Modal verbs in interrogative sentences. Sentences with modal verbs: grammar, forms, tenses

We often come across modal verbs even in Russian, without suspecting that they belong to the modal class. So, first of all, you need to understand the concept of “modal verbs”.

Modal are those verbs that show not an action or state, but your attitude to the subject of conversation. This list includes words expressing permission, necessity, order, possibility/impossibility. There is a small percentage of modal verbs in the English language, but even beginners sometimes encounter problems when using them. As a rule, this is due to shades of meaning of verbs. It is not difficult to get confused in their abundance, but after reading the article, you will be able to mentally divide the modal verbs of the English language into groups convenient for learning and actively use them in written and spoken speech.

Getting to know modal verbs

Character traits

Since modal verbs express only the speaker’s attitude to what is being discussed, they are used in pairs with a semantic verb.

She can talk with you. - She can talk with you.

These verbs do not have finite forms - the same form is used for all pronouns, i.e. in the sentence above we can change she(she) to any other person. Also, modal verbs do not have a gerund (a verb ending in ing) or a participle.

In interrogative sentences, the modal verb comes first, no auxiliary elements are required!

You must know everything. –You must know All.
Must you know everything? —Do you have to know everything?

In negative sentences, after modal verbs they simply put the particle not (in the abbreviated version n’t).

We needn’ t to check our car. “We don’t need to check our car.”

The next paragraph will discuss in detail the most popular modal verbs in the English language.

Modal verbs in practice

Despite the apparent abundance of these verbs, not all of them are used in speech. In addition, the most popular - must, can and may - have a common meaning and can replace other modal verbs. However, when using modal verbs in English, no one has canceled the rules. When choosing a modal verb when constructing speech, oral or written, pay attention to the shade of meaning you want to convey and the tense of the verb.

Below is a table of modal verbs in English , which will greatly ease the lot of both beginners and those continuing to learn the language.

Modal verb	Meaning	Example
Must/mustn't	high degree of obligation	You must achieve it. – You must achieve this.
Have to / don't have to Be to / not be to	obligation due to circumstances or conditions	We have to get up early. - We'll have to get up early. Our concert is to start very soon. – Our concert should start soon.
Can/can't	high degree of ability or resolution	You can paint. - Can you draw. I can keep an owl at home. – I can keep an owl in the house.
Could / couldn't	possibility or impossibility of action in the past	Could you help us? – Could you help us? They couldn't do anything. “They couldn't do anything.”
Be able to / not be able to	high degree of ability to perform an action	They were able to call him. -They were able to reach him
Should/shouldn't	obliging on someone's advice (should)	She should go to the dentist. – She should go to the dentist. He shouldn't rely on the friends. “He shouldn’t rely on friends.”
Ought to / oughtn’t to	moral obligation	Mothers ought to take care of their children. – Mothers should take care of their children.
Need to/ needn’t to (don’t need to)	necessity of action due to need	You needn't to come round tonight. “You don’t have to come visit today.”
Will (shall) / won’t (shan’t)	performing an action in the future according to plan	Shall we go to the swimming pool? - Shouldn't we go to the pool?
Would / wouldn't	conditional, possible action	He would go to China. - He would go to China. Would you like to drink cola? – Would you drink cola?
May / may not	low degree of resolution or likelihood of action	It may snow. - It might snow. May I take another piece? -Can I have another piece?
Might/might not	extremely low degree of confidence in action	It might have happened. – This could hardly happen.

Let us dwell in more detail on each of the verbs, specifying their features. The negative form of the verb and its meaning are given through a slash.

1) must/mustn’t

Meaning:
a) obligation – must, must (in the opinion of the speaker);
b) assumption – there must be;
c) prohibition - impossible.

a) You must keep your room tidy. - You must maintain order in the room.

b) It must be delicious. –This, must be , tasty. (Present Simple - simple present tense)
She must have caught a cold. - She, there must be, caught a cold.(Present Perfect - present completed tense)

c) You mustn't feed the monkeys at the zoo. –It is forbidden feed monkeys V zoo.

Features: the modal verb must has no forms in either the past or future tenses. In such cases we replace it with have to:

He had to walk his dog yesterday. - Yesterday he had walk your dog.

2) have to / don’t have to

Meaning:
a) obligation – must, forced, has to (due to external circumstances);
b) lack of obligations – should not, optional.

a) She has to take care of her ill father. –She forced take care O sick father.

b) We don't have to wear uniform at school on Saturdays. –By Saturdays us not necessary walk V school V form.

Features: have to only expresses a modal meaning, but is not modal itself, therefore it is subject to general rules in all tenses.

3) be to / not be to

Meaning:
a) obligation – must, agreed (by some general agreement);
b) prohibition – should not.

a) Tonight you are to read a tale to children. –Today You By agreement you're reading fairy tale children.

b) This film is not to have been shown twice. - This movie shouldn't have show a second time.

Features: to be to in the modal meaning is subject to the same rules as to the regular verb to be. In the future tense it is not used to express modality, so in this case we use have to:

What will I have to do tomorrow? –What I must will do Tomorrow?

4)can/can’t

Meaning:
a) ability to perform an action – I can, I am able (possibility);
b) permission – is it possible, is it possible (request for permission in the question);
c) inability – I can’t, I don’t know how;
d) prohibition – impossible, not allowed.

a) You can climb up the trees. –You you know how climb By trees.

b) You can take another piece of cake. –Can take more piece cake.
Can we help you? - We Can Can I help you with something?

c) She can ’ t draw anything. - She generally can not nothing to draw.

d) But you can ’ t open this red door. - But it is forbidden open only this red door.

Features: in the future tense, to express the meaning “will be able to do” you should use the construction to be able to:

He won't be able to get permission. –He will be able get permission.

5)could/couldn't

Meaning: past tense form of can;
a) opportunity in the past – could, could (missed opportunity);
b) polite request for permission - is it possible;
c) proposal - something can be done;
d) couldn’t (it wasn’t possible).

a) Sarah could go to the university last year. – Sarah could went to university last year.

b) Could I sit here? –Can I I'll sit down here?

With) We could go playing billiards. –We Can go play V billiards.

d) He couldn't have disappeared! –He Not could evaporate!

Features: the specified verb is not suitable for expressing the meaning “could, could not.” In this version, we will take the following construction - be able to.

6) be able to / not be able to

Meaning:
a) the ability to perform an action - to be able to do something, be able to, capable (because you have everything you need);
b) inability to perform an action – cannot, is not capable of, cannot.

a) He has been able to win the competition. –He smog win V competitions.

b) We weren't able to play basketball in childhood.As children we didn't know how play basketball.

Features: changes in tenses like a regular verb to be

7) shouldn't/shouldn't

Meaning:
a) advice – must, should, must (recommendation with the meaning of obligation);
b) waiting – it’s time, it should;
c) reproach – should have, should have;
d) advice not to do – it’s not worth it, it shouldn’t be done.

a) You should eat more vitamins. - You need to eat more vitamins.

b) You should find a good girl and get married. – It's time you find a good girl and settle down.

c) She should have lost weight. - She's been around for a long time it was time lose weight.

d) They shouldn't’ t spend so much money. - Them do not do it spend so much money.

Features: used with all tenses; the future meaning requires the use of a tense marker.

8) ought to / oughtn’t to

Meaning:
a) advice – must, should (due to moral principles);
b) firm confidence - there must be (with Present Perfect);
c) advice – you shouldn’t, you shouldn’t do this.

a) You ought to tell her everything. –You must All to her tell.

b) They ought to have decided. - They, must be have already made a decision.

With) You not enough to offend your little sister. –Not necessary offend my little sister.

Features: not used in official statements, it is an analogue of the more commonly used should.

9) need to/ needn’t to (don’t need to)

Meaning:
a) necessity – necessary, required;
b) lack of need - not necessary

Features: in the case of this verb, the nuances should be discussed in advance. The verb need can be either regular (vary in all tenses, require the presence of an auxiliary), or purely modal - in the second version it is used only in the present tense. As a correct need, it is used to express a general need; as a modal, it is used to express a particular need.

a) He need to work at weekends. –To him need to work By on days off. (private need)

b) Girls don ’ t need to make up – they are so beautiful! – For girls no need put on makeup, they are already beautiful!

10) will (shall) / won’t (shan’t)

Meaning:
a) probability of action in the future - I will do, I will do;
b) lack of probability of action in the future - I won’t do it, I won’t do it.

a) I will go to Spain in the summer. –In summer I I'll go V Spain.
Shall we go home? – Shouldn't I go should we go home?

b) She won ’ t play the golf tomorrow. - She will not play golf tomorrow.

Features: shall (shan’t) is used only for the 1st person (I, we) in questions and negations.

11) would/wouldn't

Meaning: a) expression of future meaning in the past (in the subordinating part complex sentences); b) conditional mood – would do; c) polite offer or invitation; d) unwillingness to do something

a) She said she would come round. – She said, What will come in V guests .

b) If you were fat, you would look like our uncle. –If b You was fat man, That looked would How our uncle.

c) Would you like to join us? – Want to join us?

d) I tried but he wouldn't ’ t agree . - I tried, but he didn't agree at all.

Features: the verb would often replaces will in questions, as a more polite and colloquial form.

12) may / may not

Meaning:
a) formal permission – possible;
b) low confidence – maybe;
c) prohibition – refusal of permission.

a) May I come in? –Can whether I to come in?

b) It may be cold in the evening. –In the evening Maybe be Cold.

c) You may not eat in the library. –It is forbidden eat V library.

Features: used only in the present tense, is a more formal version of the verb can.

13) might / might not

Meaning:
a) low confidence – maybe;
b) formal permission – possible;
c) reproach – could (with Present Perfect);
d) weak confidence (cannot).

a) They might – Maybe , They will come.

b) Might we play the computer? – Can should we play on the computer?

c) You might have opened the door for me. –Could would to me And open.

d) It might not be true. - This hardly looks like the truth.

Features: compared to may, might expresses a very low degree of confidence.

To summarize, I would like to remind you once again: choose a modal verb depending on the meaning and do not forget about the tense of the predicate.

To master the rules of using modal verbs, be sure to practice through tests, exercises and speaking. If any aspects related to the above grammatical topic are not covered in this article, be sure to write about it in the comments!

In the English language, in addition to verbal units that express action, there is a group of verbs that serve to fix modality in speech. Speaking in simple language, they express not the action itself, but various kinds relationships of a certain nature to these actions. Together with the infinitive, modal units form compound predicate. In general, this is another group of “nasty” verbs in the English language. Modal form of the English verb The origin of these words is lost in the darkness of centuries. In any case, I was unable to come across a thread that would lead me to their origins. No matter how hard I tried to find out their basis from various sources, I did not find anything unambiguous, but also no intelligible explanation.

They differ from ordinary verbs in a number of features, which you can familiarize yourself with a little later. However, in my opinion, their most important feature is that they convey not the state or action of a person or object, but precisely our attitude: “I must know this table" or "I I want to learn these words."

What is meant by the word "attitude"? The speaker can evaluate any action as necessary, possible, requested, permitted, very probable, unlikely, prohibited, ordered, etc. Depending on the speaker’s assessment of the situation and the structure of the sentence, one of the modal verbs is used in speech.

In total, linguists managed to fix 4 actual modal ones, 4 of their main analogues, as well as 6 units of a polyfunctional type.

Modal verbs in English: Modal verbs in English

• Can/Could
• May/Might
• Be to
• Have to / Have got to
• Should
• Ought to
• Would
• Used to
• Shall

The first three are used most often in speech. These verbs sometimes replace other relational words because they have a more general meaning.

Modal verbs in English form interrogative sentences without the auxiliary unit to do, and the construction itself is in preposition: Shall I help you?

The negative form in a sentence is formed by placing the particle not in postposition. Often, especially in oral communication, they merge into one form and are reduced. See table:

If you want to learn how to construct sentences correctly, then you must remember that modal verbs, excluding have (got) to, ought to and be to, are followed by a bare infinitive, and the to particle disappears: I must go.

Distinctive features

Their second name is insufficient, due to the fact that they do not have a number of grammatical forms that other words have - states or actions. Modal verbs in English have the following features:

• They are not conjugated by numbers and persons, that is, in the 3rd person singular they do not form the ending -s. The exceptions are need to, have to and be able to, since they have a conjugation paradigm
• They are used in speech together with semantic verbs, which at the same time lose the to particle, or can be omitted in the context of a text or conversation: I have to
• Lack of gerunds, participles and impersonal infinitives due to the lack of complex tense forms (see next point)
• There is no future or past tense, and there are no continuous or perfect forms, with the exception of may (might) and can (could)

To make it easier to understand the rules for using modal verbs, carefully study this table:
Table of modal verbs Why do you need to know modal verbs?

Their correct use in spoken literate English confirms that you have mastered a level of English that has crossed the initial basic level of everyday communication. And if you don’t use them in your speech when communicating with an American or a British person, then this means that you are still at initial stage learning English and do not have sufficient competence.

Therefore, improve, grow, create a positive impression! Good luck!

In our speech, we not only reflect what is happening around us and convey the action, but also express our opinions, make assumptions, predict probable or unlikely actions. So that each of us can express ourselves and somehow influence events while speaking English, we should definitely learn the features of Modal Verbs.

The difference between these parts of speech is that they do not describe an action and do not answer the question “what to do?” Their purpose is to show the relationship to the predicate verb.

Distinctive features of modal verbs in English

These representatives of grammar can be called inferior, even slightly defective. Despite the fact that they are called verbs, modal verbs still do not have the characteristics that we are accustomed to noticing in ordinary representatives of this group. For example:

• do not change by person: I can, she may, you must. Compare: I take, she takes, you take (exceptions to be, to have).
• It is known that almost all verbs can form participle, infinitive or gerund forms. These are the same do not have impersonal forms, that is, the endings ing .
• Two verbs in an English sentence can very rarely stand side by side; in most cases they require an infinitive with the particle to after them. But after modals it is always used bare infinitive (without to) . Although there are three exceptions: have to, be to, ought to.
• when forming negatives and questions Modal Verbs do not require auxiliary verbs. And some of them coincide in form with Auxiliary Verbs.
• not used independently, serve as a complement to the predicate

Modal verbs include:

1. may/might
2. to be to
3. have to
4. ought to
5. shall
6. should
7. would.

Table of modal verbs

Some "members" of this group have past and future forms, and some do not. But to express relations in other times, so-called equivalents are used, which replace them in certain cases.

As you know, memory quickly remembers schematically presented material. That is why we will try to display all Modal Verbs in such a way that it is understandable, accessible and easy for you to remember.

Modal verb and its equivalent	Expresses	Translation	Present	Past	Future
can to be able to	physical or mental ability	I can, I am able, I am capable	can am/ is/ are able to	could was/were able to	-shall/ will be able to
may to be allowed (to)	permission, request	allow me, can I	may is/ am/ are allowed to	might was/were allowed to	-shall/ will be allowed to
must	must, the need to do something	must, must	must	—	—
have to	the need to perform an action due to circumstances	forced, has to	has/ have to	had to	shall/will have to
to be to	necessity of execution due to pre-planned, by agreement	must, must	am/ is/ are to	was/were to	—
shall	desire to receive orders, threat, warning	must	—	—	shall (Shall he wait? - Should he wait?)
should	recommendations for action, advice	should, should, recommended	should	—	—
will	connotation of desire, intention, consent, persistence	willingly, please be kind	—	—	will
would	shade of intention, request, repetition of an action in the past	willingly, please be kind, it happened
ought	moral duty, advice (+ not + perfect inf. - reproach, censure)	should, ought to, ought to be apparently	ought to	—	—
need	necessity of action	necessary, necessary	need
dare	disturbance	dare, dare to do something	dare	dared

Constructing different types of sentences

1. Almost all modal verbs in English do not require auxiliary verbs neither when constructing denials or questions. This simplifies the language. When forming questions, the modal verb is placed before the subject, and when negated, not is added to it. IN colloquial speech Abbreviated forms are often used:

cannot (written together)=can't, must not=mustn't, have not=haven't, is not=isn't, shall not=shan't, should not=shouldn't, will not=won' t, need not=needn't, ought not=oughtn't, daren't

She cannot stay at home. — She can't stay at home.

You don't need to go to school. - You don't have to go to school.

Could you show me the way to the staition? — Could you show me the way to the station?

You must not smoke here. - You shouldn't smoke here.

May I sit down? -Can I sit down?

Why should I go there? - Why should I go there? (Why on earth would I go there?)

2. And here are the forms have to/has to require auxiliary verbs.

I will not have to go there. — I don’t have to go there (I don’t have to).

Did you have to meet with his parents? — Did you have to meet his parents?

He is lucky! He doesn’t have to get up at 6 o’clock. - He's lucky! He doesn't have to get up at 6 o'clock.

When and what to use?

Many modal verbs are very close in meaning, and in the Russian version they have exactly the same translation. Despite this, for each of them English grammar has its place. When choosing the appropriate option, it is necessary to analyze the sentence, or rather its semantic side, shade.

1. Opportunity performing an action can be expressed using several verbs . Can, could expresses an objective existing possibility as a fact. May, might in affirmative sentences it is translated “perhaps, you can, could.”

It can be queit cold there. — It can be cold there (sometimes or often it is cold there).

She may visit her mother. — She may be visiting her mother (or maybe not).

2. Request can sound in different ways in English. So, must used to convey an urgent request (must). Can, could (in interrogative sentences) convey a polite connotation: could you please. With the same shade it is used will, would only in question phrases. May and might used in ordinary questions and conveys some kind of request.

May I buy these trousers? —Can I buy these trousers?

Could you give me your dictionary? — Could you give me your dictionary?

Would you open the window? — Could you open the window?

You must come and see us. “You should come and see us.”

3. If you're into something unsure, doubtful then it is best to use can, could (it really can’t be that). In this shade, this modal verb is used in general questions. And here's yours skepticism about the situation, distrust can be expressed using can't, couldn't in negative sentences: it cannot be that; it is incredible that; hardly.

Could the rubber have been one of them? - Was the thief one of them?

She looks so young. She can’t be 30. - She looks so young. She can't be 30.

4. Speaking out disapproval or reproach don't forget to use the construct might+ Perfect Infinitive in affirmative sentences (could and, could and). Or, reproaching for work not done, which someone was obliged to do out of moral duty, can be expressed using should (shouldn’t), ought to (oughtn’t to): should, should, should, should.

You ought to have washed the car yesterday. — You should have washed the car yesterday.

He should have bought milk. - You should buy some milk.

We might have visited him today. — We could visit him today.

5. Commitment: necessity, inevitability - must , due to circumstances - have to , based on the plan - to be to , with a hint of advice or wishes - should moral duty - ought to.

You ought to help your parents. — You must help your parents (moral duty).

You should help your parents. — You should help your parents (advice).

You have to work more because your parents can’t. -You have to work more because your parents can't.

You must help your parents. They did it when you were a child. - You must help your parents. They worked when you were a child.

6. Order, give instructions possible using to be to (planned activity, agreement) - must, must; should (advice) - necessary, should; requesting instructions or offering your help shall (only in questions); coercion or strict order - shall (+, - sentences)

When he comes nodody shall say a word. - When he comes, no one should talk to him. (Strict order, coercion)

Shall we leave the room? - Should we leave the room? (Request instructions)

You should be more polite with your sister. - You need to be more polite with your sister. (advice)

I am to call him in the morning. — I have to call him in the morning (Planned).

As you can see, although you can count the modal verbs in English on your fingers, their usage varies greatly. Everything will be much easier to understand and remember if you not only study each of them separately, but also complete comparison and contrast exercises.

Modal verbs in English, these are verbs that in themselves do not denote an action or state, but reflect, as they say in textbooks, “the speaker’s attitude towards the action.”

What does it mean? Let's take the verb can(to be able to do something) - in itself it does not denote an action or state, like the verbs “fly”, “see”, “get scared”. But in combination with another verb it denotes the same attitude to action - in this case it is ability perform an action.

I can fix your TV in two minutes – I Can fix your TV in two minutes.

I can swim in cold water – I Can swim in cold water.

Modal verbs include:

• (could)- be able, be capable.
• - to be due.
• – should, must (e.g. “you should...”).
• (might)– expresses that there is permission (e.g. “I can…”)

Note: This article covers the most common modal verbs.

Why is it important to know modal verbs?

Modal verbs are used VERY often in spoken and written speech. Especially - it is one of the 10 most common verbs in the English language (see) and almost no conversation can take place 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” verb must 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 special group verbs (fortunately, very few in number), living according to their own separate rules. Here are their main features.

1. Modal verbs in English are used with a semantic verb in, and the particle to is not placed between verbs.

Right:

• I canbuy you a candy – I Can buy candy for you.
• 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 action in the future, this becomes clear from the context.

• I can help you tomorrow. - I I can (I can) help you tomorrow.
• We must get back home by midnight. - We must be back home by midnight.
• He may pass his exam later with another group. - He may (can) 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 a modal verb shall, which is used quite rarely 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 are we going?
• I may ask - May I ask?
• You should try - Should I try?

6. The negative form is formed with the help of the particle not, it is placed after the modal verb (and is written together with the verb can). In colloquial speech, negative forms are usually shortened.

• cannot – can’t
• could not – couldn’t
• may not – may not
• might not – mightn’t
• shouldn't – shouldn't
• must not – mustn’t

Note:

Mustnot has not the opposite must meaning. For example:

You must not- does not mean “must not”, that is, “you have no obligation” (here “you don’t have to”), but “you cannot”, “you are prohibited”, “forbidden”. In Russian, sentences with a prohibition expressed as 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 – Here prohibited smoke.

May not also has the meaning of prohibition, 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 it's touching.

Cannot can mean both physical impossibility, inability, and a ban in a mild form.

• You can't take in all those kittens. - You can not shelter all these kittens (this is impossible).
• You can't park here – Here it is forbidden park (this is prohibited).

Synonyms of modal verbs

Modal verbs have non-modal synonyms that are conjugated according to general rules.

These are the synonyms:

• Can = be able to (be capable)
• Must = have to (to be due)
• May = be allowed to (have permission)
• Should = be supposed to (imply, 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 past tense forms. Using synonyms you can replace missing forms of modal verbs.

Table: modal verbs and their synonyms

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 moral necessity, duty, and have to can mean 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.

Basic uses of 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, and could in the past tense.

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 interrogative form the request is:

Can I help you? - Can can I help you?

Can do you do me a favour? - You you can do me a favor?

Sentences with the negative form can’t can express not only impossibility, but also a 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 walking on the grass (this is prohibited).

Past tense:

He could play guitar - He knew how to play the guitar.

I couldn't forgive him - I couldn't forgive him.

Interrogative sentences with could express a polite request towards a second person. More polite than with can.

Could do you pass me that book? – Could you will you pass 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 (I can) talk to you later.

James can fix your car tomorrow. – James may (can) 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 actually happened. When translating such phrases into Russian, the words “can’t be”, “couldn’t”, “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. Ought (to be obliged to do something)

You must be Peter - You, there must be, Peter.

These must be his footsteps - This, there must be, his traces.

You should have turned left! - You had to turn left! (and turned right)

You should have seen this place! - You needed to see this place! (but you didn’t see)

3. “In theory it should”

At the verb should there is also the meaning “in theory should”, that is, there is some expected, intended action, but it may not be carried out. In this case, the 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 (supposedly) at work now, but this series is damn interesting.

Doctors say that we should (are supposed to) exercise if we want to stay healthy – Doctors say that 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 what 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(may I) ask you a question?

In a negative form may not expresses a prohibition:

You may not play with them. - You it is forbidden playing with them (I forbid it).

In the past time to express permission, it is not the verb might that is used (it expresses an assumption, see below), but the phrase 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. Assumption

The verb used to make a guess is may or might, in this case it is translated as “possibly”, “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 context dependent or may not be significant.

Present and future tense

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, maybe I forgot documents at home.

I may have seen you before. - I, may have seen you before.

Video lessons 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 one: “The 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 in English, unlike other verbs, do not denote an action or state, but only show the speaker’s attitude to the action expressed by the infinitive, in combination with which they form a compound verbal modal predicate.

Compound verbal modal predicate = modal verb + infinitive.

English modal verbs are special verbs that are used to express possibility, ability, permission, etc. For example:

“It might snow” – opportunity
“I can sing” – ability
“You may stand up” – resolution

How many modal verbs are there in English?

There are 12 modal verbs in English. Below is a list of modal verbs in English; by clicking on one of them you can go to a separate article and study it. There is also an opportunity to go online test to consolidate the material and check how well you understood what was written. By the way, in English they are called modal verbs.

Let's look at what modality means.

First, let's find out what Modal is - it expresses mood. Since in English the mood is ‘mood’
Mood (mood) is a way to express the speaker’s attitude towards what was said.

For example:

- I can paint - I can draw; means that the speaker has the ability to draw.
- I must paint - I must paint; must draw.
- You should paint - you must paint; advice.

After explaining the topic, you will be able to download a table of modal verbs and their equivalents in English.

What's special about modal verbs

Let's find out what modal verbs are and how they function.
They are special because they behave differently than other verbs in English. A few points that prove that modal verbs are special:

• 1. English modal verbs are used together with the base form of another verb.

Examples:

- I might come late - I may be late.
- You should study English - you must learn English.
- I can run fast - I can run fast.

That is, they remain in unchanged form.

• 2. We do not add “-ing”, “-ed”, “-s” to English modal verbs. The ending '-s' is added to have to And need.

Examples:

- I must go now - I must go. (I am must go now).
- They said we could park there - They said that we can park here. (They said we could park here) .
- Yes, she can have another chocolate - Yes, she can take more chocolate. (She can have another chocolate) .

• 3. To form an interrogative sentence, we put the modal verb in first place:

Examples:

- She can tell the secret - She can tell the secret.
— Can she tell the secret? – Can she tell a secret? (Does she can tell the secret?).
- We should stop watching TV - You should stop watching TV.
— Should we stop watching TV? – Should we stop watching TV? (Do we should stop watching TV?) .

• 4. To form a negative sentence, we add a particle 'not', or we shorten can't.

- Vera can read well, even though she’s only three - Vera reads well, although she is only three years old.
— Vera can’t read well — Vera doesn’t know how to read. (She doesn’t can read) .
- She could fence when she was ten - She knew how to fence when she was ten.
- She could not fence when she was ten - She did not know how to fence when she was ten. (She did not could fence) .

Thanks to a modal verb, we can express our attitude towards something. Modal verbs in English convey a certain emotionality. Each of them has its own meaning in English. If we want to give advice, we use Should, but if we are unsure of something, then we use May. Modal verbs in English are very easy to understand. The main thing is not to give up.

Modal verbs with perfect infinitive

Let's look after which verbs use the perfect infinitive:

• 1. Must + have + past participle

To express probability, inference:

- If you can’t find your keys you must have left them in the house - If you can’t find the keys, you must have left them at home.

• 2. Can’t/Couldn’t + have + past participle

When combined with the perfect infinitive, it expresses doubts and surprise:

- She can’t/couldn’t have got into an accident - It can’t be that she got into an accident.

• 3. May + have + past participle

Express the possibility that an action occurred in the past:

- The little boy may have lost the keys (It is possible that he lost the keys.) - Perhaps the boy lost the keys.

• 4. Might + have + past participle

Express a possibility in the past:

- My sister might have heard some noises when your bag was stolen - My sister could have heard something when your bag was stolen.

Might/may/could + past participle are used when we think that something was possible, but we are not sure about it.

For example:

- The thieves might have escaped by car but I can’t be sure - The thieves may have escaped by car, but I’m not sure.
— I can’t find my wallet. I could have left it in the supermarket but I just don’t know – I can’t find my wallet. Perhaps I left it at the supermarket, but I don't know.

• 5. Needn’t + Have + Past Participle

In combination with the perfect infinitive need expresses the absence of the need to perform an action in the past:

- You needn’t have bought the ring - You didn’t need to buy a ring.

• 6. Should + have + past participle

The obligation was not fulfilled in the past:

- He should have called me before leaving for London (But he didn’t call me) - He should have called me before leaving for London.

• 7. Would + have + past participle

Conditional sentences of the third type.

— I would have played tennis but I had a strong pain in my leg.

• 8. Ought to + have + past participle

In combination with the perfect infinitive, ought expresses a desired but impossible past action:

- You ought to have bought the tickets for the football match yesterday, but I waited for you in vain - You should have bought tickets for yesterday's football match, but I waited for you in vain.

Even more examples with modal verbs should, might, may, can, need, ought to, must:

- He might win the first place - Perhaps he will take first place.
- We could do it better and they knew it - We could do it better, and they knew it.
- Tell them they must do it - Tell them that they must do it.
- The dog should be fed twice a day - The dog needs to be fed twice a day.
- The book can be found in the library - The book can be found in the library.
— Need we come to the stadium on Sunday morning? – Do we need to come to the stadium on Saturday morning?
- You ought to help your friends in their training as you are one of the best athletes in the group - You must help your friends in their training, since you are the best athlete in the group.
- You cannot have missed that match - It cannot be that you missed the match.
- I must take part in the contest - I must take part in the competition.
— May he enter the room? – Can he enter the room?

Infinitive forms with modal verbs

Let's look at a table with infinitive forms: Indefinite, Continuous, Perfect, Perfect Continuous, and also in what forms passive voice can be used with modal verbs.

		Active	Passive
Modal verbs with an infinitive in the form:	Compound verb modal predicate.
Indefinite (simple)	Action refers to the present or future.	to do example: They could be at Simon's place.	to be done example: They can be given money.
Continuous	To denote action in the present.	To be doing example: She can't be sleeping now.	______
Perfect	To indicate an action in the past. Note: 1. Action was not performed: - with modal verbs: ought to, should, might, could. 2. The planned action was not completed: -with modal verb: to be to.	To have done example: The little boy may have lost the keys	To have been done example: The keys must have been lost somewhere.
Perfect Continuous	To denote an action that began in the past and continued for a certain period of time.	To have been doing example: He must have been sleeping for a long time as he woke up the guests were gone.	______

You can download a detailed table of modal verbs in English right now and right here. In this table you will find all 12 modal verbs, their equivalents, translations and examples. In addition, fixed phrases are presented after each table.

Lesson summary

Modal verbs lack some features (except be to and have (got) to):

1. Most modal verbs have only one form, they have no aspect, voice, mood, with the exception of can, may, will;
2. –s in the third person singular is not added to them;
3. They are not used with participles and infinitives;
4. They are not used with the particle to (except ought);
They do not need auxiliary verbs to form interrogative or negative sentences.

Having learned what modal verbs are in English, you can study each modal verb separately on our website.

How to Learn and Use Modal Verbs in English

The most important thing to know is to pay attention to the context.
You know that many modal verbs can have different meanings. Therefore, you need to think carefully about what this or that verb in a sentence means.
Go into detail. Remember, what you have read in this lesson is a very small part of everything you need to know, if you want to use modals well in English, you need to study each verb separately and do the exercises after each lesson.
This is a very big topic and there are many interesting activities ahead of you on this topic!