to the peculiarities of the translation of such constructions.

John could have chosen a better suite. John could have chosen a better suit.

Mike must have repaired his bike. Mike must have repaired his motorcycle.

You might have helped your sister to do her homework. You could help your sister with her homework.

Exercises for modal verbs may can must

When doing exercises on these verbs, you must remember the following rules:

• In most cases, the modal verb is followed by an infinitive (except for short answers: Yes, I must. No, I couldn’t, etc.)
• All these verbs in interrogative sentences and in negative phrases function as auxiliary verbs: Must I get visa? I couldn't play the violin.
• Replacing one modal verb with another radically changes the meaning of the statement.

To begin with, we suggest inserting suitable modal verbs into sentences with gaps:

You … immediately stop, when the traffic light is red. You … stop immediately when the traffic light is red.

The weather … be dangerous for boating. The weather … be dangerous for boating.

All students … pass the state examination. All students … pass state exams.

1. For Expression possibilities or capabilities perform an action (with Indefinite Infinitive*).
   I can do it now. → I can do it now.
2. When possibility is not allowed that the action actually took place (c Perfect Infinitive**).
   He can't have done it. → It can't be that he did it.

COULD is used:

1. For Expression possibilities or capabilities perform an action in the past (with Indefinite Infinitive).
   He could swim very well when he was young. → He could swim well when he was young.
2. IN indirect speeches, depending on the verb in past time (with Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive).
   I said that he could speak English. → I said that he can speak English.
   I said that he couldn't have done that. → I said he couldn't do it.
3. IN
   
   If he tried, he could do
   
   If he had tried, he could have done it. → If he had tried, he could have done it.

MAY is used:

1. For Expression permissions(with Indefinite Infinitive).
   You may go home now. → You can now go home.
2. For Expression assumptions:
   a) relating to the present or future (with Indefinite Infinitive).
   It may rain today. → It might rain today.
   b) related to the past (with Perfect Infinitive)
   He may have returned to London. → He may have returned to London.

MIGHT is used:

1. IN indirect speeches, depending on the verb in past time:
   a) to express permission (with Indefinite Infinitive).
   She said that he might take her documentary. → She said that he could take her dictionary.
   b) to express an assumption (with Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive).
   He said that she might know their address. → He said that she might know their address.
   He said that she might have lost their address. → He said that she might have lost their address.
2. IN main part of conditional sentences:
   a) in conditional sentences of the second type (with Indefinite Infinitive).
   If you tried, you might get the boo k. → If you tried, you could get this book.
   b) in conditional sentences of the third type (with Perfect Infinitive).
   If he had been here, he might have helped us. → If he were here, he could help us.

The difference in the use of CAN (COULD) and MAY (MIGHT)

In English, there is a group of verbs that do not denote an action, but only express an attitude towards it. These are modal verbs.

Features of modal verbs are easy to remember:

1. They have only one form.
2. The semantic verb is put without the particle to.
3. They are also called "insufficient" due to the lack of a number of forms.
4. They do not have an infinitive or participle form.

The most common verbs are: MAY (MIGHT), CAN (COULD) , MUST.


Consider the verbs MAY (MIGHT), CAN (COULD) and using examples we will see all the features of modal verbs. If you find it difficult to choose the correct verb CAN or MAY, remember just one little hint:

1. CAN (I CAN do "physically", I can write, say, do, look, etc.
2. MAY (this is a request, opportunity, permission).

She can do it. She can do it. ( Action)

You may take the book. You can take the book. ( Permission).

CAN

We use the verb can when we talk about the ability to do something, or someone can do something (opportunity, ability):

• We can see the lake from our window. We can see the lake from our window.
• I can come in time. I can come on time.
• I can write. I can write.

A sentence with the Perfect Infinitive in the affirmative sentence is translated by the word "maybe". In this case, the semantic verb is translated by the past tense verb:
She can have done it. She may have done it.

In interrogative and negative sentences, can in combination with Infinitive or Perfect Infinitive is translated by the words really, can not be:

• Can she do it? Is she doing this?
• Can she done it? Did she do it?

4. In negative sentences, the form can't (cannot) is used. I'm afraid I can't come to the party on Friday. I'm afraid I won't be able to come to Friday night.

COULD

Sould is the past form of the verb can. Especially could is used with such verbs:, hear, smell, see taste, feel, remember, undersrand. She spoke in a very low voice, but I could understand what she said.
She spoke in a very quiet voice, but I could understand what she said.

We use could to say something that might be happening now or in the future. The phone is ringing. It could be Tim. The phone rings. Maybe it's Tim calling.

I don't know when they'll be here. They could arrive at any time. I don't know when they will be here. They can come at any time.

Sometimes could means "would be able to ..." (.... in a state of ...). We could go away if we had enough money. - We could go away if we had enough money. OR We would be able to go away ... - We are able to leave ...

The missing past and future forms are replaced by the equivalent:

• to be able to (be able).
• She will be able to do it. She can do it.

MAY, MIGHT

Request in interrogative sentences:
May I take it? Can I take?

Resolution in affirmative sentences:
You may take the pen. You can take a pen.

Assumption, possibility with Infinitive or Perfect Infinitive and is translated into words perhaps, maybe.

• She may do it. She might be doing it.
• She may have done it. She may have done it.
• It may be true (This may be true) or It might be true (Perhaps this is true).

May, might are used to talk about possible upcoming actions in the future:

Take an umbrella with you, when you go out. It might rain later. Take an umbrella with you when you go out. Maybe it will rain later.

Usually, in situations that have not yet happened, it is possible to use both the verbs may, might.

• I may go to London. I can go to London.
• I might go to London. I could go to London.

Negative form of may not and might not (mightn't) : It might not be true. Perhaps this is not true.

We only use might when the situation is not real.

Example: If I knew them better, I might invite them to dinner. - If I knew them better, I could invite them to dinner. (The meaning of the phrase: The situation is not real, because I do not know them well, so I am not going to invite them).

The missing past and future forms of the modal verb may are replaced by the equivalent: to be allowed to, to be permitted to. He is permitted to go there. He can go there.

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 attitude of the speaker to the main action. What does it mean? Some verbs express the degree of possibility, others - the 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 mobile phone right after we left).

Rules for the use of modal verbs

As mentioned above, modal verbs have 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 are synonymous. There is a common misconception that the modal verbs "can", "could", "must" and "may" change in person and number, tense. Actually, it is not. 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 "I can". It changes according to the following scheme:

In a word, nothing complicated. The main thing is to understand these simple rules.

The verbs "can" and "could"

The next rule is more difficult, but not by much. The modal verbs "can" and "could" are translated as "I can, I can", have a common meaning. While "manage to" and "to be able to" are used mainly in special cases. Although, only in the main. In principle, the verbs "can", "could", "managed", "be able to" act according to similar rules.

* Worth a look. There is no future tense form. Therefore, it is appropriate to use an analogue - "manage to" or "to be able to".

Verbs "must" and "may"

Next moment. 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 milder degree of obligation, give advice or recommendation, then the verb "should" should be used. For example:

You shouldn't eat so much sweet, if you wont to be fit. (You shouldn't eat so much sweets 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 in value. In this case, it is appropriate to use "to" - "must, forced".

The main thing is to understand everything. Actually, nothing complicated.

The use of modal verbs in negative and interrogative sentences

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 the 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 order of words in an interrogative sentence is called reverse. Here, at the beginning of the sentence is the predicate, then the subject, then the 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 ancillaries. For example:

I can not (can "t) swim. (I can't swim).

She must not (mustn "t) do it, if she doesn't wont. (She shouldn't do it if she doesn't want to).

They will not (won "t) be able to cook the dinner without the light. (She will not be able to cook 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, interrogative words are at the beginning of the sentence:

Who can speak English? (Who can speak English?).

Examples of the use of modal verbs

Consider 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 it's very noisy.

3). - What abilities do you have?

I can play guitar and piano.

What are you good at?

I can play guitar and piano.

Practical part

Try to translate the following sentences into English. Use modal verbs for this:

1). Can I open a 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 everything!

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?