Download 1 MODAL VERBS There are 12 modal verbs in English. They are

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MODAL VERBS
There are 12 modal verbs in English. They are: can, may, must, should, ought to, shall, will,
would, need, dare, to be, to have to.
The latter two are modal only in one of their meanings. Ten of them (that is all but "to be
to" and "to have to) are also called defective verbs as they lack some features:
1. They don't take -s- in the third person singular.
2. They have no verbals, so they have no analytical forms.
3. They have (except "can" and "may") only one form and no past tense.
4. They are followed (except for "ought to") by a bare infinitive.
5. They need no auxiliary to build up the interrogative and negative forms.
The verbs can, may, must, should, ought to, shall, will, would, need, dare, to be to, to have
to are called modal as they express modality alongside with moods and modal words and
phrases. Semantically modal verbs express neither action nor states. They only show the
speaker's attitude to the probability, improbability, necessity, desirability of the action
expressed by the notional verb in the form of the infinitive.
The verbs could, might, should, would besides denoting a past action, may denote an
unreal action.
She could go there if she wanted to.
You might do something for me.
You should speak to him about it.
He wouldn't do a thing like this.
So we say that these modal verbs have one form of the Subjunctive Mood.
When followed by a perfect infinitive, this form denotes an unreal action in the past.
I could have gone there.
You might have gone there.
I would have gone.
He should have agreed.
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"CAN"
"CAN" has two moods: Indicative and Subjunctive. In the indefinite mood it has two tenses:
present and past. The verb "can" has two forms: "Can" and "could".
CAN -------------- Indicative mood - present
- Indicative mood - past
COULD
-Subjunctive mood - present
The main meaning of the verb "can" is:
1. Physical or mental ability or learned skills (in all type of sentences). It corresponds to
the Russian "может, умеет, в состоянии, обладает возможностью".
Не can translate this article.
I can't lift the box. It is too heavy.
2. Objective possibility=it is possible "можно".
You can buy this dictionary.
In this meaning "can" is found in all kinds of sentences. It is followed by the simple
infinitive and it refers the action to the present or future.
Anybody can make a mistake.
Can we use the indefinite article here?
We can't use the indefinite article with this noun.
In past-time contexts "could" is used. It is followed by the simple infinitive in this case.
I could go to the theatre yesterday. I was free.
The form "could" in combination with the simple infinitive "may" also express unreality
with reference to the present or future.
You could see the house from here if it were not so dark.
In combination with the perfect infinitive "could" indicates that the action was not carried
out in the past.
You could have seen him if it hadn’t been so dark.
NOTE: When "could" is used with reference to the past it denotes only the ability or
possibility of performing an action but not the realization of the action. Therefore when a
realized or an unrealized action is expressed, "could" is naturally not used. If an action was
carried out in the past, it is expressed with the help of "to manage" or "to succeed" (the latter is
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used in literary style) or "to be able to".
He managed to do everything he wanted.
He. succeeded in finishing his work in time.
I was able to finish my work in an hour.
(I managed, I could and I did.)
If an action wasn't realized in the past it is expressed by the verb "to fail", or "to manage"
and "succeed' in the negative form.
He failed to finish his work in time.
He didn't manage to finish his work in time.
3. Permission (in colloquial informal speech; is used when speaking with close friends,
relatives etc. that is in unofficial spoken language.)
You can take my book. I don't need it.
NOTE: The verb "may" is more polite here.
4. Prohibition (нельзя, запрещено) only in negative sentences.
You can't cross the street here. You can't smoke here.
6. Request
Can I have some water?
Can you do it?
NOTE: "Could" suggests a greater degree of politeness.
Could you come again tomorrow?
"CAN" followed by any form of the infinitive may express:
1. Strong doubt, improbability (невероятность, неуверенность). This meaning occurs
only with the negative form of the modal verb.
He can't be working at this time. = It is impossible that he is working.
He can’t have seen it. = It is impossible that he saw it.
It corresponds to the Russian (не может быть, чтобы...)
"Could" is used instead of "can" to express greater doubt.
You couldn't have read the book in original it is too difficult for you. (вряд ли.)
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You can't have read the book in Russian, it is not translated (не может быть,
чтобы).
The time reference is indicated not by the form of the verb ("can" or "could") but by that of
the infinitive.
Depending on the time reference "can" in this meaning is used in combination with
different forms of the infinitive. If reference is made to the present the simple infinitive is
found with stative verbs and with dynamic verbs the continuous infinitive is used.
He can't be really ill.
She can't be telling lies.
"Can" + perfect infinitive refers the action to the past.
He can’t/ couldn’t have told the truth.
2. Surprise when can/could is used in general questions. It corresponds to the Russian
"неужели".
Depending on the time reference "can" is used with different forms of the infinitive.
To refer the action to the past a perfect infinitive is used:
Can she have told a lie?
With dynamic verbs the continuous infinitive or the perfect continuous infinitive may be
used:
Can she be telling lies?
Can she have been waiting for us so long?
"Could" is also used in this way, implying more uncertainty.
Could it be true?
Could she be telling lies?
Could he have said it?
Could she have been waiting for us so long?
In Russian both variants - "неужели... ?"
3. "Can" and "could" followed by different forms of the infinitive are found in special
questions where they are used for emotional colouring (for instance, to express puzzlement,
impatience)
What can/could he mean?
What can/could he be doing?
Where can/could he have gone to?
It is rendered in Russian as "Что собственно он имеет в виду? ..."
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"MAY"
"MAY" has two forms: "may" and "might" It has two Moods: Indicative and Subjunctive.
In the Indicative Mood it has two tenses: present and past.
"MAY" -------------------------------- Indicative Mood - present.
"MIGHT"
Indicative Mood - past
Subjunctive Mood - present
The main meanings:
1. Objective
possibility
(absence
of
any
obstacle
to
an
action).
You may hear this song everywhere.
You may find all the books you want in the Lenin Library. - It's possible that you will find...
"May" is used only in affirmative sentences.
"Can" is used in questions and negative sentences.
The form "might" is used in past-time contexts in accordance with the rules of the sequence of tenses.
He said he might order a taxi by telephone.
"Might" followed by the perfect infinitive indicates that the action was not carried out owing to
certain circumstances expressed in the sentence or implied.
You are so careless. You might have broken the cup.
2. Permission = to be allowed to, to be permitted to or polite request.
You may go now. (You are allowed to go)
May I take your book? (Am I allowed to take your book?)
"Might" is used in polite request of permission.
Might I use your telephone?
"Can" is now more common than "may" or "might" to express informally the idea of permission.
When the action was permitted and performed the expression "was allowed to" is preferable.
When translating the article we were allowed to use a dictionary.
"May" or "might" followed by any form of the infinitive may express:
1. Supposition, doubt, uncertainty = perhaps or maybe, and occurs in affirmative and
I negative sentences (реже) = возможно, может быть.
Не may come or he may not.
Может он придет, а может нет.
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Take your umbrella. It may rain. (Perhaps it will rain.)
Non-perfect infinitive indicates reference to the present or future.
They may arrive today or tomorrow.
The perfect infinitive indicates reference to the past.
He may have left.
"Might" is also used here to express greater doubt (It is always Subjunctive Mood).
He might have left.
Может он и уехал.
She might be right.
Возможно, она и права.
In questions "can" is used instead of "may", or Is it (he, she) likely to..?
Do you think that..?
Is she likely to arrive tomorrow?
Do you think he has already come?
2. Reproach - is used only in the positive statement and only with the form "might"
(Subjunctive Mood). It is always stressed.
You might help me.
You might have opened the door for me.
You might be more polite.
Sometimes "may" weakens its meaning to a great extent. It is observed in the following
cases:
1. In simple sentences expressing wish:
May you be happy!
May there always be sunshine!
2. In subordinate clauses of purpose after the conjunctions "that", "so that".
Turn your head so that I may see your face.
The form "might" is used according to the sequence of tenses.
She told me that you might tell her the truth.
She took the child to the river so that he might swim a little.
3.1n subordinate clause of concession after the conjunctions whoever, whatever,
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whenever, however and etc.
Whoever he may be, he must be punished
Whenever he might travel he was homesick and lonely.
3. In object clause expressing hope, fear or wish:
We feared that he might be late.
I fear she may be late.
"CAN" AND "MAY" COMPARED
The use of "can" and "may" is parallel only in two meanings: possibility due to
circumstances and permission. In these meanings, however, they are not always
interchangeable for a number of various reasons.
1. In the meaning of possibility the use of "may" is restricted (only affirmative sentences).
"may"
He may find this book at the library.
"can"'
He can find this book in the library.
Can he find this book in the library?
He can’t find this book in the library.
Their time reference is also different. "May" refers only to the present or future: the
form "might" is used in past-time contexts only in reported speech.
Can/could may refer to the present, past or future.
He may find the book in the library. He can find the book in the library.
He could find the book in the library yesterday.
He can find the book in the library tomorrow.
He said he might find the book...
He said he could find the book...
Both "could" and "might" combined with the perfect infinitive indicate that the action
was not carried out in the past.
He could/might have found the book in the library.
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"MUST'
The verb "must" has only one form which is used as the Present tense of the Indicative Mood.
"Must" has the following meanings:
1. Obligation, realized necessity, duty, order.
When it is used in this meaning it can be followed only by the indefinite infinitive (active and
passive).
I must go there.
You must do it yourself.
NOTE: When absence of necessity is expressed the verb "need" is used. Compare:
You must go there. =It is necessary for you to go there.
You needn't go there. = It is not necessary for you to go there.
In this meaning "must" is found in affirmative and interrogative sentences.
Must I do it myself?
Obligation expressed by "must" refers to the present and future but in reported speech it
may refer to the present.
He said we mustn't invite them to dinner.
2. Prohibition (only in negative sentences) - нельзя, не разрешается.
Children mustn't play with matches.
Cars mustn't be parked in front of the gate.
3. Emphatic advice
You must stop worrying about him.
You mustn't cry.
This meaning is found in affirmative and negative sentences and it is closely connected with
the two above-mentioned meaning.
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"Must" followed by any form of the infinitive may express:
1. Supposition bordering on assurance or near certainty. It corresponds to the Russian
"должно быть, очевидно, вероятно, скорее всего".
Не must be ill. Не looks so pale.
She must be writing a letter.
All forms of the infinitive are possible here but the indefinite infinitive is used only
with stative verbs.
She must be at home now.
She must be reading a lot.
If "must" is followed by the simple infinitive of dynamic verbs, it expresses obligation
not probability.
You must stay at home.
With stative verbs the simple infinitive is used to express supposition.
If the action refers to the past the perfect infinitive or perfect continuous infinitive is
used after "must".
We must have met somewhere.
They must have been working all the time.
Must expressing supposition or probability is not used:
1.With reference to the future.
Instead of the modal verb the adverbs "probably", "evidently", "to be sure", "to be
likely".
He will probably tell you everything.
He is sure to tell you everything.
2. The negation "not" can't be used after "must" in tins meaning.
The negative pronouns (nobody, nothing), negative adverbs (never), negative prefixes
(inexperienced, misunderstanding) or the verb "to fail" are used instead of it.
Our letter must have never reaching him.
There must be nobody at home.
He must have learned nothing.
She must have failed to leave.
No one must have seen him there.
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"TO HAVE TO"
As a modal verb "to have to" differs from the others that it is not defective. It can have the
category of person and number and all tense-aspect forms. It is followed by a "to-infinitive". It
builds up its interrogative and negative forms with the help of the auxiliary verb "to do".
HAVE
notional (to possess)
auxiliary (in perfect tenses)
semi-auxiliary
to have + an infinitive
(modal meaning)
a talk
to have a walk
a bite
"To have + to-infinitive" is a modal construction which expresses circumstantial necessity.
to have to = to be obliged to
It is often rendered in Russian by means of "приходиться, вынужден" and shows that there
is no other way out.
She is usually short of time so she has to go by car.
In the past tense "have to" indicates a fulfilled obligation.
We had to do it again (and we did it).
"Have to" replaces "must" where "must" can't be used - to express past necessity; to
express a future obligation; to express absence of necessity.
"Have to" can be used only with the indefinite infinitive.
Have got to = have to, but it is more usual in the colloquial speech, especially in the negative
and interrogative forms. It is used only in the Present Indefinite.
Have you got to get up early morning?
The negative and interrogative forms are formed without any auxiliary.
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"TO BE TO"
to be
notional – I was in the garden.
auxiliary – He is playing. It was done.
semi-auxiliary (modal) –1 was to come at 5.
"To be to" as a modal verb is used in the Present and Past Indefinite tenses and expresses:
1. Prearranged necessity
Remember, that we are to meet at 5.
The metro station is to be built in this district.
When am I to come?
NOTE: When the verb "to be" in its past form is followed by a perfect infinitive it shows
that a planned action didn't take place.
He was to have come yesterday (that means that he didn't come).
2. Commands,
orders,
instructions.
You are to leave me alone.
He is to stay here until I return.
In negative sentences it expresses strict prohibition.
You are not to do that.
You are not to smoke here.
When used in questions it expresses asking for instruction.
What am I to do further?
Where am I to go? (Куда же мне деваться?)
3. Something unavoidable
"суждено","предстоит".
in
the
future
which
corresponds
to
the
Russian
She was to become his wife.
He is to be a musician.
He was never to see her again.
It was not to be.
Sometimes but only in combination with the passive infinitive it may express possibility.
Nothing was to be seen.
Nothing could be seen.
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"NEED"
a full-meaning notional verb –1 don't need your help.
NEED
modal verb followed by an infinitive.
When "need" is used in the meaning of "to be in want of" it is treated as a normal verb.
He needs a new pair of shoes.
The modal verb "need" may be used either as a defective or as a regular verb.
"Need" is mostly used in negative and interrogative sentences.
"Need" as a defective verb has only one form, which is the Present Indefinite. In reported
speech it remains unchanged. It is followed by the infinitive without "to".
"Need" in negative sentences expresses absence of necessity.
When reference is made to the present or future it is followed by the simple infinitive.
You needn't do it now.
You needn't be afraid of me.
The negation is not always combined with the verb, but may be expressed by other parts of
the sentence.
I don't think we need tell him this.
I need hardly say that I agree with you.
In questions "need" is used when there is a strong element of negation or doubt or when the
speaker expects a negative answer.
Need I go there? (hoping for the negative answer)
I wonder if I need go there. (statement of doubt)
The defective form of "need" forms its negative and interrogative constructions without any
auxiliaries.
NOTE: Sometimes in the literary language it is used with the auxiliary "do" and followed
by the infinitive with "to".
We need to be careful.
He didn’t need to be told twice.
In negative statements "need" followed by a perfect infinitive shows that the action was done
though it was unnecessary.
You needn't have got up so early. (He надо было, зря...)
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We needn't have waited for her. (Можно было и не ждать, а мы ждали).
NOTE: "didn't have + indefinite infinitive" shows that the action didn't take place because
of some circumstances (He надо было, не пришлось)
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"OUGHT TO"
The verb "ought to" has only one form. It is always followed by the infinitive with the
particle "to".
"Ought to" has the following meanings:
1. Moral
duty;
moral
obligation;
friendly
advice
or
recommendation.
You ought to support your family.
You ought to look after your children better.
You ought to consult the doctor.
(вы должны, вам следует)
When reference is made to the past "ought to" is followed by the perfect infinitive.
2. When "ought to" is followed by the perfect infinitive it expresses criticism of a past
action.
He ought to have tried to speak to her.
You ought to have done it.
(a desirable action was not carried out, а ты этого не сделал)
I'm sorry. I oughtn‘t to have said it. (а я сказал)
It may also be viewed as a reproach.
3. "Ought to" may also express friendly advice, recommendation. In this case "ought to" and
"should" are synonyms. They correspond to the Russian "следует".
You ought to consult the doctor.
4. Supposition implying strong probability.
The new house ought to be very comfortable.
The use of "ought to" in this case is not very common as this meaning is normally rendered by
must".
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"SHALL"
When "shall" is a modal verb it always combines its modal meaning with the function
of an auxiliary verb, that is, it is always used with reference to the future. It is mostly
used with the second and third person and has a strong stress. In Russian it is rendered
by emphatic intonation.
It may express:
1. Compulsion
(принуждение)
or
order.
You shall do it immediately.
It shall be done as you wish. He shall do as I say.
2. Threat,
warning
or
promise.
You shall be sorry for it.
If you sit here you shall catch cold.
If you pass your exam you shall have a new bicycle.
3. When used in question it expresses asking for instructions. It is used with the first
and third persons.
Shall I read?
Shall he answer the telephone?
Shall I get you a chair?
"Shall" is used only with the simple infinitive.
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"SHOULD"
Historically "should" was the past form of "shall" and both the forms expressed obligation.
But in present-day English they have developed different meanings and are treated as two
different verbs.
"Should" followed by the indefinite infinitive is used with reference to the present of
future and remains unchanged in reported speech.
"Should" has the following meanings:
1. Advice, recommendation.
As well as "ought" it expresses desirable, proper action, and corresponds to the Russian
"следует, следовало бы".
You should be more careful.
You should take this medicine twice a day.
The continuous infinitive is also possible here.
You shouldn’t 't be sitting in the sun.
2. Criticism of a past action but only in combination with a perfect infinitive
You should have done it (but you didn’t).
They shouldn't have left the child alone (but they did).
"Should" and "ought" are interchangeable here.
Emotional "Should"
3. In modern English "should" is often used with emotional colouring to express
indignation, surprise, disappointment and other feelings.
It is observed in:
a) interrogative sentences beginning with "why", "what", "how".
Why should I do it (ради чего, с какой стати)?
How should I know (почем я знаю) ?
What on earth should I... ( какого черта)?
b) interrogative and exclamatory sentences with the construction "who (whom)...
but"
to
express unexpected actions:
Returning home last night whom should I meet but cousin Jack himself.
c) exclamatory sentences after the words expressing various feelings, that is in
emotionally coloured sentences.
Just imagine that he should act so!
To think that it should come to this. - Только подумать до чего дошло дело!
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d) in object clauses after expressions of regret, surprise:
I'm sorry that he should be so unreasonable.
e) in attributive clauses beginning with “why” after the noun "reason".
I don't see any reason why he shouldn’t 't be happy.
"Should" in its weakened meaning.
4. Rather often "should" weakens its meaning. It is observed in the following cases:
a) in subordinate subject clauses after impersonal principal clauses with "it".
It is necessary you should do it.
It is important you should do it.
It is desirable you should do it.
b) in subordinate clauses after the words expressing order, suggestion, fear.
He suggested that the meeting should beat 5.
His order was (is) that we should do it.
c) in subordinate clauses of real condition with reference to the future to make the
condition less probable.
Should you meet him tell him about it.
Should you be in M. again we’ll be happy to see you.
It corresponds to the Russian "если случайно", "случись так, что,.. " "если все
же... ", "в случае если..."
d) in subordinate clause of purpose after the conjunction "lest" (чтобы не, как бы
не).
I remind you of it lest you should forget.
I fear lest he should be late.
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"WILL"
"Will" is not a purely modal verb. It generally combines its modal meaning with the
function of an auxiliary verb expressing futurity. It is mostly used with the first person
though it may occur with any person. "Will" has two forms: "will" for the present and
"would" for the past tense. "Will" and "would" are forms of the same verb although in a
few cases their meanings differ.
The modal verb "will" expresses:
1. Will, intention, volition.
It is often rendered into Russian by "непременно", "обязательно", охотно".
Now I will speak.
I can and I will learn it.
I will write as soon as I can.
I will never agree to that.
If you will wait for me I will be very glad
2. A
polite
request
or
an
offer
(only
in
questions).
Will you have a cup of tea?
Will you sit down?
3. Resistance when speaking about lifeless thing or a refusal to do something when
speaking about people. It occurs in negative sentences.
The door will not open. It is no use trying.
The orange will not peel.
The engine won’t start.
They won't go with us.
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"WOULD"
When the action expressed by the notional verb refers to the past "would" is used instead
of "will".
"Would" is used to express:
1. Absence of wish to do smth. or resistance (отсутствие желания - о Людях,
сопротивление - о вещах) - in negative sentences.
I tried to persuade him but he wouldn't listen.
We waited till afternoon but the rain wouldn't stop.
The motor wouldn't start.
2. A polite request (a greater degree of politeness) in questions.
Would you please pass me the salt?
[
Would you be so kind as to open the door?
"Would" is used in the Subjunctive Mood here.
3. A repeated past action.
He would call on us in the evening.
4. A future action in object clauses after "wish" if the subjects of the two clauses are
different. "Would" is the Subjunctive Mood here.
I wish you would do it yourself. I wish he would stop smoking.