Modal verbs and their use in English. Modal verbs in English and their equivalents

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

Abstract to the material: Unfortunately, the topic of modal verbs and their equivalents in English is often poorly covered, especially in school textbooks. The maximum that an interested reader can find in them is only “superficial” information, which in a real linguistic situation with a native English speaker can only aggravate the situation. As a result, one’s own experience, often negative, becomes the teacher and the actual 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- expression of the speaker’s attitude to the content of his utterance.
Modal verbs express an attitude towards an action (its necessity, probability, possibility of its completion, etc.).

Features of modal verbs in English

1. They 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 obliged 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 verb: 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; in to be (to) and to be obliged (to) be in questions is used before the subject in the appropriate person and number (am/are/is) and adds the particle not in questions).
Shall do 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 obliged to attend the audition?
She doesn't have to drink coffee; I am not to work today; I am not obliged to pay for this.
3. Not all modal verbs have forms of future and past tenses, and when they are expressed, they are replaced by equivalents. It is more correct to consider aspectual forms of modal verbs 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 infinitive form of the verb (infinitive) or -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 a 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 an 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 the modal verbs themselves are not used.
2. Multifunctional verbs that perform the function of modals. 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
Direct 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 obliged (to)		am/are/is obliged (to)	was/were obliged (to)	will be obliged (to)
Multifunctional verbs that perform the function of modals
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 "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 the strong form of obligation.

Must is personal a 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 must go to the reception desk to sign up for the library (meaning I want, require, actually order you to go to the reception desk, not just say it). The reaction of people who hear such “advice” will be quite obvious.
But we can say:
I must get my hair cut. I have to cut my hair (I want it so bad).
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 any 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 sixteen years of age must go to school (law).
Mum says you have to tidy your room before you go out. Mom says you should clean 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 clean your room before leaving (I want it so much, I order you to do it).
Compare:
Mum says you must tidy your room before you go out. In fact, this sentence means: "Mom says that I (speaking) I demand that you clean your room before you leave." Must is a personal modal verb; when someone's personal speech is conveyed in an indirect form, it is replaced by to have (to)/to have got (to).
A few examples to compare must and to have (to)/to have got (to) :
I must stop smoking. I have to quit smoking (I want to).
I "ve got to stop smoking. I must quit smoking (doctor's orders).
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 these distressed jeans? (Is this what you want?)
Do you have to wear a tie at work? Should you wear a tie to work? (Do you have such a rule?)

The negative forms must not and do not have (to) are significantly different. Mustn't used to express prohibitions; don't have (to) denotes the absence of obligation (any action can be performed if you want, but this is not obligatory).
You must not leave bicycles in front of the portal. It is prohibited to leave bicycles in front of the main entrance.
Passengers must not speak to the driver! Passengers are prohibited from talking to the driver!
You mustn't steal other people's things. It's wrong! You can't steal other people's things! It's illegal!
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 come to the store, you don’t have to buy something. You can just watch.

To be obliged (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. "The Constitution does not oblige the government to avoid public acknowledgment social role religion," said Anthony Kennedy.
I am obliged to you for your gracious hospitality. I thank you for your hospitality.

Equivalent to be (to) expresses an obligation due to some 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 weak obligation 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 harmful to the eyes.
Differences in usage should and ought (to) is practically non-existent, but sometimes the latter expresses a moral duty:
You ought to visit your grandmother. You should 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 more numbers express an order, obligation or recommendation. The use of this verb is often resorted to in military institutions and schools.
You will do as you"ve been told.
The crew will come forward at midnight! The crew must depart at midnight!

Expression of permission, permission

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

Can used to ask and state permission, while can"t to deny this permission.
- Can I ask you a question? Can I ask you a question?
- Yes, of course you can. Of course you can.
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 favor? Could you do me a favor?

Modal verb of permission may more formal and used much less frequently than can:
May I come in, sir? May I come in, sir?
Can and could (but not may) are used to talk about what is usually 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 may - might used in the meaning of permission/permission used only in the subordinate clause of a 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 possibility of performing any 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 often. To be able (to) 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 are able to attend next week's meeting.
To be able to have temporary ones? 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/possibility in general, a modal verb is used in the past tense could.
I could swim when I was four. I knew how to 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 drowing, but a lifeguard managed to swim to her and pull her out of the water. That woman was drowning, but a rescuer was able to swim 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.
The exception to this rule are verbs of feeling and perception. The modal verb could is used with such verbs.
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 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 conversation (that is, he knows for sure) that he can or cannot perform 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 an invitation (in Russian it is often translated 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 ought, permission and ability, modal verbs can express degrees of certainty and probability. The following modal verbs are arranged in order of "fading" degree of probability that 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 by no means 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 have problems: 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 herself is only twenty-five!
You can't be serious. I know you are joking. You're not serious. I know you're joking.

Could, may And might usually emphasized in speech.
Dave and Lucy aren't at home. They could be in the theatre, I suppose. Dave and Lucy are not at home. I think they can be in the theater (≈80% certainty; Dave and Lucy often go to the theater).
We may go to Greece for our holidays. We haven't decided yet. Perhaps we will spend a vacation 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. Perhaps Anne is there too (≈20%; low confidence)
According to the radio, it may rain today (≈50%). It might even snow (≈20%). According to the radio it may rain today. Or maybe even snow.

The continuous infinitive is used after the modal verb of probability to express possible activities occurring 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 minutes past eight. 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 passed 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 everyone life situations. But despite this, probability can also be expressed by: should, ought (to), will, would and need. Cases of their use in this meaning 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. It probably won't be very difficult to get to this village.

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 the phone ringing. “It’s probably Charles,” I replied, knowing that I was right.
That will be the postman, I expect. It's probably the postman.

Need used in negative sentences to mean an assumption about the optionality of an action.
It doesn't take you very long. It is unlikely that this will take you much time.

Expression of desire, intention, determination

Desires and intentions are expressed by multifunctional verbs will And would, used with 1st person singular. and many more number in a construction with an imperfect infinitive. Usually shall is used with the first person, and the use of will gives a connotation of determination and desire. In such cases, the modal verb will is not shortened to “ll and is stressed in the sentence; in Russian it is either not translated at all or translated as “want”, “certainly”, 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'll definitely let you know!
I would tell you, I swear! I would have told you, I swear!
In addition, would is used quite often in constructions:
would rather be preferable
would better
would sooner 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 immediately 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 reluctance, and with inanimate nouns they 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 both for the present and for the past tense:
I wouldn't lend him even a pence.
I invited Eric several times, but he wouldn't come.
The window won't open. The window doesn't open.
The car wouldn't 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 often associated with a conversational style.
Will you have some more juice? Would you like some more juice?
Will you give him this package? Would you give him this parcel?/Give him this parcel, please.
Will you wait a few? Wait a little, please./Will you wait a little?
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 stable expressions as:
Would you mind... Be kind.../Be kind.../Do you mind...
Would you like... Would you like.../Would you like...
Would you be so kind as to...Would you be so kind.../Be kind...
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?/Don't you want to go for a walk?
Would you be so kind as to remove your finger from the pie? Please take your finger away from 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 a regular (semantic) verb and, accordingly, is used with auxiliary verbs, the particle to and takes endings that depend on time.
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: “to dare”, “to dare”, “to dare”, “to dare”, etc. Dare can also be used as a semantic and as a modal verb, but in fact it is used mainly as a modal (as opposed to need). Dare as a modal verb is used 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 materials:

English verbs are very diverse. To make them convenient to study, the English language divides verbs into groups and even subgroups. So, for example, according to their meaning, verbs can be divided into semantic and auxiliary. The latter ones contain auxiliary verbs, linking verbs and modal verbs. Today we will talk about the last group and study what modal verbs are in English, what their types are, how they are formed and used in speech.

Modal verbs or modal verbs in English are verbs that do not have their own meaning and are used to express modality, that is, the speaker’s attitude to any action. Accordingly, they can only be used in conjunction with another verb.

Modal verbs in English are used quite often in speech, and therefore you need to know them in order to give sentences a special meaning. Now, having considered general definition, you can move on to a more detailed exploration of this topic.

In principle, there is no need to form a modal verb. You won't have to memorize the conjugation of modal verbs for a long time, for the simple reason that they have almost no conjugation. Yes, some modal verbs can change according to tense, but they do not change according to persons and numbers. Despite the fact that this fact greatly facilitates the use of such English verbs, it can cause some confusion when composing sentences, so let's take a closer look at this point.

If you take any modal verb, all you have to do is put it before the noun/pronoun. Since the noun has no declension in English, this should not be a problem. After the modal, a regular verb in the infinitive without the particle to is required:

Often, based on this rule, at the initial stage there may be a desire to put the ending - s (-es) to the modal or main verb, but under no circumstances should this be done.

If you don’t want to give up so easily and want to add this ending at least somewhere, the only exception has been made for you in the form of the modal verb have to. When conjugated, the verb have in the modal form changes in persons and numbers in the same way as in the present tense:

I	have to
He	has to

Speaking of endings, it is also worth noting that modal verbs, in accordance with the rules of the English language, do not have the form , so the ending –ing cannot be attached to them. This applies to absolutely all verbs, even such a non-typical one as have to.

They also do not require any auxiliary verbs in front of them in negative and interrogative sentences. Although in this case the modal verb have to is again an exception.

These were all the features of modal verbs in English that should not be forgotten when composing sentences in English.

Modal verbs in English: sentence forms

The way modal verbs are used in different sentence forms is almost identical to auxiliary verbs. Let's study the forms on the tables:

Affirmative sentences with a modal verb

To construct an affirmative sentence with a modal verb, the modal verb is placed before the subject. The semantic verb is placed after the modal verbs. These two types of verbs are used together as a compound verb predicate:

The example above is used with Active Voice. However, the passive voice with modal verbs is also quite common in speech. For the passive voice (Passive Voice), the verb be is added to the sentence with a modal verb, which is placed between the modal and main:

To modal verbs that are used in the Perfect tense, a third form of the verb to be – been is added in the passive voice:

Negative sentences with modal verb

The negative English form is identical except that the modal verb has a negative particle not:

As in the affirmative form, here you can also make sentences in the passive voice. Example of passive voice in a negative sentence:

Interrogative sentences with modal verb

The interrogative form is formed based on the type of question:

• Common questions use a modal verb before the subject:

“Passive” forms are also used in interrogative sentences. Let's consider this “passive” form using the example of a general question:

It doesn’t matter whether the sentence is “active” or “passive”, it is enough to answer this question briefly:

An exception to the rule is the modal verb have (has) to, which requires the auxiliary verb do (does) to form the interrogative form:

• IN alternative question any second member of the sentence for choice and the conjunction or (or) are added:

This question needs to be answered in full:

• For education special question To general questions, a question word is added at the beginning:

Questions like this also require a complete answer:

• In disjunctive questions, the form of an affirmative or negative sentence is retained, to which a short question is added:

This question needs to be answered briefly:

In the case of the modal verb have (has) to, a short question is constructed using an auxiliary verb:

List of modal verbs, their meaning and use

Let's move directly to modal verbs and their types.

Modal verb Can

Can in the meaning of “to be able”, “to be able” is used to express the possibility of performing an action. One of the most common and frequently used modal verbs. It refers to insufficient verbs, that is, verbs that do not have all forms. The modal verb itself has two forms:

• For the present tense, can is used;
• Past tense and subjunctive mood matches could.

When negated, a negative particle is usually added to this English modal verb, but, unlike other cases, it is written together:

+	—
can	cannot

To tell the truth, very often there is disagreement on this issue: people argue that the standard form also applies. Therefore, if you are not sitting for an exam, but are simply corresponding with a person, writing separately will not be perceived as something wrong.

Sometimes, separate writing is even necessary when not is part of another structure. Most often this construction is “not only..., but also” (not only..., but also). To make it clearer, let's look at two examples:

If the can in negation is not part of the construction, and you don’t want to accidentally make a mistake, you can simply use the shortened form in everyday speech and “informal” writing:

Most often, this modal verb expresses mental or physical activity:

It can also denote the general or theoretical probability of an action occurring:

Can is also used to express a request. In this case, you can use both can and could. True could will sound more polite and formal:

A modal verb can be used to ask, allow or prohibit something to be done:

And also to express surprise, reproach or disbelief:

Modal verb to be able to

If you want to express cases with can in the future tense, you need to use another probability verb - to be able to (to be able / able to do). It is almost equivalent to the verb can, but in the present and past tense its use is more formal. In these tenses, the modal verb to be able to is more often used to express that a person managed to do something, he coped / succeeded. This modal verb changes for persons, numbers and tenses:

	Past	Present	Future
I	was able to	am able to	will be able to
You	were able to	are able to	will be able to
He	was able to	is able to	will be able to

Modal verb May

Modal verbs that express probability also include the verb may in the meaning “allow”, “it is possible”. It also has two forms:

• May for present;
• Might for past tense and subjunctive mood.

In negation, both forms have abbreviations:

This verb is used in the same cases as can, but may is more formal:

To ask or give permission:

Modal verb be allowed to

An analogue of the modal verb may is the modal verb be allowed to in the meaning of “permission”. This verb is used to show that permission has been given without specifying by whom it was given. Since the verb to be changes in tenses, numbers and persons, the same changes apply to the modal verb be allowed to. Let's look at a table with examples of use:

Modal verb Must

The modal verb must means “must”. In negative form it has the shortened form:

Mainly used to:

Express an obligation, a need:

Express an order or prohibition:

And an expression of confidence:

Modal verb have to

Since must does not have a past or future tense, the modal verb have (has) to is used instead in such cases:

The modal verb have to (have got to) is used in the meaning of “have to”, “must”. In addition to the above-mentioned case, it is also used independently, without replacing the verb must. It is usually used to show that some action must be done because it is “necessary”, and not because it is wanted:

Do not forget that have to (have got to) changes according to numbers, persons and tenses:

The difference between must and have to in this case is determined by the fact that:

• Using must, we feel/realize obligation. We need to do something:

That is, we decided that something would be our “rule” and we would definitely follow it.

• By using have to, we mean that we do not want to do something, but we have to due to circumstances:

However, speakers often replace have to must with the form.

You may have noticed that the verb have to can also be used as have got to. The difference between these modal verbs is minor:

• Have got to implies a specific action:

• Have to implies a repeated action:

Modal verb should

The modal verb should means “must”, “should”. Short form in negation:

This modal verb is used to:

Express a moral obligation:

Give advice:

This time can also be found in the instructions:

Modal verb ought to

Modal verb ought to, which means the same as the verb should. However, it is used much less frequently. This modal verb has only one form. To use it, the to particle is required. It also has a contraction in negation:

This modal verb is used to express advice and obligations:

Modal verb shall and will

Modal verbs shall and will, which combine modal meaning and the meaning of future tenses. They also have shortened forms in negation:

Shall is used to express a proposal to do something:

The modal verb will is used in English to express promise and insistence. Also, the modal verb will can be found in interrogative sentences that imply orders:

Modal verb be to

Modal verb be to to express obligation. Used in past and present tenses. When using it, you should always use a particle

Used to:

Express actions that are performed according to a specific schedule:

For actions that are predefined:

To express a prohibition or impossibility:

Modal verb would

The modal verb would, usually used for polite requests and suggestions. Do not confuse would in the sense of “would” and would be a modal verb.

In English, the modal verb would also has a shortened negative form:

Table with examples:

Would is also used to make assumptions:

It's worth noting that there are certain verbs in English that are often called semi-modal. Semimodal verbs are verbs that can serve two functions in a sentence. On the one hand, they can be used in the form of main verbs, preceded by an auxiliary verb in questions and negations. On the other hand, they can be words expressing the properties of modal verbs. These verbs include:

Modal verb used to

The modal verb used to is a verb whose modality is often debated. It is used only to express past situations and only in one case.

Among the features of this time, the variants of its formation for denial and question:

This verb is used to express an action/state that happened in the past. When translated into Russian, such sentences may have the adverb “before”:

Modal verb need

Another semi-modal verb is the verb need, which denotes the need to perform an action. Short form of negation:

Usually replaces the modal verbs must and have to in negative and interrogative sentences.

Used in affirmative sentences to mean “need”:

Also used in questions when you want to hear a negative answer:

In its meaning, the modal verb dare does not differ from the semantic verb dare. The only difference is that the modal verb dare does not require the use of auxiliary verbs.

Modal verb let

The semimodal group also includes the verb let. Let as a modal verb in English is used to mean “let”, “permit”, “permit”. If the verb is used as a semantic one, it practically does not change its meaning.

Modal verbs in English: additional uses

Let's consider a few more points about the use of modal verbs:

1. All of the above verbs can be used in indirect speech. However, there are a number of nuances here:

• Some modal verbs do not change in indirect speech. These include could, might, should, would, ought to. Example:

• Modal verbs that change include:

1. It is also worth noting that modal verbs can be used with a perfect infinitive.

• Can + Perfect Infinitive to show that a person does not believe an action that has already happened. Could + Perfect Infinitive is used in the same meaning, but in a less solid form.
• May + Perfect Infinitive expresses uncertainty about the event. Might + Perfect Infinitive – even less confidence.
• Must + Perfect Infinitive shows confidence or speaks about the likelihood of performing an action in the past.
• Need + Perfect Infinitive questions the wisdom of the action taken.
• Ought + Perfect Infinitive expresses reproach for past actions.
• Will + Perfect Infinitive shows determination to carry out an action until a certain point in the future.
• Would + Perfect Infinitive is used to express an action that one wanted to carry out, but did not succeed.
• Should + Perfect Infinitive expresses an action that should have been performed in the past, but was not performed.

Note that in both English and the Russian translation, with the exception of will, the perfect modal verb implies the past tense.

Let's look at a few examples:

You can write as much about modal verbs as there is space. However, the briefly presented information about each modal verb should be enough to fully master this topic of English grammar. Modal verbs, expressing a whole range of feelings, are indeed used very often. This means that they must be learned and used correctly to be able to express their thoughts. If you encounter difficulties, return to the rules above, make up your own examples and practice English, devoting as much time as possible to the language.

Modal verbs in English form a special group and differ in use from all other verbs. With the help of such verbs we talk about our skills, requests, ask permission, prohibit something, give advice and talk about obligations. That is why it is very important to understand this topic.

In this article we will look at:

What are modal verbs?

Modal verbs unlike other verbs, they do not indicate an action (go, read, study), but show an attitude towards these actions (must go, can read, should study).

Common: “I’m swimming.”
Modal: "I I can swim".

Common: “It works.”
Modal: "He must work".

With the help of such verbs we express opportunity, duty, necessity, readiness, desire, permission to do something.

The following modal verbs exist in English:

These verbs have features of use that distinguish them from other verbs.

Features of modal verbs in English

When using modal verbs, you must remember:

1. Modal verbs are independent and do not require auxiliary verbs

That is, in negative and interrogative sentences we do not need to use do/does, did, will, am/are/is.

To compose negative sentence, we need to add a negative particle not to the modal verb itself.

Wrong

He will not come.
He shouldn't come.

They don't can swim.
They can't swim.

Right

He shouldnot come.
He shouldn't come.

They cannot swim.
They can't swim.

To ask a question with a modal verb, we simply move it to the first place.

Wrong:

Will he help?
Should he help?

Does she may ask?
Can she ask?

Right

Must he help?
Should he help?

May she ask?
Can she ask?

An exception to this rule is the modal verb have to.

He didn't have to go.
He didn't have to go.

Did he have to go?
Did he have to go?

2. Such verbs do not change their ending depending on the character.

In some tenses, we change the ending of the verb if the action is performed by someone alone: ​​she (she), he (he), it (it), her friend (her friend), his sister (his sister).

I like ice-cream.
I love ice cream.

She like s ice-cream
She loves ice cream.

Modal verbs always remain the same, regardless of who performs the action:

She should read.
She should read it.

The exception is the same verb have to, which changes to has to if the action is performed by he, she, it.

They have to write.
They need to write it down.

He has to write.
He needs to write it down.

3. After modal verbs there is no need to put the particle to

Usually the particle to separates two actions, indicating that one of the verbs is in initial form(I want to read t, I forgot yes t, I'll go swimming t).

I want to sleep.
I want to sleep.

After modal verbs we never put the particle to:

You should sleep.
You should get some sleep.

Exceptions are those modal verbs that themselves go in conjunction with to: have to, had to, ought to, be to.

I have to sleep.
I need to sleep.

As you can see, modal verbs have significant differences in use from other verbs in the English language. So be careful when using them in your speech.

Now let's look at what modal verbs exist in English.

Table of basic modal verbs in English with translation

To understand what modal verbs exist and when to use each of them, let's look at the table.

Modal verb	Use Cases	Examples
Can/could I can / could (would)	We talk about mental and physical ability, the ability and ability to do something.	He can run fast. He can run fast. They could speak English. They could speak English.
Should Should	We give advice, we say that something is right and reasonable	You should clean the room. You should clean your room. She should go to the party. She should go to the party.
Have to/had to Should / should have / should	We talk about the need, we force it, we give instructions.	They have to wait. They need to wait. She had to help me. She should have helped me.
Must Must	We say that something needs to be done because it is necessary and important. We give strong advice.	We must hurry. We must hurry. You must read this book. You must read this book.
May/might Maybe/could	We give permission, permission to do something. We talk about the likelihood of something.	It may rain. Possible rain. You might ask the questions. You can ask questions.
Ought to Should/must	We give advice, talk about moral duty.	They ought to apologize. They should apologize. She ought to read aloud. She should read it out loud.
Be to Agreed/agreed/must	We talk about mutual agreement, give orders, talk about rules and instructions.	We are to go to the cinema. We agreed to go to the cinema. He is to be here at 5 p.m. He should be here at 5 pm.

If you are just starting to learn modal verbs, then study them separately. At the beginning of the article, I provided links to articles where each verb is described in great detail. Go ahead and learn. If you know them, then proceed to the consolidation task.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English:

1. He can speak French.
2. You must go to this lecture.
3. We agreed to go to the store.
4. She can take my phone.
5. He needs to talk to her.
6. You should rest.
7. He should make peace with her.

Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

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

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

Getting to know modal verbs

Characteristics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modal verbs in practice

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

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

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

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

1) must/mustn’t

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

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

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

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

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

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

2) have to / don’t have to

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

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

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

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

3) be to / not be to

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

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

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

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

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

4)can/can’t

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5)could/couldn't

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

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

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

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

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

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

6) be able to / not be able to

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

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

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

Features: changes in tenses like a regular verb to be

7) shouldn't/shouldn't

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

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

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

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

d) They shouldn't’ t spend so much money. – They shouldn't spend so much money.

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

8) ought to / oughtn’t to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10) will (shall) / won’t (shan’t)

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

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

b) She won ’ t play the golf tomorrow. - She there won't be play golf tomorrow.

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

11) would/wouldn't

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

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

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

c) Would you like to join us? – Do you want join us?

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

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

12) may / may not

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

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

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

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

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

13) might / might not

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

a) They might – Maybe , They will come.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compound verbal modal predicate = modal verb + infinitive.

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

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

How many modal verbs are there in English?

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

Let's look at what modality means.

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

For example:

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

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

What's special about modal verbs

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

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

Examples:

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

That is, they remain in unchanged form.

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

Examples:

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

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

Examples:

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

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

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

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

Modal verbs with perfect infinitive

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

• 1. Must + have + past participle

To express probability, inference:

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

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

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

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

• 3. May + have + past participle

Express the possibility that an action occurred in the past:

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

• 4. Might + have + past participle

Express a possibility in the past:

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

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

For example:

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

• 5. Needn’t + Have + Past Participle

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

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

• 6. Should + have + past participle

The obligation was not fulfilled in the past:

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

• 7. Would + have + past participle

Conditional sentences of the third type.

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

• 8. Ought to + have + past participle

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

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

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

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

Infinitive forms with modal verbs

Let's look at a table with the forms of the infinitive: Indefinite, Continuous, Perfect, Perfect Continuous, as well as in what forms it can be used passive voice with modal verbs.

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

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

Lesson summary

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

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

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

How to Learn and Use Modal Verbs in English

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