Modal form of the English verb. Modal verbs in English: examples with translation Modal verbs in English
Modal verbs do not express the action, but only the relation of the person (subject) to the action. The action itself is expressed by the infinitive of the semantic verb following the modal verb without a particle "to".
Modal verbs are sometimes called deficient because they have a single form for all persons of the sole and plural and do not have all tenses (i.e. they do not conjugate) and imperative.
Interrogative and negative forms of sentences with modal verbs are built according to the rule of the verb "to be".
1. Modal verb May (might- in the past tense) expresses an assumption, request, doubt:
May I come in?
Can I come in?
He may know her address.
He probably knows her address.
Didn't say you might take the book.
He said that you can take the book.
may is to be allowed to. It is used in any tense, and in the future only it is used:
When will you be allowed to see him?
When you can see him.
2. Modal verb Can (could- in the past tense) expresses mental or physical ability:
The girl can read already.
The girl already knows how to read.
Can I help you?
I can help you?
We couldn't speak English last year.
Last year we couldn't speak English.
Modal verb equivalent Can is to be able to. Can be used at any time instead of can, and in the future tense only it is used:
I had some free time yesterday, and was able to go to my friend.
Yesterday I had some free time and was able to visit a friend.
3. Modal verb must expresses necessity, duty, moral obligation, order (in negative sentences- ban):
All children must go to school.
All children must go to school.
You mustn "t play with matches.
You can't play with matches.
To express obligation in the past and future, as a rule, instead of must its equivalent is used to have to with a semantic connotation compelled by circumstances":
I had to go there.
I had to (I had to) go there.
I shall have to do it.
I have to (I have to) do it.
4. should And would, in addition to being used as auxiliary verbs, perform the functions of modal verbs.
should as a modal verb expresses a recommendation, advice (translated - should, should):
You should be more careful.
You should be more careful.
Would as a modal verb expresses a request, intention, desire, repetition of an action in the past:
Would you wait for me for five minutes?
Can you wait five minutes for me?
Right to is the equivalent for the expression of obligation along with the modal verb should .
Scene 12 discusses the use of modal verbs: must , have to , need , ought .
There are no analogues of modal verbs in Russian. However, speaking English without using modal verbs is almost impossible. It is recommended to start learning grammar, be sure to include them in the program.
Modal verbs need to be known as the multiplication table, as this is considered Elementary English.
Modal verbs are not used independently and do not denote a specific action, but reflect the speaker's attitude to the action, i.e. modality. This is their secret - simplicity and complexity at the same time.
List of modal verbs and their equivalents
| Modal verb | Meaning | Equivalent |
| can | be able, be able, be able | be able (to) |
| may | be able to have permission | be allowed to be permitted to |
| must | be to | have to be to |
| ought to | should, should (recommendation, advice, probability, suggestion) | should had better |
| have to | forced, have to | must be to |
| be to | should (planned) | have to must |
| need | need (used to ask permission, or give permission). | - |
| should | should, should (advice) | ought to be supposed to had better |
| would | want; probably; used to | - |
| shall/will | offer of help, to do something / promise, intention, spontaneous decision at the moment of speech | should had better |
| dare | dare (to dare to do something) | - |
| used to | description of an action or condition that occurred regularly in the past | - |
Interrogative and negative form of modal verbs
- Modal verbs form interrogative and negative forms independently, without using the special verb "to do". In this question, the modal verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Shall I help you?
Should I help you?
could you give me his address, please?
Can you give me his address, please?
Non-finite forms such as the infinitive, gerund, and participle are not inherent in modal verbs. Modal verbs are devoid of complex tenses and imperative mood. For all persons and numbers, modal verbs use a single invariable form.
- Negative form modal verb is formed by setting the particle "not" after it. Often, especially in oral speech, they merge into an abbreviated form. In colloquial speech negative form the following abbreviations are commonly used: cannot = can't, could not = couldn't, may not = mayn't, might not = mightn"t, must not = mustn "t, ought not = oughtn"t, need not = needn't.
You can't help him.
You cannot help him.
She might not come here.
She couldn't (she didn't have permission) to come here.
These features allow you to bet on modal verbs when studying. Having memorized a small number of modal verbs, the student has a chance to immediately build simple sentences, based only on simple verbs. And this is very important. You will already be able to express your opinion with only a fairly small number of words in your arsenal.
Must verbs (must, have to)
The main verbs of must are "must" and "have to". " Must» expresses necessity committing actions(usually according to some rule or law), as well as an order or advice. Translation - "should", "need", "should". " have to" talking about need committing actions under forced circumstances when you clearly do not want to do something, but, as they say, “must”. Usually translated into Russian as " must», « forced», « have to».
I have to work overtime.
I have to work overtime (I don't want to, but I have to).
You mustn't smoke at the airport.
You can not smoke at the airport (such a rule).
Requests (shall, will)
"Shall", "will" are also called modal verbs in combination. With their help, you can create future tenses. As soon as " shall”, “will” appear in a sentence - this is a sure sign debt, need, orders or even threats. « Will" means a desire or intention, a polite request.
I want to come in. Shall I open the door?
I want to enter. Should I open the door?
Will you give me the ketchup?
Could you pass me the ketchup?
These verbs are a kind of transmitters of the desired form of modality, and not only can form the future tense.
It is recommended to remember that after modal verbs, except for the verbs “ought to”, “have (got) to” and “be to”, the infinitive without the particle “to” is used. It is also called the bare infinitive (bare infinitive).
I must go.
I have to go.
Verb " ought to' is a verb of obligation. But unlike " must”, which means must in connection with the requirements of rules, laws, authorities,“ ought to ”means an obligation due to moral obligations. That's such a subtle difference. For example:
You ought to visit your parents more often.
Visit your parents more often.
You must keep the law.
Obey the laws.
Possibility, probability (can, may, must, might)
Most often, modal verbs “can”, “must”, “may” are used in this meaning. These are verbs general meaning with the ability to replace other modal verbs. Modal verb " can" - the most popular. The usual translation into Russian is "to be able", an expression of the ability and ability to do something. For example:
I can help you.
I can help you.
The verb "can" is in the past tense " could". For example:
She could dance beautifully when she was young.
She could dance beautifully when she was young.
Modal verb " must”, as well as “can”, is used very often in speech. It is important to remember that in addition to its primary meaning - "to be due", it is also used when we talk about the likelihood that something happened. And this probability borders on certainty. For example:
I phoned, but no one answered - they must be at work.
I called, but no one answered - they must be at work (i.e. I am almost sure of this).
Modal verb " may" has two main meanings: resolution and probability. The past tense form is " might". For example:
May I come in?
May I come in? (Permission).
I might have taken only three seconds to show it to you.
It could only take me 3 seconds to show you this.
But " might» can be used and completely on my own, meaning "maybe". If we compare "may" and "might", then in the case of the latter, something may happen, but it is unlikely; if you say " may', then the probability is greater. For example:
The sky is gray may rain today. They might come, but I don't think so.
Past tense (Perfect Infinitive)
Perfect Infinitive, along with other infinitives, has no analogues in Russian. In speech, it is used according to the following formula: have + 3rd form of the verb. Since most verbs do not have a past tense, we use the Perfect Infinitive to show that something happened in the past. For example:
You should have called me yesterday.
You should have called me yesterday.
Passive voice with modal verbs
When we change a sentence from "active" to "passive", we must transform the predicate of the sentence.
First, you need to put the verb " to be» at the time used in the main sentence. Second, put the main verb in third form(Past Participle).
So, to make a sentence with a modal verb, we need to put the verb to be in combination with the modal verb. It will look like this:
must be(it should be);
have to be(it should be);
ought to be(should be);
can be(May be);
should be(should be);
be supposed to be(assumed that; assumed that;)
The secretary must write a letter. / The secretary must write a letter.
The letter must be written by the secretary. / The letter must be written by the secretary.
He has to do this test. / He must pass this test.
This test has to be done by him. / This test must be performed by him.
He was supposed to send an email an hour ago. / He was supposed to send the letter an hour ago.
The email was supposed to be sent by him an hour ago. / The email was supposed to be sent an hour ago.
Features of modal verbs
- Do not have a 3rd person form singular present time, i.e. not put with "-s" at the end.
- No infinitive, ing form and participle; never answer the question what to do / what to do?
- Require after themselves only the form " Infinitive» without particle « to" (exception - " ought to», « have(got) to" And " be to"). I must go.
- Interrogative And negative forms proposals constructed without an auxiliary verb « do", with the exception of the verb " have to».
- Verbs " have», « be», « should» can be not only modal, but also auxiliary, and the verbs need», « have», « be», « get" - also semantic.
- According to their properties, English modal verbs, except for " have to», « have got to», « be to», « dare", are insufficient, that is do not have personal forms, and in connection with this do not form complex verb forms.
What does turnover mean to be supposed to and had better
The phrase "be supposed to" means that someone or something is expected to perform some action. If we select the Russian equivalent, the closest expression is: “in theory, it should”, “as if it should”, “it is understood that it should”. It happens in the present (am / is / are) and past (was/were) tenses.
“Be supposed to” - rather than expressing the obligation, but the expectation of performing some action.
I am supposed to obey my lord.
In theory, I should obey my master (but in reality I don’t obey so much).
I am supposed to do my duty.
I must do my duty (but if I don't do it once, no one will notice it).
Excuse me, you are not supposed to …
I'm sorry, but you can't...
"You are not supposed to" is a polite way to tell someone not to do something or to let them know they can't do it.
With turnover " had better» almost the same situation, only he expresses a recommendation, desperation, warnings or threats. The modal verbs "ought to" and "shall" can act as equivalents. Happens only in past form.
You had better take your umbrella with you today.
You'd better take an umbrella with you today. (Expresses a recommendation.)
That bus had better get here soon!
This bus should come soon! (Expresses desperation.)
You "d better not talk the way you talk to me in the future!
From now on, you better watch how you talk to me! (Expresses a warning, a threat.)
Modal verbs in indirect speech
Similar to tenses, modal verbs change in indirect speech if the words being conveyed are no longer true or are outdated information.
Direct speech: can, may, will, must.
Indirect speech: could, might, would, had to.
Peter: "I can stay here until Sunday."
Peter: "I can stay here until Sunday."
He said that he could stay there until Sunday.
He said that he could stay there until Sunday.
Dan: "You may don't need this"
Dan: "You might not need it."
He said I might not need that.
He said I might not need it.
Kelly: "My dad won't let me go to the party."
Kelly: "My dad won't let me go to the party."
She said that her father wouldn't let her go to the party.
She said her dad would let her go to the party.
Luke: "We must leave at 8 o "clock."
Luke: "We have to leave at 8 o'clock."
He said we had to leave at 8 o "clock.
He said that we should leave at 8 o'clock.
The use of modal verbs with the perfect infinitive
Modal verbs can be used in combination with the perfect form of the infinitive, also called the modal perfect ( modal perfect). At the same time, the semantic load of the perfect infinitive has different meaning and depends on the specific modal verb and context.
The use of the modal perfect can refer to an action in the past, an unreal action, a degree of confidence in a certain action, and can also indicate that an action opposite to what was expected took place.
Formula: modal verb + have + V3.
After modal verbs, the verb " have", which forms the perfect infinitive, is pronounced in a reduced form:
They must have gone already. ["mʌst"əv] - They must have already left.
In negative and interrogative sentences, the modal verb " can”, used with the perfect infinitive, conveys disbelief into action or event, past:
She can't have overslept. She is never late.
She couldn't sleep. She is never late.
- could. The verb group ("could" + perfect infinitive) can be used in a sense similar to "can", but expresses a less categorical form:
I don't believe he could have done it. He is too weak.
Can't believe he could do this. He is too weak.
I didn't believe he could have done it. He was too weak.
I didn't believe he could do it. He was too weak.
Also, the perfect form of the verb is used with the modal verb "could" to indicate an action that could have happened, but did not happen:
We could have gone, but we didn't.
We could have left, but we didn't.
- May. The use of the modal verb may in combination with the perfect infinitive expresses assumption, uncertainty in what happened:
She may not have known about it. But it doesn't constitute justification.
She may not have known about it. But this is no excuse.
I "m not sure but he may have been here.
I'm not sure, but he could be here.
- Might. The use of the past tense of the verb may indicates less chance of action or events:
Don't be angry with her. She might not have known about it.
Don't be mad at her. She may not have known about it.
- Must. This modal verb with a perfect infinitive indicates certainty or high probability of an action that took place in the past and is relevant to the current moment:
I figured I must have hurt the muscle while playing.
I think I must have injured a muscle while playing.
I can't find the keys. I mustn't have taken them.
Can't find keys. I probably didn't take them.
- need. In combination with the perfect infinitive, it expresses doubt about the expediency of an action performed in the past; it is used only in interrogative and negative sentences:
need have you done it?
And what was the need for you to do this?
He needn't have been present all the time.
He didn't need to be present all this time. (There was no need).
- Ought. expresses censure, reproach for what was not done or was done wrong:
You ought to have done it previously.
You should have done this earlier.
- Will. Used to express determination, desires or the intention to perform an action that must end before a certain point in the future, or before the start of another action:
I won't have done it by the time you get back.
I (won't finish) won't do it by your arrival.
- Would. Used to express desired subject of action, but which didn't happen:
I wouldn't have done it. But I was so young.
I didn't want to do it. But then I was still so young.
I would have come, but I got stuck in traffic.
I would come, but I'm stuck in traffic.
Conclusion
Modal verbs are easy to learn and understand, as they have a lot in common with their native Russian language. Although there are some differences. In any case, they will be a good help in moving forward for anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of the English language.
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How does a modal verb in English differ from a non-modal one?
Modal verbs do not have their own independent meaning, like ordinary verbs, for example, dance, write, read, and only denote an attitude to some other action, therefore they are always used only in conjunction with another verb. What could be the relationship? For example, I must do something, I can, I could, I should, it is necessary, etc.
I can swim. - I can swim.
You should study hard. - You should study hard.
I have to go. - I have to go.
Things to remember about modal verbs
- Modal verbs not used on their own(they must be followed by a semantic verb);
- They do not change in faces;
For example, with regular verbs we say I dance, she dance s. Modal verbs in English do not change like that.
Exception: have to.
She has to go. - She needs to go.
- Modal verbs in general have no endings, do not have the form of a gerund (ing).
You can't say I musted, he shoulds, mighting.
- They do not require auxiliary verbs. Modal verbs are strong, so they do not need auxiliary do/does/did to form interrogative and negative sentences, they attach negative particle to yourself:
Compare:
I don't work there. - I don't work there. (regular semantic verb)
He mustn't (must not) do it. - He shouldn't do that.
I shouldn't (should not) do it. - I shouldn't do this.
- In questions, modal verbs come before the subject..
May I come in? - Can I come in?
Can I ask you? - Can I ask you?
exception is the modal verb have to.
Do you have to go? I don't have to do it.
- Particle to is not put
You should read it. - You should read it.
Exceptions: have to, ought to.
I have to get up early. - I have to get up early.
I ought to help him. - I should help him.
Meanings and forms
In the table we have collected the main modal verbs and their equivalents.
Can
| Equivalent | Be able to |
| Values | 1. Physical or mental ability. I can speak Chinese. – I can speak Chinese. Can you drive a car? - Can you drive a car? 2. Opportunity. could is 1. Past form can: 2. A more polite option when asked. |
| Conjugation of the verb can | |
| The present | (+) I can speak English. - I can speak English. (-) I can't talk to you now. “I can't talk to you right now. (?) Can you draw it? – Can you draw it? Can in the meaning of inference |
| Past | Was/were able to, could
(+)
(-)
(?) Can in the meaning of inference |
| Future | Can/will be able to (+) I will be able to speak English. – I can speak English. |
Must
| Equivalent | Be bound to Be prohibited to Not to be allowed to |
| Values | 1. Law, order, instruction (especially in writing). You mustn't park here. - Parking is not allowed here. 2. Commitment (mostly internal). 4. Guess, conclusion. |
| Conjugation of the verb must | |
| The present | Must (+) I must tell him the truth. “I must tell him the truth.
|
| Past | Had to, must have Ved/V3 (+) I had to tell him the truth. “I should have told him the truth. Must in the meaning of inference (100% certainty) |
| Will have to (+) I will have to tell him the truth. “I will have to tell him the truth. |
|
Have to
| Alternative | Have got to +V |
| Values | Obligation due to external circumstances He has to go to work every day. He has to (he has to) work every day. |
| Conjugation of the verb have to | |
| The present | Have/has to (+) I have to get up early. - I have to get up early. (-) I don't have to come - I don't have to come (?) Do you have to say it? - Do you have to say it? (a hint of annoyance) |
| Past | Had to (+) We had to get up early - We had to get up early. |
| Future | Will have to (+) I'll have to get up early - I have to get up early. |
Be to
| Values | 1. The need to do something (often due to a pre-planned agreement.) They are to be married in August. They are to be married in August. I am to call him as soon as I reach the airport. I have to call him as soon as I get to the airport. 2. In the past - to express a condition. |
| Conjugation Be to | |
| The present | Am/is/are to (+) I am to perform every Sunday. - I have to perform every Sunday. (-) He is not to call him. - He shouldn't call him. (?) Are they to buy something for the party? - Should they buy something for the party? |
| Past | Was/were to I was to perform every Sunday. - I had to perform every Sunday. He was not to call him. - He shouldn't have called him. Were they to buy something for the party? Did they have to buy something for the party? |
| Future | - |
Shall
| Values | 1. Orders, instructions (with pronouns I, we). Shall we wait here? Should we wait here? Shall I open the window? - Shall I open the window? 2. Threat, warning |
| Conjugation of the verb shall | |
| The present | - |
| Past | - |
| Future | Shall (+) You shall remain in your seats - You must remain in your seats (instruction) |
should
| Values | Advice, recommendation. You should wait a little longer. “You should wait a little longer. You shouldn't give up. “You shouldn't give up. You should have been more careful. “You should have been more careful. |
| Conjugation of the verb should | |
| The present | should You should drive carefully - You should drive carefully. |
| Past | Should have Ved/V3 You should have driven carefully - You should have driven carefully. |
| Future | should Similar to the present. |
Right to
May/might
| Equivalent | Be allowed to, to be (un)likely to |
| Values | 1. Permission, please May I go there? – May I go there? 2. Probability 2.1. Past form May 2.2. A measure of the likelihood that something will happen, but with even greater uncertainty. 2.3. With the past participle, it can express reproach. |
| Verb conjugation may/might | |
| The present | May (+) You may come in - You can enter. |
| Past | Might, may/might have Ved/V3 (+) You might come in - You could come in. In the meaning of reproach or regret |
| Future | Will be allowed, will be (un)likely to, may/might (+) I may be late - Maybe I'll be late. (-) I may not be late - Perhaps I will not be late. |
Modal verbs in English, these are verbs that by themselves do not denote an action, a state, but reflect, as they say in textbooks, “the attitude of the speaker to the action”.
What does it mean? Let's take a verb can(to be able, to be able to do something) - by itself, it does not denote actions or states, like the verbs “fly”, “see”, “be frightened”. But in combination with another verb, it denotes the very attitude to action - in this case it is ability perform an action.
I can fix your TV in two minutes – Me Can fix your TV in two minutes.
I can swim in cold water - I Can swim in cold water.
Modal verbs include:
- (could)- to be able, to be capable.
- - to be proper.
- – should, be due (eg “you should…”).
- (might)– expresses that there is permission, (e.g. “I can…”)
Note: this article discusses the most common modal verbs.
Why is it important to know modal verbs?
Modal verbs are VERY often used in spoken and written speech. Especially - it is included in the 10 most common verbs in the English language and almost no conversation can do without it.
In addition to the basic meanings, it is useful to know the basic nuances of using modal verbs. For example, in the phrase “You must help Bill” must verb expresses an obligation: "You must help Bill." And in the sentence "You must be Bill" the same must has a completely different meaning: "You must be Bill."
Features of modal verbs
Modal verbs are a special group of verbs (fortunately, very few) that live by their own separate rules. Here are their main features.
1. Modal verbs in English are used with the semantic verb in, while the to particle is not placed between the verbs.
Right:
- I canbuy you a candy - I Can buy you candy.
- I mustdecline your offer - I must reject your suggestion.
Wrong:
- I can tobuy you a candy.
- I must todecline your offer.
2. Modal verbs are not conjugated, no endings are added to them, including the ending -s in the third person singular.
Right:
- He can walk on a wire. - He can walk on a tightrope.
- She must go. - She must go.
Wrong:
- He cans walk on a wire.
- She musts go.
3. Modal verbs are not used in the future tense with an auxiliary verb.
In most cases, modal verbs can refer to an action in the future, this becomes clear from the context.
- I can help you tomorrow. - I I can (can) help you tomorrow.
- We must get back home by midnight. - We must return home by midnight.
- He may pass his exam later with another group. - He can (could) take the exam later with another group.
- You should ask her out tomorrow. - You should invite her somewhere tomorrow.
4. The verbs can and may have past tense forms.
These forms are respectively:
I also note that should is the past tense form of the modal verb shall, which is rarely used in modern English, see.
5. The interrogative form is formed without an auxiliary verb - the modal verb is placed before the subject:
- I can drive- Can I drive?
- She could help us- could she help us?
- We must go- Must we go?
- I may ask- May I ask?
- You should try- should I try?
6. The negative form is formed with the particle not, it is placed after the modal verb (and with the verb can it is written together). In colloquial speech, usually negative forms are reduced.
- cannot-can't
- could not - couldn't
- may not - mayn't
- might not - mightn't
- should not - shouldn't
- must not - mustn't
Note:
Mustnot has the opposite must meaning. For example:
You must not- does not mean “should not”, that is, “you do not have an obligation” (here “you don’t have to” is suitable), but “you can’t”, “you are forbidden”, “it is forbidden”. In Russian, sentences with a prohibition pronounced must not are often translated into impersonal sentences.
- You mustn't enter that room - to you forbidden go into that room.
- You mustn't smoke here prohibited smoke.
May not also has the meaning of a ban, but softer than must not.
- You may not go there - to you it is forbidden go there.
- You may not touch it - to you it is forbidden touch it.
Cannot can mean both physical impossibility, inability, and a mild prohibition.
- You can't take in all those kittens. - You can not adopt all these kittens (this is impossible).
- You can't park here it is forbidden parking (this is prohibited).
Synonyms of modal verbs
Modal verbs have non-modal synonyms that are conjugated according to the general rules.
Here are the synonyms:
- Can = be able to (be able)
- Must = have to (to be due)
- May = be allowed to (have permission)
- Should = be supposed to (to be implied, to be due) - not in all cases.
Modal verbs are considered insufficient - this means that they do not have future tense forms, some (must) do not have a past tense form. With the help of synonyms, you can replace the missing forms of modal verbs.
| present | Past | Future |
|---|---|---|
| I can fly / I am able to fly | I could fly / I was able to fly | I will be able to fly |
| I must go / I have to go | I had to go | I will have to go |
| I may ask / I am allowed to ask | I might ask / I was allowed to ask | I will be allowed to ask |
Replacing a modal verb with a synonym is not entirely complete and accurate. For example, must can mean a moral necessity, a duty, and have to means a forced necessity.
I must help my parents. - I must help your parents (duty, obligation).
My colleague is being late for the meeting, I have to wait for him. My colleague is late for a meeting, I must(I have to) wait for him.
The main cases of using modal verbs
Modal verb Can (could)
The verb can is used for:
1. Expressions of opportunity, ability to do something, question, polite request:
Can is used in the present and future tenses, could in the past.
Present tense:
I can show you new world - I Can show you a new world.
I can't believe it! - I can not believe it!
In an interrogative form, a request is received:
Can I help you? - Can can i help you?
Can you do me a favour? - You you can do me a favor?
Sentences with the negative form can’t can express not only the impossibility, but also the prohibition:
You can't move this stone. - You can not move this stone (it's too heavy).
You can't walk on the grass. - It is forbidden walk on the grass (this is prohibited).
Past tense:
He could play guitar - He could play the guitar.
I couldn't forgive him - I could not forgive him.
Interrogative sentences with could express a polite request in relation to the second person. More polite than with can.
could you pass me that book? - Could you will you hand me that book?
Future– the verb can does not change in any way, its relation to the future is clear from the context:
I can talk to you later. - I I can (can) talk to you later.
James can fix your car tomorrow. – James can (could) fix your car tomorrow.
2. “It can’t be that…”
This combination is also used in negative sentences when the speaker does not believe, does not allow the possibility that the action has actually taken place. When translating such turns into Russian, the words “cannot be”, “could not”, “really” are usually used.
Lara cannot have done it! – Lara I could not such do!
No, he cannot have said it! - No he could not such say!
Can she have said it? - Really she is said?
Modal verb Must
1. Must (to be obliged to do something)
You must be Peter - You should be, Peter.
These must be his footsteps - This, should be, its traces.
You should have turned left! - You should have turned left! (and turned right)
You should have seen this place! - You should have seen this place! (and you didn't see)
3. “The idea is to”
At the verb should there is also the meaning “should, in theory”, that is, there is some expected, intended action, but it may not be performed. In this case, turnover is more often used. be supposed to.
I should (am supposed to) be at work now, but the show is so damn interesting - I must be (in theory) at work now, but this series is damn interesting.
Doctors say we should (are supposed to) exercise if we want to stay healthy - Doctors say we need to(we are supposed to) exercise to stay healthy.
Modal verb May (might)
1. Have permission, permission
In present and future tense
You may do what you want - you can do whatever you want (present tense)
You may play with your friends later. – You can play with your friends later (future tense)
May I ask you a question? - Can(can) I ask you a question?
In negative form may not expresses prohibition:
You may not play with them. - You it is forbidden play with them (I forbid).
In the past time to express permission, the verb might is not used (it expresses an assumption, see below), but a turnover be allowed to- have permission.
I was allowed to continue working on my project. - To me allowed continue working on my project.
We were not allowed to wear uniform. - Us not allowed wear a uniform.
2. Guess
The verb is used to guess. may or might, in this case it is translated as “maybe”, “maybe”, etc. The difference between may and might is that may expresses the speaker’s greater confidence in the assumption. However, this difference may be highly dependent on the context or be insignificant.
Present and future tenses
Scheme: May / might + infinitive (without to)
You might know that place - you Maybe, you know this place (present tense).
He may visit us tonight - He, May be, will visit us in the evening (future tense).
Past tense:
Scheme: May / might + have + Past Participle
She might have forgotten the documents at home. - She, perhaps forgot home documents.
I may have seen you before. - I, may have seen you before.
Video tutorials on modal verbs
In the grammar section of Puzzle English there are several video lessons on the topic of modal verbs, here is the first of them: “Verb Can”.
By going to the “Grammar” section on the Puzzle English service, you can watch the rest of the video lessons (they are available for free), as well as complete the exercises.
Modal verbs express the speaker's personal attitude to the situation. There are 5 basic modal verbs in English:
- will/would
- can / could
- may/might
- shall/should
In addition to the listed modal verbs, there are several verbs in English that are suitable in meaning, but do not have all the properties of modal verbs. Among them: dare, need, ought to etc.
The expression of a personal attitude can be characterized as follows (from less stressful to more):
- formal request
- offer, request
- opinion, advice
- confidence
- obligation
Remembering the use of modal verbs
Click on the arrows in the figure below to understand in which situations different groups of modal verbs are used.
Video with examples
Watch this video to finally structure your understanding of modal verbs in English.
Examples of the use of modal verbs
Table. Modal verbs in English. Examples
| Modal verb | Example | Using a modal verb |
| CAN |
They can play baseball. You can take my umbrella. Can |
Skill, suggestion, request |
| BE ABLE TO | They are able to play baseball. | Skill |
| CAN"T | Jerry can't be in the library now - I have just seen him on the street. | The certainty that something is impossible |
| COULD |
She could recite long poems when she was younger. could you make a cup of coffee for me? You could take my umbrella. |
Skill, suggestion, request |
| MAY |
It may be good to meet her at the airport. May I leave earlier today? |
Likelihood, formal/formal request |
| MIGHT | It might be good to meet her at the airport. | Probability |
| MUST |
Children must read books every day. Look at the clouds - it must start raining in a minute. |
Commitment Confidence in the veracity of something |
| HAVE TO | Children have to read books every day. | Commitment |
| NEED TO | These students need to take the exam at the end of the month. | Commitment |
| NEEDN"T | She needn"t sign this form. | Lack of obligation |
| MUSTN"T | Parents mustn "t leave their kids home alone. | Ban |
| DON'T HAVE TO | I don't have to come to work today. | Lack of obligation |
| SHOULD | He should see a doctor. | Opinion / Advice |
| OUGHT TO | He ought to see a doctor. | Opinion / Advice |