Modal verbs are one of the most difficult topics in the English language, and distinguishing between even two of them - can and could - can be difficult not only for beginners, but also for those who speak the language at a decent level.

Definition

Can– a modal verb that serves, along with other modal verbs and adverbs, to express necessity, possibility, ability, request, prohibition, etc.

Could– the past tense form of the verb can, which has its own peculiarities of use.

Comparison

The easiest way to understand where to use which form is if can is used to indicate ability: in this case, can is the present tense form, could is the past tense form.

I can repair it. I can fix this.

It was dark, but I could see the path. It was dark, but I could see the path.

Could+Perfect Infinitive – an expression of regret: a person could have done it, but didn’t.

He couldn't have done it. He could do it.

If the ability was present only for some time, the situation changes: for affirmative sentences we continue to use can in the present tense, but in the past we already need to be able to. Please note: if the sentence in the present tense does not specifically indicate a period, but you need to indicate that this ability is temporary, also use be able to. In negative sentences, the same distinction is made as for ability in general: can and could in the present and past tenses, respectively.

When he was young, he was able to work hard. In his youth, he was capable of working like hell.

If can has the meaning of possibility, could need not be used: in both negative and affirmative sentences in the present and future tense the form can is used, in the past - be able to.

At that minute she was able to run away. At that moment she could have run away.

The same rule - but replacing be able to with be allowed to - applies to the meaning of permission or permission.

She was allowed to come in. She was allowed to enter.

In order to understand which of the modal verbs - can or could - to write when expressing a request or assessing the probability, you need to clarify the style used. In ordinary speech, can is enough, while the formal style requires could. The overall meaning of the proposal in this case is almost the same.

Finally, both can and could are used with verbs of feeling and perception (taste, feel, see, etc.) to enhance their meaning. The nuance of amplification is lost in translation: Can you feel/see that? – do you feel/see it? This can be emphasized by actively stressing the verb: you feel/see This?

Conclusions website

1. To denote ability in general and to deny the presence of ability during a certain period, use can in the present tense, and could in the past.
2. To indicate the presence of ability during a certain period in the present tense, use can; could is not used in the past tense.
3. To indicate permission or permission, use can; could is not used in the past tense.
4. In a formal style, it is more appropriate to use could.
5. Together with the Perfect Infinitive could, it is used to express regret.
6. Both can and could are used to enhance meaning with verbs of feeling and perception.

They do not obey the general rules by which other verbs operate. They are not used separately and have no independent meaning. Modal verbs “can”, “could”, “must”, “may” express the speaker’s attitude to the main action. What does it mean? Some verbs express the degree of possibility, others express obligation. After modal verbs the particle “-to” is not used, with the exception of the verbs “to be able to” and “manage to”. Examples:

I can swim. (I can swim).

She must obey her parents. (She must obey her parents.)

Who could see my cat? (Who could see my cat?).

Workers are not able to finish this building. (The workers are not able to complete the construction of this building).

She managed to find her mobile phone immidiately when we went away. (She was able to find her cell phone right after we left).

Rules for using modal verbs

As mentioned above, modal verbs exist according to their own rules. But they are not difficult to remember, since the list of such verbs is small:

To be able to - I can;

Manage to - I can;

Can/could - I can, could;

Must - must;

May - maybe.

As you can see, some of them have synonymous meaning. There is a common misconception that the modal verbs “can”, “could”, “must” and “may” change in person, number and tense. In fact, this is not true. That is, we do not add any endings to these verbs and do not change them. The exception is the verb "manage" - we can put it in the past tense by adding - "managed". And also, the verb “to be able to” - here the auxiliary verb “to be” changes according to the general rules.

Verbs "to be able to" and "manage to"

The verb “to be able to” is translated as “to be able, capable, able.” For example:

These people are able to do the work in time. (These people are able to complete the work on time).

The verb changes as follows:

The meaning of the verb "manage to" is "can". It changes according to the following scheme:

In a word, nothing complicated. The main thing is to understand these simple rules.

Verbs "can" and "could"

The next rule is more complicated, but not much. The modal verbs “can” and “could” are translated as “I can, I am able” and have a common meaning. While “manage to” and “to be able to” are used mainly in special cases. Although, only mostly. In principle, the verbs “can”, “could”, “managed”, “be able to” operate according to similar rules.

*Worth paying attention. It has no future tense form. Therefore, it is appropriate to use an analogue - “manage to” or “to be able to”.

Verbs "must" and "may"

Next point. The verbs "can", "could", "must", "may" have separate forms in different tenses. This makes them easier to use. The verb "must" has the sharpest degree of obligation. For example:

You must go home now, it won't be discussed! (You must go home and this is not discussed!).

If you want to use a softer degree of should, give advice or recommendation, then the verb “should” should be used. For example:

You shouldn't eat so much sweet, if you won't to be fit. (You shouldn't eat so much sweet if you want to be slim).

The verb "may" is translated as "I can" and, usually. used in polite requests. For example:

I"m sorry, may I take your pen for a minute? (Sorry, can I take your pen for a minute?).

The verb "must" has no forms in tenses other than the present. Therefore, we substitute similar values. In this case, it is appropriate to use “to” - “must, forced.”

The main thing is to figure everything out. Actually, nothing complicated.

The use of modal verbs in negative and interrogative sentences

The word order in English sentences is strictly fixed. This means that, regardless of the context, in an affirmative sentence the subject will come first, then the predicate, then additional members of the sentence. In a negative sentence, everything is the same. Only after the predicate does “not” appear. This word order is called direct. The word order in an interrogative sentence is called reverse. Here, at the beginning of the sentence there is a predicate, then - the subject, then - additional members of the sentence. In the case of modal verbs "can", "could", "may" and others, everything is according to the rules. They function as auxiliaries. For example:

I can't (can't) swim.

She must not (mustn"t) do it, if she doesn"t wont. (She doesn't have to do this if she doesn't want to).

They will not (won"t) be able to cook the dinner without the light.

Can you help me with the dinner? (Can you help me with dinner?).

Shall I go with her? (Should I go with her?).

May I go for a walk, I "m tired. (Can I go for a walk, I'm tired.).

In special interrogative sentences, question words come at the beginning of the sentence:

Who can speak English? (Who can speak English?).

Examples of using modal verbs

Let's look at a few short dialogues:

1). - I want to be a dentist in a future.

So, you should study hard in the school.

I want to become a dentist in the future.

Then you should study hard at school.

2). - You must be gentle with your younger sister.

I will try, but she is too noisy.

You must be gentle with your little sister.

I'll try, but she's very noisy.

3). - What abilities do you have?

I can play guitar and piano.

What can you do?

I can play the guitar and piano.

Practical part

Try to translate the following sentences into English. Use modal verbs:

1). Can I open the window?

2). My parents should pay more attention to each other.

3). She couldn't have decorated this room better.

4). I was happy and able to do absolutely anything!

5). Were you able to find the keys?

2) My parents should put more attention to each other.

3) She wasn't able to decorate this room better.

4) I was happy and able to do absolutely everything!

5) Did you manage to find the keys?

Modal verbs are widely used in the English language, so if you want to speak English easily and fluently, bypass learning this modal...

From Masterweb

Modal verbs are widely used in the English language, so if you want to speak English easily and fluently, there is no way to avoid studying this topic. True, at first it may seem somewhat confusing. Many modal verbs have very similar meanings, so they are difficult to distinguish and very easy to confuse. To prevent this from happening, in this article we will study the features of using the modal verbs can, may, must and should.

Definition

First, let's figure out what modal verbs are. Firstly, they are not used independently. In a sentence, they are necessarily combined with a semantic verb, i.e. the modal verb itself cannot denote any specific actions, it can only indicate the possibility, probability, necessity of an action expressed by a semantic one. In addition, it expresses the speaker’s attitude towards any action.

Modal verbs may (might)

These verbs are often difficult to use. They can be either interchangeable or multifunctional. The first and most important meaning that both of these verbs express is probability and uncertainty. However, it is worth remembering that may will still express a greater degree of confidence than might.

With the help of modal verbs we can express any assumptions with a degree of uncertainty about their accuracy.

Example: He may be at the concert - He may be at the concert.

The verbs may/might can be used when talking about some plans and intentions.

Example: I may be going to the cinema - Maybe I’ll go to the cinema.

In interrogative sentences, the verbs may/might can mean a polite form of address.

Example: May I show you my painting? - Can I show you my paintings?

Although in everyday colloquial speech, the verbs may/might in this function are increasingly being replaced by the verb can.

The enable or disable function uses may.

Example: You may eat only one candy at a time - You can eat only one candy at a time.

May can also be used when expressing any wishes. It is worth giving preference to might if we are talking about polite advice.

Example: You might like to try this dish - You might want to try this dish.

Might is also used when talking about some very unlikely situation.

Must

In no case should the modal verbs may/might and must be confused, since must expresses necessity, obligation, obligation, i.e. it has a much stronger meaning.

Example: We must finish this work by autumn - We must finish this work before autumn.

Must can also express some conscious necessity, which is caused not by external circumstances, but by an internal understanding of one’s duty.

Example: We must take care of parents - We must take care of our parents.

You can also use must to express a prohibition or an order.

Can

Like the modal verbs may and must, can is also very often used in speech, so it is important to know the features of its use.

Can is used when you need to talk about the physical or mental ability to do something, i.e. this verb is used when they say that they can do something.

Examples: I can swim - I can swim.

I can run fast - I can run fast.

I can drive a car - I can drive a car.

This verb can also denote theoretical and general possibilities.

Example: She can do anything right now - She can do anything right now.

Can indicates the legal possibility of doing something.

In interrogative sentences, can can mean a request to do something or surprise. Also, this verb in some functions indicates prohibition, distrust or permission.

Example: She cannot be so young! - She can't be that young! (An example of a sentence expressing distrust).

Should

This modal verb most often acts as an advice or recommendation that does not have to be followed.

Should can be used when talking about moral duty.

Example: We should think about our environment more often - We should think about the surrounding nature more often.

This modal verb can express regret about something or even reproach for some action or inaction.

Example: You should solve this problem - You should solve this problem.

Temporal forms of modal verbs

Modal verbs are called insufficient verbs. They received this name because they do not have ordinary verb forms, including tense forms. But how then to construct sentences? The main semantic verb takes on the entire load.

Let's look at a few examples. The present tense is formed quite simply. You just need to follow the formula “modal verb + semantic infinitive”: I can swim.

Some modal verbs have the past tense form (can – could), but in the future tense, can is replaced by the construction will be able to.

For comparison, consider the modal verb must. It has only the present tense form. The formation of all other forms is taken over by the semantic verb. Let's look at examples.

He must send this letter - He must send this letter.

He had to send this letter - He had to send this letter.

He will have to send this letter - He will have to send this letter.

Interrogative and negative sentences

In interrogative sentences, the modal verb is placed either first, if it is a general question, or before the question word, if a special question is used.

Example: Can I see the boss? -Can I see the boss?

There is no question word here, so the modal verb comes first.

When can he go to the cinema? - When can he go to the cinema?

In this example there is a question word “when”, so the modal verb comes after it, i.e. in second place.

Negation and modal verbs

Negation of modal verbs is formed using the negative particle not.

Example: You should not watch this film - You should not watch this film.

However, not all so simple. Some modal verbs can merge with the particle not (cannot) or form a contraction (should not = shouldn’t). But some verbs cannot form a short form or merge with a particle, for example, may is such a verb. The negative form of this verb will look like may not.

Exercises

To test yourself, do exercises on the modal verbs may, might, can, must, should.

Fill in the gaps with suitable modal verbs and translate the sentences.

1. Take your umbrella. It... rain.

Take your umbrella. It can start raining.

This sentence expresses some assumption (it may rain). Therefore we can use may.

2. You ... finish your project as soon as possible.

You must finish your project as soon as possible.

Answer: must

This phrase can be heard, for example, from a boss. This is practically an order (a call to do your job, your duties). Therefore, you can use must.

3. I...swim very well! But unfortinately, I... play the guitar.

I can swim very well. But, unfortunately, I can't play the guitar.

Answer: can / cannot

We are talking about some skills here. That's why can is used.

4. Don't wait for us. We... be late.

Don't wait for us. We might be late.

Answer: might

An assumption made with some uncertainty. You can use might.

5. You are so tired. You ... stay at home and have a rest.

You're so tired. You should stay home and rest.

Answer: Should

Polite advice that does not require mandatory and unconditional execution.

Modal verbs are used very often, so it is extremely important to pay enough attention to them and work out the features of their use in practice. You should definitely pay attention to the meaning of the sentence; it will tell you which verb will be appropriate in a given situation.

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Examples:

• He must be at home. - He must be at home.
• He must be sleeping. - He must be sleeping.
• He must have left. - He must have left.
• He must have been living in Paris for 3 years. “He must have been living in Paris for three years already.”
• The room must have been cleaned yesterday. “The room must have been cleaned yesterday.”
• I may go to the cinema on Sunday. – Maybe I’ll go to the cinema on Sunday.
• I might know this girl. “Perhaps I know this girl.”
• He may not have my address. “Perhaps he doesn’t have my address.”
• The shop may be closed on Sunday. – Perhaps the store is closed on Sundays.
• Can he be so silly? - Is he really that stupid?
• He can't have eaten the whole cake. - It can't be that he ate the whole pie.
• They couldn't have got your letter. “It’s impossible that they received your letter.”
• They could be waiting for us at the restaurant. “Perhaps they are waiting for us at the restaurant.”
• She hasn't phoned. There has to be a reason. - She didn’t call. She must have a reason for this.
• Jo should be in Mexico by now, shouldn’t she? “Joe should be in Mexico by now?”
• Henry shouldget here soon - he left home at six. - Henry should arrive soon - he left the house at six. (=expectations)
• It's six o'clock. Our guests should be arriving soon. — It’s already 6 o’clock. Guests should arrive soon.
• Why is there so much traffic? The rush hour should have finished at least an hour ago. - Why are there so many cars? Rush hour should have ended at least an hour ago. (="should have, but did not end"; compare with the translation of sentences with "must")
• I have an exam tomorrow. - I'm sure you will pass. “I have an exam tomorrow, I’m sure you’ll pass it.” (=assumption-forecast about the future)
• Don't phone now - they 'll be having lunch. - Do not call. They're probably having lunch. (assumption-forecast about the present)
• It’s no use phoning – he 'll have left by now. “There’s no point in calling, he must have already left.” (assumption-forecast about the past)

Please note that the verbs may/might + not do (be doing / have done) and can't / couldn't+ do (be doing / have done) have different meanings:

Let's compare:

It may not rain tomorrow. — Perhaps it won’t rain tomorrow.

It can't possibly rain tomorrow. - It can't rain tomorrow.

It may not be true. - Perhaps this is not true.

It can't be true. - This can't be true.

He may not have understood me. “Perhaps he didn’t understand me.”

He can't have understood me. “It’s impossible that he understands me.”

As you have already noticed, only the verbs may / might are used with a negative infinitive (not do / not be doing / not have done...). What to do if the sentence is negative, but we need to use another verb, for example, must or can. There are several strategies:

1) use the verb fail, and it will be in the required infinitive (simple, continuous, perfect...)

For example:

He must have failed to understand me. - He, there must be, me Not Understood.

2) use a verb with a negative prefix (mis, dis, un...)

For example:

He can'thave misunderstood me. — Can't be, so that he me Not Understood.

3) use negative words, for example, never, nothing, nobody...

For example:

He must know nothing. — It must be He doesn't know anything.

4) change the word to an antonym (i.e. a word with the opposite meaning)

For example:

He can't have declined the offer. — It's impossible that he wouldn't accept this is a proposal.

Verb must not used to make assumptions about the future. It is replaced by be likely to do(likely to be very likely to do something) or be unlikely to do(hardly to do something) in such sentences.

For example:

He is likely to pass his exam. — He must pass the exam.

He is unlikely to come. - He's unlikely to come.

Interesting use of the verb will(Future Continuous and Future Perfect) for assumptions about the present and past. Pay attention to the translation (not using the future tense, but the present and past).

For example:

There’s no point in visiting Sue now. It's Sunday afternoon. She 'll be playing golf. “There’s no point in going to Sue now.” On Sunday evening she plays in golf. (="always plays, so he must be playing now too")

Where's Mary? — She 'll have arrived at the supermarket by now and bought a few things for us. - Where is Masha? - She is already should have come to the supermarket and buy us products. (="she always goes to the supermarket at this time, and must be there now")

Please note that some modal verbs with perfect infinitives have different meanings:

• could have done / might have done- something could have happened, but it didn’t

For example:

That was a bad place to go skiing — you could have broken your leg. — This is not the best place for skiing. You could have broken your leg. (="could, but didn't break")

Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Somebody could have been hurt. - Why did you throw the bottle out of the window? Someone could have gotten hurt. (="could have, but was not hurt")

You were stupid to carry climbing up there. You might have killed yourself. “It was stupid to climb there.” You could have killed yourself. (="could have killed himself, but he didn't")

• might have done- will do something by a certain point in the future

For example:

By the end of this year I might have saved some money. — By the end of the semester, I may have saved some money. (similar to using the Future Perfect for actions in the future)

• should have done- didn’t do something, but should have done it (reproach)
• shouldn't have done- did something when you shouldn’t have done it (reproach)

For example:

You should have told me about it. Why didn't you? “You should have told me about this.” Why did he remain silent?

You shouldn't have told him about it. “You shouldn’t have told him about this.” (="said, but shouldn't")

Modal verbs of assumption in songs:

Roxette: It Must Have Been Love - It must have been love

Coldplay: Green Eyes (suggestion verbs could, should, must)

English is a very polite language. Just look at the fact that everyone addresses each other as “you”. When communicating, it is important to choose the correct forms because, although many forms have the same translation in Russian, in English they are perceived with varying degrees of politeness and formality. Expressing permission in English is a prime example of this.

There are several ways to express permission in English:

In this article we will talk about modal verbs. In colloquial speech we can ask permission, give permission or forbid. Let's look at what modal verbs express each of these functions and what are the features of their use.

Asking for permission: can, could, may, might

To ask permission in English we have a large selection of means: modal verbs can, may, could, might.

Might- the most formal option, the rest differ in the level of politeness. Could And may- more polite forms than can. Although questions with these verbs will be translated into Russian the same way ( Can I...? , May I...?), in English the choice of the correct form depending on the communication situation plays a big role. If you don't know the person very well, use may or might. If you want to politely ask a friend, then use could . Can I...? - a less formal and polite, but universal option.

Mum, can I go for a walk? - Mom, can I go for a walk?
Jane, could I take a look at your report? - Jane, can I take a look at your report?
Excuse me, may I use your pen? - Excuse me, can I use your pen?
Might I ask you a question, Mister Jones? - Can I ask you a question, Mr. Jones?

Please note that questions like these are not usually answered simply. "yes" or "no", since these are not just general questions, they convey a specific modal function. To answer briefly, they usually say "Sure", "Of course", "Certainly", "Why not?" or "I"m afraid not" .

Since we're talking about asking for permission, let's take a break from modal verbs for a moment and look at a few more expressions:

Is it OK if I ...?- Can I...? ()

Is it all right if I...?- Can I...?/ Is it okay if I...?

Do you mind if I...?- Do you mind if I...?

If you need to ask a polite question, use would to build it. Do not forget that after would should verb in the second form (V2):

Would you mind if I V2…? - Do you mind if I...?
Would it be OK/all right if I V2…? - Do you mind if I...?

Giving permission: can, may.

In order to give permission, not used modal verbs could and might. They can only be found in questions, but it is permissible to answer, that is, give permission only with the help modal verbs can and may. They are very easy to use, since they do not change in gender and number and are translated as "Can":

You may smoke in this room. - You can smoke in this room.
Now when you have finished doing your hometask you can go for a walk. - Now that you have finished doing your homework, you can go for a walk.

The main difference between can And may- what can is used primarily in informal communication, and may - more formal and polite option:

You can borrow my pencil if yours is broken. - You can take my pencil if yours is broken.
You may ask the questions at the end of my presentation. - You can ask your questions at the end of my presentation.

Refusing permission: can"t, may not, mustn"t

To refuse, withhold permission, or prohibit something, there are three options: can't, may not And mustn"t . Could not used in this function.

The most “strong” refusal is when they do not just refuse, but rather prohibit:

You musn"t eat ice-cream, you have sore throat. - You can’t eat ice cream, you have a sore throat.
Students mustn"t cheat at the exam. - Students are prohibited from cheating on the exam.

And, of course, can , which is used in everyday communication in most situations:

Could I pay in cash? - I"m sorry, but you can"t pay in cash.
- Can I pay in cash? - Unfortunately, you cannot pay in cash.

Can I drive? - You can't, I'll drive myself.
- Can I drive the car? - No, you can’t, I’ll drive myself.

When talking about permission, verbs are also used. We will talk about their use in the next article.