English modal verbs. Modal form of the English verb

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 by including them in the program.

Modal verbs need to be known like the multiplication tables, 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 Verbs table

Modal verb	Meaning	Equivalent
can	be able to, be able to, be able to	be able (to)
may	be able, have permission	be allowed to be permitted to
must	be to	have to be to
ought to	should, should (recommendation, advice, probability, assumption)	should had better
have to	forced, has to	must be to
be to	should (according to plan)	have to must
need	need (used to ask permission, or to give permission).	-
should	should, should (advice)	ought to be supposed to had better
would	want; likely; it happened	-
shall/will	offer of help, to do something / promise, intention, spontaneous decision at the moment of speech	should had better
dare	dare (dare to do something)	-
used to	description of an action or condition that occurred regularly in the past	-

Interrogative and negative forms of modal verbs

Modal verbs form interrogative and negative forms independently, without using the special verb “to do”. In this case, the modal verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence in the question.

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 lack complex tense forms and the imperative mood. For all persons and numbers, modal verbs use a single unchangeable form.

Negative form modal verb is formed by placing the particle “not” after it. Often, especially in oral speech, they merge into an abbreviated form. In colloquial speech the following abbreviations are usually used in the negative form: 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 can't help him.

She might not come here.
She couldn't (she didn't have permission) to come here.

These signs allow you to rely on modal verbs when studying. Having memorized a small number of modal verbs, the student has a chance to immediately construct 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.

Verbs of obligation (must, have to)

The main verbs of obligation 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”, “must”. " Have to" talks about necessity committing actions under forced circumstances when you clearly don’t want to do something, but, as they say, “you have to.” Usually translated into Russian as " must», « forced», « will have to».

I have to work overtime.
I have to work overtime (I don't want to, but I have to do it).

You mustn't smoke at the airport.
You can't smoke at the airport (that's the rule).

Requests (shall, will)

“Shall”, “will” are also called modal verbs in combination. With their help you can create future times. As soon as " shall", "will" appear in a sentence - this is a sure sign debt, necessity, order 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 come in. I probably (should) open the door?

Will do you give me the ketchup?
Can you pass me the ketchup?

These verbs are original transmitters of the desired form of modality, and not only can form the future tense.

It is recommended to remember that after modal verbs, in addition to the verbs “ought to”, “have (got) to” and “be to”, an infinitive without the particle “to” is used. It is also called bare infinitive.

I must go.
I have to go.

Verb " ought to"is an obligatory verb. But unlike " must", which means must in connection with the requirements of rules, laws, authorities, "ought to" means obligated due to moral obligations. It'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.
Follow the laws.

Possibility, probability (can, may, must, might)

Most often, modal verbs “can”, “must”, “may” are used in this meaning. These are verbs of 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 skill 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", like "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 has happened. And this probability borders on certainty. For example:

I phoned, but nobody answered - they must be at work.
I called, but no one answered - they must be at work (i.e. I'm pretty sure of it).

Modal verb " may" has two main meanings: resolution and probability. Past tense form - " might" For example:

May I come in?
Can I come in? (Permission).

I might have taken only three seconds to show it to you.
It might only take me 3 seconds to show you this.

But " might» can also be used completely independently, meaning “possibly”. 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 - it 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 form, 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 change the predicate of the sentence.

First, you need to put the verb “ to be” at the same time as used in the main sentence. Secondly, put the main verb in third form(Past Participle).

So, to compose 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(should be);
have to be(should be);
ought to be(should be);
can be(May be);
should be(should be);
be supposed to be(it is believed that; it is 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 a secretary.

He has to do this test. / He must perform 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. / It was assumed that email will be sent an hour ago.

Features of modal verbs

Does not have a 3rd person singular present tense, that is, they are not placed with “-s” at the end.
No infinitive, ing form and participle; never answer the question of what to do / what to do?
They only require the form after themselves " Infinitive» without particle « to" (exception - " ought to», « have(got) to" And " be to"). I must go.
Interrogative And negative forms proposals are 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 “ 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: 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 expressions are like: “in theory it should”, “as if it should”, “it is implied that it should”. It happens in the present (am / is / are) and past (was/were) tenses.

“Be supposed to” - rather than expressing an obligation, it expresses 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 that 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).

Excuse me, you are not supposed to …
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 shouldn’t do it.

With turnover " had better“almost the same situation, only he expresses recommendation, desperation, warnings or threats. The modal verbs “ought to” and “shall” can be equivalent. Happens only in past form.

You had better take your umbrella with you today.
Today you better take an umbrella with you. (Expresses a recommendation.)

That bus had better get here soon!
I wish this bus would come sooner! (Expresses despair.)

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 out of date.

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 he could stay there until Sunday.

Dan: "You may don't need this"
Dan: “You might not need it.”
He said I might don't 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 we had to leave at 8 o'clock.

Using 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 meanings and depends on the specific modal verb and context.

The use of the modal perfect can name an action in the past, an unreal action, the degree of confidence in a certain action, and can also indicate that the opposite of the expected action took place.

Formula: modal verb + have + V3.

After modal verbs, the verb " have", forming a perfect infinitive, is pronounced in a reduced form:

They must have gone away 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 an 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 with a meaning similar to “can”, but expresses a less categorical form:

I don't believe he could have done it. He is too weak.
I can't believe he could do this. He's too weak.

I didn't believe he could have done it. He was too weak.
I didn't believe he could do this. 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 form of the verb may indicates less likely to act 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 the certainty or high probability of an action occurring in the past and relevant to the present 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.
I can't find the keys. I probably didn't take them.

Need. In combination with a perfect infinitive, it expresses doubt about the appropriateness 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 there all this time. (There was no need).

Ought. Expresses censure, reproach for what was not done or was done incorrectly:

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 be completed before a certain time in the future or before the beginning of another action:

I won't have done it by the time you get back.
I (not finish) will not do this by the time you arrive.

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 this. But then I was still so young.
I would have come, but I got stuck in traffic.
I would have come, but I was stuck in traffic.

Conclusion

Modal verbs are easy to learn and understand, since they have many similarities with the 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.

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

IN English There are special verbs that are necessary to express ability, opportunity, obligation, permission. They are not subject to the rules for forming forms of ordinary verbs. Modal verbs in English occupy a separate level of grammar; their meanings must be remembered so as not to get into an awkward situation. Let's look at the basic modal verbs, the rules for their use, and their meanings.

What is a modal verb?

A modal verb is a verb that does not express an action, but indicates possibility, necessity and other meanings. It is not used independently, but only in combination with a semantic verb expressed by an infinitive. Modal ones include might, must, can, could, ought, should and others. Only some of them have a past tense form, for example, can - could, while others use the perfect infinitive to express the completeness of the action:

He must have done it. - He must have already done it.

Among the formal distinctive features are the following:

Lack of ending - s in the 3rd person present tense. She can swim. - She can swim. He might be there. - He should be there.
Lack of infinitive, gerund, and past participle.
Lack of an auxiliary verb in interrogative sentences. The modal verb comes first in general questions and after the question word in special ones. Can you help me? -Can you help me? May I come in? - Can I come in? How can I help you? - How can I help?
Formation of a negative form using the particle not without adding an auxiliary verb. We don't need to do that. - We don't need to do this.
Many English modal verbs have equivalents. For example, to have (must), to be (must), to be able to (can, could), to be allowed (might, may).
Most modal verbs are followed by a semantic verb expressed by an infinitive without the particle to, however, there are exceptions. For example, You ought to be more careful. - You should be more careful. This fact ought not to be mentioned so often. - This should not have been mentioned so often.

Modal verbs in English: rules of use

Let's look at the main modal verbs in English according to their meanings. Moreover, each modal verb can have more than one meaning:

Probability Expression

Verbs are used to express possibility or probability can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would. The speaker uses must, should if he is completely confident in his words.

He hasn`t had a lunch. He must be hungry. - he didn't have lunch. He must be hungry.

It`s very dark outside. It must be dangerous to home on foot. - It's very dark outside. Walking home is dangerous.

Ask Peter. He shouldn't know. - Ask Peter. He should know.

The speaker uses could, may, might to express the possibility of something in the future.

We might come late. - We might be late.

He may travel by plane. - Perhaps he will fly on an airplane.

Unless we hurry up, we could be late. - We might be late if we don't hurry up.

To express actions possible in the present or near past, the perfect infinitive is used.

It`s practically 3 o`clock now. She could have arrived now. - It’s almost three o’clock. She could have already arrived.

He might have come hours ago. - She could have arrived several hours ago.

The English modal verbs could, can in the negative form with the particle not are used to express the impossibility of something in the past or present tense.

It was a joke. She couldn`t be serious. - It was a joke. She couldn't speak seriously.

It can`t be true.- This cannot be true.

Expression of physical ability and ability to perform an action

To express a person's abilities and physical skills, the modal verb can is used. It has two tense forms: can to express a person’s abilities in the present and could - in the past. In other tense forms, the verb can be equivalent to to be able (to).

We can`t translate the text.- We cannot translate the text.

He couldn`t see me, I was too far. - He couldn't see me, I was too far away.

We'll be able to see each other very often. - We can see each other more often.

He has been able to help me. - He managed to help me.

Expressing permission to perform an action

The speaker uses the modal verb can to ask permission to do something. Past tense form could will mean the same thing, but will make the phrase more polite and formal.

Can I ask a question? - Can I ask a question?

Could I ask a question? - Let me ask a question.

The verb may has a modal meaning: to allow something to be done and can be used instead of can.

May I visit a doctor? - Can I visit the doctor?

Expression of obligation

To express obligation, the modal verbs must, have to, need to are usually used, the negative form of which is intended to express the absence of the need to do something. Most should verbs are in the present tense. Had to also has a past tense form.

I must pick up my daughter from the kindergarten. - I have to pick up my child from kindergarten.

When I was ill I had to take the pills two times a day. - When I was sick, I had to take pills 2 times a day.

To give advice to someone, we can also use the corresponding modal verbs should or ought to.

You should stop smoking. - You should quit smoking.

You ought to cut down the amount of meat you eat. - You should reduce the amount of meat you eat.

Modal verb ought to together with the perfect infinitive will help to criticize someone's behavior.

He should have made more effort on winning the medal. “He should have put in more effort and tried to win a medal.”

Table of modal verbs

For convenience and clarity, examples of modal verbs along with their meanings can be placed in a table.


	necessity of action	You must understand it. You must understand this.
		You mustn`t turn right. Right turns are prohibited.
		You should lose some weight. You should lose weight. You should`t drink coffee before going to bed. You shouldn't drink coffee before bed.
shouldn`t + perfect infinitive	criticize someone's style	You should`t have given your telephone number to a stranger. You shouldn't have given your phone number to a stranger.
		You ought to go to the dentist. You should visit the dentist.
	the need to perform an action	We need to talk to each other. We need to talk to each other.
	ask permission; talk about skills and abilities.	Can I take these documents? Can I take these documents? I could swim when I was 6. When I was 6 years old, I could swim.

Sentences with modal verbs are very common in English. It is important to learn to understand their meaning in each specific case.

INTRODUCTION

Section 1. Modality

1.1 Concept of modality

Section 2. General characteristics modal verbs

2.1 Verb must

2.2Verb may – might

2.3Verbs should and ought

2.4Verb will – would

2.5 Verb can – could

2.6 Verb need

Section 3. Modals

3.1 Lexical composition and classification of modal words

3.2 Modals as a means of expressing certainty

CONCLUSION

LIST OF REFERENCES USED

Introduction

Subject My abstract is "Means of expressing modality in English".

Subject of research are modal words in modern English as the main lexical means of expressing modality.

Relevance The research topic is determined by the need for a comprehensive theoretical consideration of the category of modality, the means of its expression, the systematization of modal words, and the determination of their status.

In linguistic science, modal words and phrases are considered one of the most controversial lexical and grammatical categories of words and have attracted the attention of scientists since the second half of the 20th century. However, modal words have not yet received a complete explanation due to their versatility, specificity of linguistic expression and functional features.

Thus, the insufficient scientific systematization of the category of modality and the means of its expression in the English language determined the choice of the topic of this essay.

Purpose of the study is to identify the essence, to describe and comprehensive analysis modal words as a special part of speech in the English language, as well as in considering modal verbs as one of the ways to implement modality.

In accordance with the purpose of the work, the following are set: tasks:

1) determine the essence, specificity and main features of the modality category;

2) characterize the main modal verbs;

3) describe modal words as means of expressing certainty;

4) characterize modal words in terms of their lexical composition;

5) identify the syntactic functions of modal words;

The following were used in writing the abstract: methods: comparative, descriptive, statistical.

Theoretical and methodological The basis of the work was the research works of both Russian and foreign linguists on grammar, logic, syntax and general issues of language.

Practical significance The work is determined by the possibility of considering the results of the study as a fragmentary part of a comprehensive study of the functional-semantic category of modality and the means of linguistic representation that make up its components. This largely determines the scope of practical application of my course work, the materials of which can be used in modern English courses, in special courses on modality problems, as well as in the compilation of explanatory and bilingual dictionaries.

Work structure. The work consists of an introduction, three sections, a conclusion and a list of references.

Section 1. Modality

1.1 Concept of modality

Linguistics has come a long and winding path in the study of modality, based on the achievements of logic, semiotics and psychology. However, modality has not yet received a complete explanation due to its versatility, specificity of linguistic expression and functional features. Researchers give different definitions of the category “modality”. Let's look at some concepts.

In 1960, in the grammar of the Russian language, all linguistic facts relating to all phrases, introductory words, and inserted constructions were formulated and systematized, but there was no definition of modality yet. The first definition of modality appears in 1969 linguistic dictionary O.S. Akhmanova, who considers modality as a conceptual category with the meaning of the speaker’s attitude to the content of the utterance and the relationship of the content of the utterance to reality (the relationship of the communicated to its real implementation), expressed by various lexical and grammatical means, such as form and mood, modal verbs, etc. Modality can have the meaning of statement, command, wish, assumption, reliability, unreality, etc. The Dictionary of Linguistic Terms (1969) also provides a division of modality by type:

· hypothetical (suppositional) modality, which involves presenting the content of a statement as hypothetical;

Verbal modality. Modality expressed by a verb;

· unreal modality (unrealmodality) presentation of the content of a statement as impossible, unfeasible;

· negative modality – presentation of the content of a statement as inconsistent with reality.

Russian grammar of 1980 notes that, firstly, modality is expressed by multi-level means of language, secondly, it is indicated that the category of objective modality correlates with the category of predicativity, thirdly, a circle of phenomena related to the phenomena of modality is outlined:

1. the meaning of reality - unreality: reality is indicated by a syntactic indicative (present, past, future tense); unreality - unreal moods (subjunctive, conditional, desirable, incentive);

2. subjective-modal meaning – the speaker’s attitude to what is being communicated;

3. the sphere of modality includes words (verbs, short adjectives, predicates), which with their lexical meanings express possibility, desire, obligation;

The Russian Dictionary of Foreign Words (1996) gives the following definition: modality - (French Modalite, lat. Modus mood) - the modality of a judgment - the difference between logical judgments depending on the nature of the reliability they establish - on whether they express a necessary or only a probable connection between the logical subject and the predicate. According to modality, judgments are distinguished: apodictic, assertoric and problematic.

Let's move on to consider the definition given in the explanatory dictionary of Ushakov D.N. (1996): modality - (English modality) a conceptual category with the meaning of the speaker’s attitude to the content of the statement and the relationship of the content of the statement to reality (the relationship of what is being communicated to its actual implementation), expressed by various grammatical and lexical means, such as mood forms, modal verbs, intonation, etc.

Linguist V.V. Vinogradov in his work “Russian Language” gave a broader definition of modality. It follows from it that “modality is not only a characteristic of reality and unreality, but also the attitude of the speaker to what is being expressed.” From the definition it is clear that there are two types of modality: objective and subjective, but in the text it is difficult to distinguish a clear boundary between them. Many researchers believe that modality in a text is subjective.

As already noted by G.F. Musaeva, the category of modality is differentiated into two types: objective and subjective. Objective modality is a mandatory feature of any utterance, one of the categories that form the predicative unit - a sentence. This type modality expresses the relationship of what is being communicated to reality in terms of reality (realization or feasibility). Objective modality is organically connected with the category of time and differentiated on the basis of temporal certainty - uncertainty. The meaning of time and reality - unreality - are fused together; the complex of these meanings is called objective-modal meanings. Subjective modality is the attitude of the speaker to what is being communicated. Unlike objective modality, it is an optional feature of an utterance. The semantic scope of subjective modality is much wider than the semantic scope of objective modality. The semantic basis of subjective modality is formed by the concept of evaluation in the broad sense of the word, including not only the logical (intellectual, rational) qualification of what is being communicated, but also different types of emotional (irrational) reaction. Evaluative-characterizing values include values that combine the expression subjective attitude to the reported with such a characteristic that can be considered non-subjective, arising from the fact, event itself, from its qualities, properties, from the nature of its passage in time or from its connections and relationships with other facts and events.

The scope of modality includes:

· contrasting statements according to the nature of their communicative attitude;

· gradations of values in the range “reality - unreality”;

· different degrees of confidence of the speaker in the reliability of his thoughts about reality;

· various modifications of the connection between subject and predicate.

It is important to note that modality is realized either at the grammatical, or at the lexical, or at the intonation level, or in sections of the utterance as a whole and has different ways of expression; it is expressed by various grammatical and lexical means: special forms of moods; modal verbs (for example, Russian: maybe, should; English: must, can); other modal words (for example, Russian: it seems, perhaps; English: perhaps, likely); intonation means. Different languages express different meanings of modality grammatically differently. Thus, the English language expresses the meaning of unreal modality using the special mood Subjunctive II, for example: If you had come in time, we should have been able to catch the train.

V.V. Vinogradov in his work “Studies on Russian Grammar” adhered to the concept that a sentence, reflecting reality in its practical social awareness, expresses a relationship (attitude) to reality, therefore the category of modality is closely connected with the sentence, with the variety of its types. Each sentence includes, as an essential constructive feature, a modal meaning, that is, it contains an indication of the relationship to reality. He believed that the category of modality belongs to the main, central linguistic categories, in different forms found in languages of different systems. V.V. Vinogradov also noted that the content of the category of modality and the forms of its detection are historically variable. The semantic category of modality in languages of different systems has a mixed lexical and grammatical character. In languages European system it covers the entire fabric of speech.

Learning English is impossible without delving into the topic of modal verbs, which are used in constructing complex and simple sentences. In the article we will tell you what a modal verb is, how to use it correctly in various vocabulary constructions, and form declarative and interrogative phrases..

English modal verbs

Modal Verbs is a separate part of the English language that works according to its own rules, different from the correct ones and not regular verbs. To avoid confusing English modal verbs with anything else, they should be memorized. Teachers introduce students to a table that tells about the rules of application and the role in the sentence.

If we talk about the differences between regular and irregular verbs, they differ in the principle of formation of the past tense. The peculiarity of regular forms is the formation of their characteristic ending -ed. Incorrect ones completely change their structure: ending, root, prefix.

Verbs are also classified into main and auxiliary. The main ones perform an important lexical role and talk about a certain action. Easily and organically translated into Russian. Auxiliaries complement them and are responsible for grammatical functions. They have no analogues in Russian.

All modal verbs in English can be compared to auxiliary verbs; they have a complementary function, but a more significant one. According to the rules, modal verbs express the relationship of the subject in the action inherent in the sentence or phrase.

Types of modal verbs

The main feature of modal verbs in English is the conveyance of the attitude of the main character to what is happening. There are 5 modal verbs that should be memorized:

may/might
will / would
shall/should
can/could
must

There are also additional verbs that can also be classified as modal, but they partially have their properties. These are the formsdare, ought to, need and others. Now about the formats in which modal verbs are used. Characteristics of expressions:

confidence, assertion
request, suggestion
advice, expression of opinion
formal request
obligation

Forms of modal verbs are actively used in live speech. So if you want to reach the level freehold in English, pay special attention to this topic.

Forming verbs in different types of sentences

There are no clearly defined rules when it comes to changing the structure of verbs. Only some modal forms are subject to declension. So, for example, can is used in constructions of the present and past tenses; it is not applicable for the future. The same situation with the verb may is used in all tenses except Future. But this does not mean that forms are not suitable for expressing thoughts in the future tense. To express thoughts in the sentence structure, will is added.

If we talk about the arrangement of modal verbs in a sentence, there are a number of rules that need to be followed in constructing phrases. In statement expressions, modal verbs are used before the verb responsible for a specific action and after the main noun. When negated, the particle not must be added to the verb (exception - have to). In an interrogative sentence, a change of positions is required - the modal verb, contrary to the rules of placement in affirmative constructions, comes before the noun, replacing the auxiliary verb.

Rules for using modal verbs

In order to freely express your thoughts and emotionally color your speech structure, you should remember the most commonly used modal verbs, which will help you correctly compose affirmative, interrogative, and incentive sentences, or express a request or wish. We take note: must, can, may, ought to, need, should, to be able to, have to, manage to.

Now about the rules for using modal forms. Remember three main ones:

The particle to is not used after modal verbs, except for the forms ought to, need to, have to.
Modal verbs do not have endings attached to them (the exception word is manage to).
A verb denoting action, in combination with a modal, takes on the form of an infinitive.

Examples:

You should look for another way out. -You ought to find another way.

I have to go, it's late. -I need to go, it's late.

Students must follow university rules.Students must follow university rules.

You must complete this task by tomorrow evening. -You have to do this task till tomorrow evening.

Using the modal verb can/could

Translated into Russian, this verb means “I can, I can,” and can convey the meaning of a certain skill. Can is used in the present tense, could - in the past. To construct a sentence in the future tense, the form will be able to is used.

Examples:

Two years ago I saw much better. -I could see much better two years ago.

I can draw very well, since I had good teacher. - I can draw very well, because I had very good teacher.

Explain the problem, we can help you. -We will be able to help you, explain the problem.

When constructing a negative sentence, the particle not is added to the modal verb:

The students could not prepare for this competition. -Students couldn`t be ready for this competition.

I can't find my keys in this mess. -I can't find my keys in this mess.

If you want to correctly construct a question with a modal verb, just swap the words. The subject is shifted to the background, and the modal verb itself comes to the fore.

Modal verb must

The students of our school must follow the Charter. -Pupils of our school must follow the Regulation.

The opposite meaning takes on the form must not:

Your family shouldn't move to another city. -Your family must not move in another town.

In interrogative phrases, must becomes the beginning of a sentence:

Should tigers be kept in cages? -Must the tigers be kept in the cages?

The command tone is lost with the appearance of the particle be:

It must be noisy living in the center big city. - It must be noisy to live in the center of the big city.

Modal verb should

Examples:

You should stay with him while he is sick. -You should stay with him while he"s sick.

To express negation, a combination with the particle not is used:

You shouldn't spend a lot of time on the computer. -You shouldn't spend a lot of time at the computer.

The same rules apply in the construction interrogative sentences. Modal verbs come to the fore:

Should we take a vacation in May? -Should we take a vacation in may?

Should this driver slow down? - Should this driver slow down?

Modal verb may/might

These verbs express uncertainty and are translated as “may, may.” In the present tense we use may, in the past tense we use might.

Examples:

He might have had lunch. -He might be having lunch.

This may be true. -It may be true.

I can be the best student in college. -I may be one of the best students in this college.

To introduce negation into a construction, the particle not is traditionally used:

This can't be true! -It may not be truth!

We form an interrogative sentence according to the standard rule: we start with a modal verb:

Can I sit on the chair? -May I sit on a chair?

Modal verbs to be able to/manage to

The form is used in the sense of “to be able, to be able.” The difference from could is that it is situational and is used in certain cases:

The water came in very quickly, but everyone managed to get into the boat. -The water came very fast, but all managed to get in the boat.

We lost the puppy, but then we were able to find him. -We lost the puppy, but then we could find him.

In interrogative sentences:

Can my baby put on his shoes without your help? - Kid was able to put on shoes without your help?

In negative constructions:

I was unable to complete this work on time. -I didn't manage to do this work on time.

Modal verb need

Directly translated into Russian, this verb means “to need.” It is considered one of the most common in the English language. Here are examples that are often found in real life:

I need to meet you tonight. -I need to get up with you tonight.

Mom needs help, put things aside and pay attention to her. -Mom needs help, put things down, and pay attention to her.

When using negative forms, you are faced with a choice: the particle not, which is familiar to modal verbs, or the auxiliarydo/does/did. Examples:

You don't need to spend extra money on gifts. -You do not need to spend extra money on gifts.

You do not need to write letters to this address. -You needn`t write letters to this address

When structuring a question phrase, the above auxiliary verbs come first:

Do you need time to get ready for a walk? -Do you need time to get ready for a walk?

Practice using modal verbs in practice. Teachers recommend communicating more with native speakers. If this is not possible, find someone to talk to on Skype.

Here you can take a lesson on the topic: Modal verbs in English. Modal verbs.

In this tutorial we will look at special category English verbs that are used to express possibilities, necessity, ability, certainty, obligation and some other goals of the speaker. These verbs are noticeably different from ordinary verbs in English and are called modal.

Here are the main modal verbs to remember:

can - be able to, be able to
could - could, could
must - must, necessarily
have to - must, optional, should
may - it is possible
might - possible (a little outdated)
should - should
ought to - should (a little outdated)
need to - necessary, necessary

Due to their special semantics and form of agreement, modal verbs are considered as a separate grammatical category. IN affirmative sentences they are used as part of the predicate, and in negative and interrogative ones they perform the role of the auxiliary verb. For example:

(+) He can sing. - He can (can) sing.
(-) He can’t (can’t) sing. - He doesn’t know how (can) sing.
(?) Can he sing?- Can (Can) he sing?

There are several rules that will help you correctly construct phrases and sentences with modal verbs:

1. Modal verbs are not used by themselves, but only in combination with other verbs. For example:

James can drink a bottle of whiskey. - James can drink a bottle of whiskey.

2. Most modal verbs never does not change according to gender, numbers and persons. For example:

I must find that book. - I have to find that book. (1st person singular)
He must find that book. - He must find that book. (3rd person singular)
We must find that book. - We have to find that book. (1st person plural)

The exceptions are the modal verbs have to (must) and need to (necessary). For example:

You have to clean the room. - You must (you should) clean the room. (2nd person plural)
He has to clean the room. - He must (he should) clean the room. (3rd person singular)

I need to learn how to drive. - I need to learn to drive a car. (1st person singular)
She needs to learn how to drive. - She needs to learn to drive a car. (3rd person singular)

3. Modal verbs do not change shape those. do not form an infinitive, gerund or participle like basic English verbs. Let's look at the changes in form using the example of the verb help:

(to) help (infinitive) - helping (gerund) - helped (participle)

4. Always used after modal verbs infinitive verb without the particle to. For example:

We can change the rules of the game. - We can change the rules of this game.
He must pay for the tickets. - He must pay for the tickets.

5. Most modal verbs are considered auxiliary, so they can independently form their own questions and denials. For example:

(-) You can"t (cannot) just leave. - You can’t just leave.
(-) Chris shouldn't (should not) lie to his parents. - Chris shouldn't lie to his parents.

(?) Could you repeat the sentence, please? - Could you repeat (this) sentence, please?
(?) What can I do for you? - What can I do for you?

Exceptions are modal verbs have to and need to, which are not auxiliary. In this regard, to form their questions and denials, they need the help of the auxiliary verbs do and does (3rd person singular). For example:

(-) You don"t have to go there. - You don’t need (not necessarily) to go there.
(-) My dad doesn't need to work. - My dad doesn't need (no need) to work.

(?) Does it have to be this way? - Should it be like this?
(?) Do I need to apologise? - Do I need to apologize?

6. Some modal verbs have no future or past tense forms. Let's look at the temporary table:

All modal verbs refer to certain semantic groups:

Verbs of possibility
- verbs of probability
- verbs of permissions and prohibitions
- verbs of (absence of) obligation
- verbs of requests and offers
- verbs of advice
- verbs of (lack of) necessity

Let's look at each group in more detail.

I. So, for example, possibility in English can be expressed by the modal verbs can and could. With these verbs we can talk about physical abilities and capabilities. For example:

Julia can climb the trees easily. - Julia can easily climb trees.
I could fall and break my leg. - I could have fallen and broken my leg.

As you can see from the examples, there is a slight difference between the modal verbs can and could: can is a present tense verb, and could is a past tense verb. However, there are cases when could is used in the present tense, to make the conversation more official tone. For example:

Can I take your book? -Can I borrow your book? (friendly tone)
Could I borrow your book? - Can I borrow your book from you? (more formal tone)

II.Basic verbs of probability- these are may and might. But probability can also be expressed using the verbs can and could. Depending on the context, modal verbs of probability can be interchangeable. Let's look at examples:

Don"t touch it! It may/ might fall apart. - Don't touch it! It may fall apart.
She may/ might pass the exam. - Perhaps she will pass the exam.
It can/ may/ might rain. - It might rain.
You could/ may/ might/ can lose your job. - You could lose your job.

III. Verbs of probability (may, might, can, could) can also be used to express permissions or prohibitions. For example:

(?) May/ might/ can/ could/ speak to the bank manager, please? - Can I speak to the bank manager, please?

As can be seen from the question, in requests to allow something, you can use any of these verbs. The only difference will be in the formality of the situation. The verb can is the simplest way of addressing, while may, might and could are more formal.

Let's try to answer this question affirmatively (permission) and negatively (prohibition):

(+) Yes, you may/ might/ can. - Yes. Can.
(-) No, you may not/ might not/ can not. - No, you can’t.

The verb could is not used as an answer in such situations.

IV. Verbs obligations are the verbs must and have to. They differ little from each other in meaning, but in form they are quite different. So, for example, the verb must is auxiliary those. itself constructs questions and negations, but the verb have to does not. Or the verb must has no form neither the present time nor the future, and the verb have to has, so when you need to express an obligation not in the present tense, only the verb have to is used. Let's look at some examples:

You must leave immediately. - You must leave immediately.
I have to visit the dentist. - I need (should) visit the dentist.

(-) You mustn"t smoke here. - You can’t smoke here.
(-) You don"t have to smoke here. - You don’t need to smoke here.
(?) Must we obey? - Should we obey?
(?) Does he have to travel that far? - Should he travel such a distance?

We had to open the door to let the smoke out. “We had to open the doors so the smoke could come out.” (past)
My mum will have to pay my school fee. - My mother will have to pay the school fee. (future)

The verbs must and have to can be used interchangeably in the present tense, but must is considered to imply a stronger duty, while have to reserves the right to choose. For example:

You must go to this party. It's very important. - You (necessarily) must go to this party. It is very important.
I think, you have to go to this party. - I think you should go to this party. (but it's up to you to decide whether to go or not).

While the verbs must and have to are very similar, their negative forms have completely different meanings: mustn"t - impossible, prohibited; don"t have to - no need, not necessary. Let's look at the following examples:

You mustn"t smoke at school. It"s prohibited. - You can't smoke at school. This is prohibited. (ban)
Actually, you don"t have to come with me. I can go myself. - In principle, you don’t have to come with me. I can go myself. (lack of obligation).

V. Requests are very similar to permissions, therefore, using the verbs we already know can and could we can make a request. For example:

Can/ Could you help me with this bag, please? - Could you help me with this bag, please?

However, you can also use modal verbs to ask for help: will and would. For example:

Will/ Would you help me with ,y homework? - Could you help me with my homework?

And the most best phrase to express a request is the phrase Would you mind + gerund verb. Let's consider in a sentence:

Would you mind helping me? - Could you help me?

It is used to express offers of help and simply interesting suggestions. verb shall, and less often will. For example:

Shall I help you with your begs? - Do you need help with your bags?
Shall I make you a cup of tea? - Should I make you a cup of tea?
Shall we go to the cinema? - Shouldn't we go to the cinema?
Here, I shall/ will help you. - Wait, now I will help you.
I will bring you some water. - I'll bring you some water.

VI. Advice is given in English using modal verbs should and ought to. These verbs are equivalent in meaning, but should is a more informal word and is used more often. Let's look at examples of advice:

You should/ ought to go to the dentist. - You should go to the dentist.
The weather is chilly. You should/ ought to put on your coat. - The weather is cool. You should wear a coat.
When you talk to older people, you should/ ought to be more polite. - When you talk to people older than you, you should be more polite.

The verb should has both a negative form - shouldn't, which is also used for advice, and an interrogative form. For example:

(-) You shouldn't stay there for a long time. - You shouldn't stay there for a long time.
(-) She shouldn’t talk to me like that. - She shouldn’t talk to me like that.

(?) Should I call the police? - Should I call the police?
(?) Should I hide while it "s not late? - Should I (should) hide before it’s too late?

The verb ought to does not have a negative or interrogative form.

VII. The main verb of need in English is the modal verb - need to. But necessity can also be expressed using the verb have to. For example:

You need to lose some weight. = You have to lose some weight. You need (should, must) lose some weight.

These same verbs are used to express lack of need. You just need to use the negative form, and since the verbs need to and have to are not auxiliary, the words don"t and doesn"t need help. Let's look at examples:

You don"t have to cook if you don"t like it. -You don't have to cook if you don't like it.
He doesn't need to cut his hair. - He doesn't need to cut his hair.

In English there are many examples of the use of modal verbs in national sayings. Here you will find some of them:

Hares may pull dead lions by the beard. - Hares can pull a dead lion’s beard./ A dog that has died will not bite.
No living man all things can. - No person can do everything./ You cannot embrace the immensity.
Bird may be known by its song. - You can recognize a bird by the way it sings.
As the tree falls, so shall it lie. - When a tree falls, that’s where it should lie./ Where the tree leaned, that’s where it fell.
As you brew, so must you drink. - What you brewed, then dissolve.
Things past cannot be remembered. - The past cannot be returned.
Drowning man will catch at a straw. - A drowning man clings to a straw.
Needs must when the devil drives. - You have to when the devil urges you on. / Nothing can be done against necessity.

Thus, we became acquainted with a special grammatical topic in the English language - modal verbs, as well as some rules for their use. Modal verbs are used quite often and will appear more than once in sentences. If you pay attention to their use in sentences, and also try to come up with your own examples, then the knowledge will not be in vain.