Modal verbs and their equivalents - Modal verbs in English and their equivalents

Annotation to the material: Unfortunately, the topic of modal verbs and their equivalents in English is quite often poorly disclosed, especially in school textbooks. The maximum that an interested reader can find in them is only "superficial" information, which in a real language situation with a native English speaker can only aggravate the situation. As a result, one's own experience, often negative, becomes a teacher and a valid means of revealing this topic. The purpose of this material is to correct the current situation.

The first and main concept in this topic is the concept of modality in linguistics: modality- an expression of the speaker's attitude to the content of his statement.
Modal verbs express the attitude to the action (its necessity, probability, possibility of its commission, etc.).

Features of modal verbs in English

1. Do not change by person, do not have the ending -s / -es in the third person, singular (except for the equivalents of modal verbs: to have (to), to be (to), to be obliged (to)).
She can swim; he must be tired; it might rain later.
She has to wake up early; we are to read "War and Peace"; I am bound to you for your recent help.
2. Auxiliary verbs are not added to them when constructing interrogative and negative sentences. In such sentences, the modal verb itself plays the role of an auxiliary: in questions, it takes place before the subject, and in negations, the particle not is added to it (exceptions: to have (to) is used in questions and negations with an auxiliary verb; to be (to) and to be required (to) be in questions is used before the subject in the corresponding person and number (am / are / is) and adds the particle not in questions).
Shall we go for a walk? Can I help you? What should I do?
He can't dance; you mustn "t steal; you shouldn't lie.
Does he have to know I've never been kissed? Are we to meet inside? Is he bound to attend the audition?
She doesn't have to drink coffee; I am not to work today; I am not responsible to pay for this.
3. Not all modal verbs have the forms of the future and past tenses, and when they are expressed, they are replaced by equivalents. The aspectual forms of modal verbs are more correctly considered as separate modal verbs, and not as forms of one, due to their significant difference in use; in some cases this also applies to negative forms. All explanations and examples for this paragraph are further in the material.
4. They do not have an indefinite form of the verb (infinitive) as well as -ing forms. In such cases, the equivalents are used:
I'd love to be able to ski; I hate having to get up on cold mornings.
5. After them, the particle to of the semantic verb is not used (except for equivalents). The exception is the modal verb ought to.
You must go; I'll help you; you have to visit him; you ought to see a doctor.
6. Can be used with the perfect infinitive to describe actions that happened in the past:
You should have told me that you can't swim: you might have drowned!
7. Each modal verb has at least two meanings:
a. Expresses probability or possibility
b. Expresses opinion, judgment, attitude.

Modal verbs can be divided into two categories:

1. Directly modal verbs and their equivalents. These are verbs that are only modal, as well as their equivalents, which are used in tenses in which modal verbs themselves are not used.
2. Multifunctional verbs that perform the function of modal. This category includes verbs that can perform various functions, including the function of modal verbs.

Table of modal verbs in English

Modal verb and its equivalent	Meaning	present	Past	Future
Directly modal verbs and their equivalents
can to be able (to)		can am/are/is able (to)	could was/were able (to)	--- will be able (to)
May to be allowed (to)		May am/are/is allowed (to)	might was/were allowed (to)	--- will be allowed (to)
must		must	---	---
ought (to)		ought (to)	---	---
Equivalents of must verbs (must, ought, shall, should)
to have (to) to have got (to) (British colloquial)		have/has (got) (to)	had (got) (to)	will have (got) (to)
to be (to)		am/are/is (to)	was/were (to)	---
to be committed (to)		am/are/is official (to)	was/were required (to)	will be required (to)
Multifunctional verbs that perform the function of modal
shall		---	---	shall
should		should	---	---
will		---	---	will
would		---	would	---
need		need	---	---
dare		dare	dared	---

Abbreviations: can not = can "t = cannot, could not = couldn" t, may not = mayn "t, might not = mightn" t, must not = mustn "t, shall not = shan" t, should not = shouldn "t, will = "ll, will not = won"t, would = "d, would not = wouldn"t, need not = needn"t, dare not = daren"t ().

Expression of obligation

The modal verb must, the equivalents to have (to), to be obliged (to), to be (to), as well as the multifunctional verb will express a strong form of obligation.

Must is personal the verb of obligation and expresses personal desire or even demand of the speaker. This modal verb must be used very carefully:
You must come up to the reception in order to join a library. You have to go to the reception desk to sign up for the library (meaning I want, demand, actually order you to come to the reception desk, not just say so). The reaction of people who heard such "advice" will be quite obvious.
But you can say:
I must get my hair cut. I have to cut my hair (I want to).
In addition, must is used in official and written speech, often in impersonal sentences:
Books must be returned on or before the due date. Books must be returned no later than the specified deadline (library rule).

To have (to) expresses an obligation based on some rules or laws, on the authority of another person or on circumstances.
I can "t play tennis tomorrow. I have to go to the dentist. I won't be able to play tennis tomorrow. I need to go to the dentist (I have an appointment).
Children have to go to school until they are sixteen. Children under the age of sixteen must go to school (law).
Mum says you have to tidy your room before you go out. Mom says you should clean up your room before you leave. This sentence reflects the mother's order and not the speaker's order; On behalf of the mother, this requirement looks like this:
You must tidy your room before you go out. You must tidy up your room before leaving (I so want to, I order you to do this).
Compare:
Mum says you must tidy your room before you go out. In fact, this sentence means: "Mom says that me (speaking) I demand that you clean your room before you leave." Must is a personal modal verb; when someone's personal speech is transmitted in an indirect form, it is replaced by to have (to) / to have got (to).
Some examples for comparing must and to have (to)/to have got (to) :
I must stop smoking. I have to quit smoking (I want it).
I "ve got to stop smoking. I must stop smoking (doctor's order).
Questions with must are possible, but very rare. To have (to) is used much more often:
Must you buy these shabby jeans? Do you really need to buy those faded jeans? (Do you want it that way?)
Do you have to wear a tie at work? Do you have to wear a tie to work? (Do you have such a rule?)

The negative forms must not and do not have (to) differ significantly. Mustn't used to express prohibitions; don't have (to) denotes the absence of an obligation (any action can be performed if you want, but this is not mandatory).
You must not leave bicycles in front of the portal. It is forbidden to leave bicycles in front of the main entrance.
Passengers must not speak to the driver! Passengers are not allowed to talk to the driver!
You mustn "t steal other people" s things. It "s wrong! You can't steal other people's things! It's against the law!
Some people iron their socks, but you don't have to. I think it's a waste of time. Some people iron their socks, but you don't have to. I think it's a waste of time.
When you go into a shop, you don "t have to buy something. You can just look. When you go to the store, you don't have to buy something. You can just look.

To be committed (to) is also the equivalent of the modal verb must, but is used much less frequently than to have (to). The difference is that to be obliged (to) is a little more formal and expresses an obligation related to social, legal and moral aspects:
"The Constitution does not oblige government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion's role in society," Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion.
I am obliged to you for your gracious hospitality. I thank you for your hospitality.

Equivalent to be (to) expresses an obligation by virtue of any agreement, in accordance with a plan or schedule.
The train is to arrive. Why is it still at the station? The train must depart (according to the schedule). Why is he still at the station?

Should and ought (to) express a weak duty or advice. Both modal verbs express what the speaker thinks is true.
You "re always asking me for money. I think you should spend less. You constantly ask me for money. I think you should spend less.
You ought to be more careful with your money. You need to be more careful with your money.
You shouldn't sit so close to the TV! It's bad for your eyes. You shouldn't sit so close to the TV! It's bad for the eyes.
There is practically no difference in the use of should and ought (to), but sometimes the latter expresses a moral duty:
You ought to visit your grandmother. You must visit your grandmother.
or regret:
You ought to help me! You must help me! (But you don't help.)

Multifunctional verb will as a modal verb in the 2nd and 3rd person singular. and many others. numbers expresses an order, obligation or recommendation. The use of this verb is more often resorted to in military institutions and schools.
You will do as you "ve been told. You will do as you were told.
The crew will come forward at midnight! The crew to move out at midnight!

Permission expression, permission

Can, could, may, might, to be allowed (to) are used to express permission and permission.

Can is used for questioning and asserting permission, while can't to deny this permission.
- Can I ask you a question? May I ask you a question?
- Yes, of course you can. Yes, you certainly may.
I'm sorry, you can't come in here. Unfortunately, you can't come here.

Modal verb could used as a more polite form.
Could you do me a favour? Could you do me a favor?

modal permission verb May more formal and much less common than can:
May I come in, sir? May I enter, sir?
Can and could (but not may) are used to talk about what is normally allowed.
Can you park in this street in Sundays? Is it possible to park on this street on Sundays?

Equivalent to be allowed (to) replaces may in the past and future tenses, is used as an infinitive and participle, and has no significant difference in meaning with the modal verb may.
You "ll be allowed to go out. You will be allowed / allowed to go out.

Past form of may - might used in the meaning of permission / permission is used only in the subordinate part of the sentence (mainly in indirect speech), when the verb of the main part is in the past tense, in other cases the equivalent to be allowed (to) is used.
Austin said you might take his diary. Austin said you could take his diary.
I was allowed to take the diary. I was allowed to take the diary.

Expression of ability, possibility

The ability or ability to perform some action is expressed using the modal verb can, its equivalent to be able (to) and the expression managed (to).

To be able (to) means the same as can, but can is used much more frequently. To be able (to) is more formal.
Can you come to a meeting next week? Can you come to the meeting next week?
Please inform us if you are able to attend a meeting next week. Please let us know if you can attend next week's meeting.
To be able to have temporary? e forms that the modal verb can does not have:
I "d love to be able to fly. I would really like to be able to fly.
I like being able to jollify if I want. I find it nice to be able to have fun whenever I want.
I "ve never been able to cook. I never knew how to cook.
She "ll be able to see you tomorrow. She will be able to meet you tomorrow.

To express ability/opportunity in the general past tense, a modal verb is used could.
I could swim when I was four. I could swim when I was four years old.
And to express a one-time action in a certain situation in the past, it is used to be able (to) or expression managed (to).
The woman was drawing, but a lifeguard managed to swim to her and pull her out of the water. That woman was drowning, but the lifeguard was able to swim up to her and pull her out of the water.
The prisoners were able to escape by bribing the guards. The prisoners were able to escape by bribing the guards.
An exception to this rule are the verbs of feeling and perception. With such verbs, the modal verb could is used.
When we came into the building, I could smell something burning. When we entered the building, I smelled something burning.
We could remember where I lost my passport. I was able to remember where I had lost my passport.

Couldn't used to express the inability / impossibility of performing an action in the past.
My mother couldn't swim until she was 47. My mother couldn't swim until she was 47.
I couldn't find my wallet anywhere. I couldn't find my wallet anywhere.

Note: Can and can "t can be used to express a future action if the speaker decides at the moment of the conversation (that is, he knows for sure) that he can or cannot take it.
I can see you tomorrow morning for half an hour. I can meet you tomorrow morning for half an hour.
Compare:
One day we will be able to live without wars. Someday we will be able to live without warriors.

Shall I/we ... ? used as a request for advice, as a proposal or invitation (it is often translated into Russian as an affirmative rather than an interrogative sentence).
Shall I carry your bag? Let me carry your bag.
What shall I do? What should I do? (Advise me.)
Shall we dance? Let's Dance.
Shall we go to the seaside or the mountains? Shall we go to the coast or to the mountains? (Advised.)

Expression of confidence, probability

In addition to obligation, permission and ability, modal verbs can express degrees of certainty and probability. The following modal verbs are arranged in order of "fading" the degree of probability they express: must, will (would) could, may, might, can "t. For greater clarity, the above modal verbs can be assigned an approximate percentage of probability:

Must and can't are used to express a logical conclusion: must - logically possible and can "t - logically impossible. Both verbs do not mean one hundred percent certainty of the possibility or impossibility of an action due to the lack of certain facts, but express a very high degree of it.
Martin must have some problems - he is kind of sullen. Martin must be in trouble: he's kind of gloomy.
There "s the doorbell. It must be Rodger. He always comes home at this time. Someone rings the doorbell. It must be Roger. He always comes home at this time.
Suzie can "t have a ten-year-old daughter! She" s only twenty-five herself! Susie can't have a ten year old daughter! She's only twenty-five herself!
You can "t be serious. I know you are joking. You're not serious. I know you're joking.

Could, May and might usually accented in speech.
Dave and Lucy aren't at home. They could be in the theater, I suppose. Dave and Lucy aren't at home. I think they might be in the theater (≈80% sure; Dave and Lucy often go to the theater).
We may go to Greece for our holidays. We haven't decided yet. Maybe we'll spend our holidays in Greece. We haven't decided yet (≈50% certainty).
She may be at home. She may be at home (≈50% certainty).
Ann might be there too. Maybe Ann is there too (≈20%; low certainty)
According to the radio, it may rain today (≈50%). It might even snow (≈20%). According to the radio it might rain today. Or maybe even snow.

The continuous infinitive is used after the modal verb of probability to express the possible activity taking place at the moment.
His light "s on. He must be working late. The light is on. It must be working.
It "s only 8:10. They can" t be having a break yet. It's only ten past eight now. They can't have a break.

Design modal verb + perfect infinitive expresses the degree of probability in the past:
They could have moved house. They could have moved.
Robert must have gone out. Robert must have left (he is not at home now).
She passed me in the street without speaking: she can "t have seen me. He walked past me without even saying hello: I think she didn't see me.
I rang Helen but she didn't reply, so I suppose she may have been in the bath. I called Helen, but she didn't answer, I think she was in the bathroom.

As already mentioned at the beginning of this material, each modal verb can express probability and judgment. The listed must, could, may, might, can "t more than express all possible ways of indicating probability and are suitable for almost all life situations. But despite this, probability can also be expressed: should, ought (to), will, would and need Cases of their use in this sense are quite rare, but they still exist.

Should and ought (to) express an assumption based on facts.
They should all be of equal speed. They probably all have the same speed.
It ought not to be very hard to get the village. Probably, getting to this village will not be very difficult.

Will and would express an assumption based on the subjective opinion of the speaker.
We heard the phone call. "That would be Charles", I said, knowing I was right. We heard a phone call. "I guess it's Charles," I replied, knowing I was right.
That will be the postman, I expect. It must be the postman.

need used in negative sentences in the sense of the assumption that the action is optional.
It needn't take you very long. It probably won't take you long.

Expression of desire, intention, determination

Desires and intentions are expressed by multifunctional verbs will and would used with the 1st person unit. and many others. number in a construction with an imperfect infinitive. Usually, shall is used with the first person, and the use of will gives a shade of determination and desire. In such cases, the modal verb will is not reduced to "ll" and is stressed in the sentence; it either does not translate into Russian at all or is translated as "want", "definitely", etc.
I will do it whether you like it or not. I'll do it anyway, whether you like it or not.
I will answer you as soon as I can. I will certainly answer you as soon as I can.
I will let you know! I will definitely let you know!
I would tell you, I wear! I would tell you, I swear!
In addition, would is quite often used in constructions:
would rather
would better
would sooner
I "d rather go for a walk. Perhaps I'll go for a walk.
I "d better pay more at once instead of paying every week. I'd rather pay more right away than pay every week.
She "d sooner break up with me then apologize to me. She would rather break up with me than ask for forgiveness.

Will and would in negative form used with animate nouns to express refusal and unwillingness, and with inanimate nouns indicate non-functioning, resistance or opposition:
I won't come back here again. I will never come back here again.
She won "t go to the cafe. She doesn't want to go to the cafe.
Would in the meaning of negation can be used for both the present and the past tense:
I wouldn't lend him even a penny. I don't want to lend him even a penny.
I invited Eric several times, but he wouldn't come. I invited Eric several times, but he did not want to come.
The window won "t open. The window does not open in any way
The car wouldn'r start. The car won't start.
The pen won't write. The pen doesn't write.
Will and would in questions express polite requests, suggestions and invitations. Would is a less formal and more polite verb and is more commonly associated with colloquial style.
Will you have some more juice? Want more juice?
Will you give him this package? Will you pass this message to him?/Give him this message, please.
Will you wait a few? Wait a bit, please./Won't you wait a bit?
More polite would:
Would you show me that vest? Please, show me that vest over there.
Would you help me? Could you help me?
In addition, would is often found in colloquial speech in such set expressions as:
Would you mind...
Would you like ...
Would you be so kind as to...
Would you mind clothing the door? Do you mind closing the door? / Please close the door.
Would you like to take a walk? Do you want to go for a walk?/Do you want to go for a walk?
Would you be so kind as to remove your finger from the pie? Please take your finger off the pie.

Modal verb need expresses necessity and is used only in questions and negations.
You needn "t lie to me. You don't need to lie to me.
In speech, need is mainly used not as a modal, but as an ordinary (semantic) verb and, accordingly, is used with auxiliary verbs, the particle to, and takes time-dependent endings.
You don "t need to lie to me. You don't need to lie to me.

A similar situation is observed in the case of the verb dare, which has translations: “dare”, “dare”, “dare”, “dare”, etc. Dare can also be used as a semantic and as a modal verb, but in reality it is used mainly as a modal (as opposed to need). Dare is used as a modal verb only in interrogative and negative sentences.
Dare you use my own knowledge against me? You dare to use my knowledge against me?
I dare to ask you a private question. I dare to ask you a personal question.

Related content:

When, where, in what situation and, finally, what modal verbs use in English? Sentence examples and the use of modal verbs will help you understand the meaning of each of them. As you will see for yourself, some modal verbs important to apply with particle to. And there are those that involve the use of auxiliary words in negatives and questions. Let's see what's what ....

Modal verbs in English and examples of sentences with them

Will be presented below. Sentence examples given along with the translation. Pay special attention to the second column, there will be indicated the tenses in which the use of one or another modal verb is permissible. Not all of these words have analogues in past and future. And there are also such verbs that can be "meet" only in one tense.

modal verb	time	meaning	example	translation
	present, past(the form: could), future(design to be able to )	ability (physical or mental), requests for permission to act	They could read when they were four.
	present, past(the form: might ), future(analogue: to be allowed to )	possibility, possibility, request, permission	He May come if he wants.	He maybe come if you want.
	present, past(analogue: had to )	obligation	Must I do this myself?	I must do it yourself?
	present(forms: have\has to, past(the form: had to ), future	having to do something due to some circumstance	I have to go. The boss's waiting for me.	to me need go. The boss is waiting for me.
	present	advice	You should learn more English words.	You should learn more English words.
	present	moral duty advice	You ought to respect your parents.	You should respect your parents.
need	present, past, future	need	We need be more serious.	Us should be more serious.
to be to	present(forms: am\are to ); past(forms: was\ were to )	obligation to perform an action that was previously planned	I' m to be there in half an hour.	to me necessary be (should be) there in half an hour.
shall	future	offer of action or help, the inevitability of a situation in the future	Shall I help you with this project?	Can you help with this project?
will	future	promise, intention, resolve	I will always be somewhere near you.	I will always be somewhere near.
would	present, past, future	repetition of an action in the past, polite sentence	Would you do this for me, please?	Could you will you do it for me?
dare	present, past(the form: dared ), future	indignation, indecision	I daren't talk to them.	I not dare to talk to him.

English grammar and modal verbs

According to English grammar, almost all modal verbs are used in questions and negative sentences without auxiliary words. From this rule only have to. Consider examples.

Do you have to go to bed early because of the meeting? Do you have to go to bed earlier because of the meeting?

I don't have to go to the office. Today is Saturday. I don't have to go to the office. Today is Saturday.

Compare these sentences with other modal verbs.

I cannot run as quickly as you. I can't run as fast as you.

Can they ride a horse? Can they (can) ride?

Jane mustn't clean the whole house alone! Jane doesn't have to clean the whole house by herself!

Must did he come to the meeting at 2? Does he have to come to the meeting at 2 pm?

It is difficult to imagine English grammar without modal verbs, because they help to express everything that cannot be said through other words. Namely: obligation, necessity, ability, probability, advice, and much more.

How to remember all the meanings of modal verbs in English?

Virtually everyone modal verbs several use cases, so not everyone can quickly remember everything meanings of modal verbs in English. What to do? First, not all modal verbs are often found in live speech. For example, this concerns ought to(it's almost the same as should). Secondly, you do not need to learn everything at once, especially if you have not fully understood the meanings of each modal verb. Start with the most used: can, may, must, have to, should. Make up your own examples with them, try to apply them in speech. And after a while, move on to the next modal verbs.

If you find it difficult to understand the topic on your own, modal verbs in English”, then we suggest enrolling in our general English course in skype. Teachers in Fluent English explain the grammar in simple language and give many examples of sentences with each construction or rule.

We will be happy to help with modal verbs and more!

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What are modal verbs and how are they different from other verbs? They express modality - the attitude of the speaker to what he says.
They have several distinguishing features:

1. They do not express any action on their own.
   

   He can swim. - He can to swim.

2. Almost everyone has the same shape with all faces
   

   I can drive a car. - I know how drive.

   She can drive a car. - She is can drive.

   They can drive a car. - They are know how drive.

3. Almost all form a negative and a question on their own, without an auxiliary verb:
   

   You should do this. - You should to do this.

   Should I do this? - To me should to do this?

4. They do not have impersonal forms (gerund, infinitive, participle).

Modal verb CAN

Present tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	can
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	cannot/can't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Can...?
	he/she/it

Past tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	could
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	could not / couldn't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Could...?
	he/she/it

Future time:

In the future tense, the verb can does not have its own form, instead the construction is used be able to:

Statement	I/you/we/they	will be able to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	will not / won't be able to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Will … be able to …?
	he/she/it

She can read. - She is can read.

He could play tennis when he was 8. – He was able play tennis when he was 8 years old.

I will be able to give the answer tomorrow. - I I can give an answer tomorrow.

To form a question, the verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence:

Can you drive? - You do you know how drive?

Verb meanings:

1. Know how to do something:
   

   I can ride a bike. - I know how to ride a bike.

   She can't sing. - She is not can sing.

   I could ride a bike when I was seven. - I was able ride a bike when I was seven years old.

2. Request:
   

   Can I have some cake? - Can me some pie?

   Could used for more politeness:

   Could you help me, please? - Could you will you help me?

3. Permission:
   

   You can come whenever you want. - You can come when you want.

4. Theoretical Possibility:
   

   You can find this book in the library. - You you can find this book in the library.

5. The ability to do something according to the rules:
   

   The Principal can visit any class. - Head teacher maybe attend any class.

6. Ban:
   

   You can't walk on the grass. - It is forbidden walk on the grass.

7. Impossibility:
   

   I saw him in the morning. He can't be abroad! - I saw him in the morning. He can not be abroad!

8. Astonishment:
   

   Can tigers be kept as pets? - Is tigers may be pets?

Design be able to, in addition to replacing the verb can in the future tense, also denotes the ability, the possibility of action in a specific situation in the past. Compare:

He could swim when he was 7. – He was able swim when he was 7 years old.

He was able to swim 2 km in cold water. - He managed swim 2 kilometers in cold water.

Modal verb SHOULD

This verb is a form of another modal verb − shall, but these forms have different meanings.

Statement	I/you/we/they	should
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	should not / shouldn't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Should...?
	he/she/it

Verb meanings:

1. Advice, recommendation:
   

   You should eat more vegetables. - You should eat more vegetables.

   You shouldn't go to bed late. - You not worth it go to bed late.

2. Surprise, expression of misunderstanding (after the question words why and how):
   

   how should he know this? - How does he know about it?

3. Instead of a word if(usually at the end of official letters):
   

   Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. - If a you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Modal verb MUST

Present tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	must
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	must not / mustn't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Must...?
	he/she/it

The verb does not have its past and future forms. Instead, the verb have to is used.

Past tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	had to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	did not / didn't have to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Did … have to …?
	he/she/it

Future time:

Statement	I/you/we/they	will have to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	will not / won't have to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Will … have to …?
	he/she/it

The affirmative and negative forms of this modal verb have different meanings.

Meanings of the verb (statement):

1. Internal necessity (the speaker himself is aware of the need for action):
   

   I must help my parents. - I must help your parents.

2. Assumption, when the speaker is almost one hundred percent sure of something:
   

   The lights are on. He must be at home. - The light is on. Must be, he is at home.

3. Order (when using the pronoun you):
   

   You must finish by 5 o'clock. - You must finish by five o'clock.

4. Strong advice:
   

   This book is wonderful. You must read it! - This book is great. You must read it!

Meaning of the verb (negation):

• Ban:
  

  You must not smoke in the room. - In the room forbidden smoke.

Modal verb HAVE TO

This verb has different forms depending on the pronoun:

Present tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	have to
	he/she/it	has to
Negation	I/you/we/they	do not / don't have to
	he/she/it	does not / doesn't have to
Question	I/you/we/they	Do … have to …?
	he/she/it	Does … have to …?

Past tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	had to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	did not / didn't have to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Did … have to …?
	he/she/it

Future time:

Statement	I/you/we/they	will have to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	will not / won't have to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Will … have to …?
	he/she/it

Verb meanings:

1. Statement - external necessity (pressure from outside):
   

   I start work at 9 a.m., so I have to get up very early. – I start working at 9 am, so I account for get up very early.

2. Negation - the absence of the need:
   

   We have enough food don't have to go to the supermarket. We have enough food, you don't need to go to the supermarket.

Also instead of have to sometimes the form is used have got to. This form can only be used in the present tense.

I have an appointment. I've got to go now. - I have an appointment. to me necessary go.

He has an exam tomorrow, so he's got to go to bed early. He has an exam tomorrow, so he necessary go to bed early.

Modal verb MAY / MIGHT

Statement	I/you/we/they	May
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	may not
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	May…?
	he/she/it

Statement	I/you/we/they	might
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	might not / mightn't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Might...?
	he/she/it

Meanings of the verb may:

1. Ask for permission or give permission (more polite than can):
   

   May I come in? - Can i i log in?

   You May use this computer. - You you can use this computer.

2. Assumption with a low degree of certainty:
   

   I'm in a traffic jam. I May be late today. - I'm in a traffic jam. Probably I'll be late today.

3. Prohibition (in negative form):
   

   You may not eat these berries. - Do not dare eat these berries.

Meanings of the verb might:

The main value is an even lower degree of confidence in the assumption than May:

I have a lot of work today. I might finish on time, but I think I'll work all evening. – I have a lot of work today. May be I'll finish on time, but I'll probably be working all evening.

Modal verb OUGHT TO

Statement	I/you/we/they	ought to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	ought not to / oughtn't to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Ought…to…?
	he/she/it

This verb is used very rarely, and even less often in an interrogative form. In fact, it is a synonym for the verb should.

Verb meanings:

1. Advice, recommendation:
   

   Your grandfather is in hospital. You ought to visit him. Your grandfather is in the hospital. You should visit him.

2. Logical guess:
   

   You ought to be very tired after such a long journey. - You, should be tired after such a long trip.

Modal verb SHALL / WILL

These verbs combine the meaning of modality and future tense.

Statement	I/you/we/they	will / shall
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	will not / won't Shall not / shan't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Will…? /Shall...?
	he/she/it

The meanings of the verb will:

1. Spontaneous decision made at the moment of speaking:
   

   You're carrying a very heavy bag. I'll help you. You are carrying a very heavy bag. I will help you.

2. Promise:
   

   I'll call you in the evening. - I'll call you in the evening.

3. Intention:
   

   When I grow up I'll be a doctor. - When I grow up, I will doctor.

Meanings of the verb shall:

Shall almost always used only with first person pronouns ( I and we).

1. Help offer:
   

   Shall I book the tickets for you? – Book tickets for you?

2. Suggestion to do something:
   

   Shall we watch a film? - Shall we watch a movie?

Modal verb NEED

need can be both a self-sufficient verb (to form a negation and a question without an auxiliary verb), and require its presence.

OPTION 1

Present tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	need to
	he/she/it	needs to
Negation	I/you/we/they	do not / don't need to
	he/she/it	does not / doesn't need to
Question	I/you/we/they	Do…need to…?
	he/she/it	Does…need to…?

Past tense:

Statement	I/you/we/they	needed to
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	didn't need to
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Did…need to…?
	he/she/it

OPTION 2

Statement	I/you/we/they	need
	he/she/it
Negation	I/you/we/they	needn't
	he/she/it
Question	I/you/we/they	Need...?
	he/she/it

The verb is similar in meaning to have to, however, is less categorical.

It's raining. I need to take an umbrella. - It's raining. Necessary take umbrella.

We have plenty of time. We needn't hurry. - We have a lot of time. Not necessary hurry.

In English, there is the concept of "modality", which reveals the broader meaning of a phrase or verb in the context of a sentence. Many may have heard of modal verbs before while studying English at school or at other educational institutions. However, this topic is worth remembering. And for those who first encounter this phenomenon in the language, it will be interesting to consider the material below.

What are modal verbs and why are they needed?

There are few purely modal verbs in English: can/could,may/might,shouldandmust. And although each of them has its own meaning, they all perform the same function: they complement the action of the main verb.

Modal verbs
Verb	Transcription	Pronunciation	Translation
Can		Can	be able, be able, be able
Could		could	could, could
May		May	be able to have permission
Might		might	could
Should	[∫Ωd]	should	should
Must		must	must

Also, they all have common features:

• the next verb following the modal is written without the “to” particle.

Example: We can go out from here - We can go out from here

• ending "-s" is not added to modal verbs in the 3rd person

Example: He musts come straight home – He must come straight home

• modal verbs do not change and have only one form of the present tense (except for the verbs could/might)

Example: I'm maying to want some help– I may want some help.

Correct placement in the sentence.

1. In affirmative sentences.

subject + modal + verb:

• We should go now - We should go now.
• You must stay - You must stay.
• She can help us - She can help us.

2. In negative sentences.

Subject + modal + not (or n't) + verb:

• We mustn't stay out late - We should not be away for a long time.
• She may not come - She may not come.

3. In interrogative sentences.

modal + subject + verb:

• Can you drive? — Can you drive?
• Should they leave now? Should they leave now?

4. Short Answers:

Yes, No + subject + modal (+ not, n't):

• Yes, I can.
• No, she shouldn't.

Let's analyze each verb separately.

can,could(to be able, to be able, to be able)

It is the most commonly used modal verb. Used to talk about the capabilities of the subject:

• in the present when it is permanently true.

I can drive - I can drive.

Can you play the piano? No, I can't - Can you play the piano? No I do not know how to.

• in the present, at the moment.

He can help you now - He can help you now.

• in the future, with expressions of time.

She can't come to the party tomorrow - She won't be able to come to the party tomorrow

• in the past tense, we use could/couldn'tt to talk about abilities or knowledge .

She could play the piano when she was five - She could play the piano when she was five.

She couldn't speak English very well when she arrived here - She couldn't speak English very well when she arrived here.

• We cannot use could to talk about events that have already happened. But we can use couldn't to talk about actions or events that could not be implemented.

She couldn't come to the party. (For her, coming to the party was impossible)

NOT She ​​could come to the party.

They couldn't eat all their dinner. (For them, eating the whole dinner was impossible)

NOT They could eat all their dinner.

• Can and could can also be used in requirements or queries.

Can you help me? - Can you help me?

Could you open the door for me, please? – Could you open the door for me, please?

Can I have a drink? – May I have a drink?

Could we use your phone? – Could we use your phone?

P.S. Сould is a more polite form than can.

may,might(to be able, to have permission)

This pair of modal verbs denotes probability, possibility, permission. Might is a more polite form than May. Are used:

• To talk about the possibilities in the future.

They may leave soon - They may leave soon.

They might leave soon - They could leave soon.

(It is possible that they will leave soon, but I'm not sure.)

He may be at the office - He may be in the office.

He might be at the office - He could be in the office.

(He may be in the office now, but I'm not sure.)

• For polite requests.

May I sit here? - Can I sit here?

May we come in? - Can we come in?

However, you cannot use might for the interrogative form.

NOT Might I sit here? or Might we come in?

Some notes:

• negative form May pronounced like Maynot. We can't speak mayn't.
• negative form might usually pronounced like mightnot. Use mightn't allowed, but very rarely used.
• We can use May I...? or Maywe...? for polite requests, but we can't use May when we ask someone to do something. NOT May you open the door, please?
• Basically, we do not use May or might in an interrogative form, with the exception of polite requests. But sometimes we can ask a question with Doyouthink...?

Example: Do you think they might be here soon? “Do you think they might be here soon?”

But not May they be here soon?

Should(should, should)

We often use should to give different kinds of advice:

• You should go home - You should go home. (I think it would be better for you to stay at home.)
• He shouldn't eat so many sweets - He shouldn't eat so many sweets. (I think eating sweets would be bad for him.)

We can also use should both in the present and in the future:

• We should leave now - We should leave now.
• We should leave early in the morning - We should leave early in the morning.

We often use should With I think… or Do you think…?:

• I think we should leave - I think we should leave
• Do you think I should write to him? Do you think I should write to him?

Must(must)

This modal verb more rigidly expresses the need for the subject to perform an action, or confidence in something. Must much stronger than should. And using it raises the priority of the entire sentence:

• I must do some work tonight - I have to do some work tonight.
• We must get up early tomorrow - We must get up early tomorrow.
• He must be there. - He must be there.

Also use must both in the present and in the future tense:

• We must go there now - We must go there now.
• We must go soon there - We must go there soon.

Thus, today you learned what you need " modal verbs and how to use them correctly in a sentence. There are also some equivalents of these verbs, which will be written about in the following articles. That's all. Good luck

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Modal verbs are a special group of English verbs that have a number of features

1. do not name actions, but only express the attitude of the speaker

2. do not have a number of grammatical categories

3. are used without the particle ‘to’ (exceptions have to, to be to, ought to)

1) can

meaning	example
ability to do sth. in the present (substitute form: to be able to) ability of physical or mental action (synonymous with to be able to)	I can speak English. I can (can) speak English
permission to do sth. in the present (substitute form: to be allowed to) permission (synonym: to be allowed to)	Can I go to the cinema? Can I go to the cinema?
request request	Can you wait a moment, please? Could you wait a minute?
offer sentence	I can lend you my car till tomorrow. I can lend you my car until tomorrow.
suggestion sentence	Can we visit Grandma at the weekend? Let's visit grandma this weekend.
possibility possibility	It can get very hot in Arizona. It can get very hot in Arizona.

2) could

meaning	example
ability to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to be able to) the ability of a physical or mental action in the past (synonymous with to be able to)	I could speak English. I could speak English.
permission to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to be allowed to) permission in the past (synonym: to be allowed to)	I could go to the cinema. I could go to the cinema. (I was allowed.)
polite request polite request form	Could you wait a moment, please? Could you wait a minute?
polite offer polite sentence form	I could lend you my car till tomorrow. I could lend you my car until tomorrow.
polite suggestion polite sentence form	Could we visit Grandma at the weekend? Could we go to grandma's for the weekend?

To express a single action in the past, managed to, was/were able is used instead of could:

I managed to climb the mountain without nobody "s help. (I managed to conquer the mountain without anyone's help.)

3) may

4) might

5) must

6) must not/may not

meaning	example
prohibition ban	You mustn "t work on dad" s computer. You are not allowed to work on your father's computer. You may not work on dad's computer.

7) need not / don't have to

9) to

10) should

11) will

12) would

13) need / have to

meaning	example
necessity need	I need to/have to study tonight. You don't have to practice today.

have to used instead must in the past time