When do we use the word could and would

Modal verb CAN (COULD): rules of use and example sentences

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The modal verb can (I can) and its form could (could) is the most common modal verb in English. We use it to show that we can, are able, capable of doing something. In this article, we will get acquainted with all the features of the modal verb can (could).

The first thing to remember is that there must be another verb after can or could. After all, can by itself does not report an action, but only shows our attitude towards it: «I can do some action.» And after that, «can I» must be added «can I do what?»: Can dance (I can dance), can sing (I can sing), etc.

And the second thing to remember is that after can we don’t put to: can speak English. We are used to the fact that two verbs in English should be related to: decide to drink coffee (decide to drink coffee) or offer to go for a walk (offer to go for a walk). But the modal can works without the to.

We noted that this modal verb has two forms: can and could. We use these forms with any subject, both singular and plural.

My friend can speak Japanese. — My friend can speak Japanese.

My friends can dance salsa. — My friends can dance salsa.

What is the difference between can and could? Can is used when someone is able to do something at the present time, and could — when someone knew how to do something in the past, now, most likely, they no longer know how.

He can swim. — He knows how to swim.

He Could swim. — He was able to swim.

How to build a sentence with can (could)

In the table, we will clearly show how to use can in different types of sentences.

Assertion Subject Can / could Action Example Denial

IYouHeSheItWeThey	cancould	verb	I can help you. — I can help you. They could ride a bike. “They knew how to ride a bike.
IYouHeSheItWeThey	cannot (can’t) could not (couldn’t)	verb	I cannot help you. They could not ride a bike. “They didn’t know how to ride a bike.

And in the question, as expected, the word order will be slightly different.

Question Can / could Subject Action Example

Can Sould	Iyouhesheitwethey	verb	Can I help you? «Can I help you? Could they ride a bike?» — Did they know how to ride a bike?

Let’s take a look at a few of the uses of can:

• Can (could) is always between subject and predicate.
• To ask questions, we’ll just move can and could to the first place, nothing else needs to be added.
• In negation, the particle not joins can (could) to form cannot (could not). In colloquial speech, we usually abbreviate to can’t (couldn’t). By the way, cannot is the only modal that merges with the not particle when written. Do you know how to pronounce can’t: / kɑːnt / or / kænt / correctly? There is a British pronunciation — / kɑːnt /. And teacher Ronnie will teach you the American pronunciation in his video.

What does the modal verb can (could) mean?

The easiest way to understand the meaning of can (could) is with examples. We express with can:

1. The mental or physical ability to do something.

   In this case, can (could) is usually translated as «to be able», «to be able».

   I can’t speak to you now but I can call you in the evening. — I can’t talk to you now, but I can call you tonight.

   He could speak French. — He could speak French.

   Can you drive a car? — Can you drive a car?

2. Generally accepted statements

We use can when we want to show that a statement is correct in most cases. Here we translate can as «to be able».

The vacuum can frighten your cat. — The vacuum cleaner can scare your cat. (as a rule, cats are afraid of vacuum cleaners, but not all)

In New York it can be difficult to rent an apartment. — It can be difficult to rent an apartment in New York.

Flowers can grow faster if they get a lot of sunshine. — Flowers can grow faster if they receive a lot of sunlight.

It should be noted that we are not using the form could to express this value.

3. Permission, request, prohibition.

   There are several patterns here: a request is usually conveyed through a question, permission through an assertion, and a prohibition through denial. If we see a request or permission in a sentence, then we translate can with the verb «to be able», while the prohibition is most often translated by the word «no».

   — Can I take your car for the weekend? — Can I take your car for the weekend? (request)
   — Yes, you can. — Yes you can. (permission)
   — But you can’t exceed the speed limit. — But you can’t exceed the speed. (ban)

   We can express a request using can and could. Both options are often used in speech, only such requests differ in the degree of politeness. Let’s take a look at some examples:

   Can you tell me where the nearest bus station is? — Can you tell me where the nearest bus stop is? (such treatment is more typical if you communicate with a person of your same age)

   Could you tell me where the nearest bus stop is? — Could you tell me where the nearest bus stop is? (this is a more polite question, more often the British will use this option in order to be as polite and courteous as possible in a conversation)

   With the help of can we can not only ask permission, but also propose something ourselves. For this we use a question form.

   Can I offer you a cup of tea? — May I offer you a cup of tea?

   Can I help you choose a dress for the party? — Can I help you choose a dress for the party?

   Watch an interesting video from teacher Alex, in which he added the verb may to the already known can and could.

4. Surprise, doubt, distrust.

   This function also has its own patterns: doubt and distrust are usually found in negative sentences, and surprise — in interrogative ones. The verb can (could) is translated in such cases by the words “really”, “it can’t be”, “hardly”, “it’s hard to believe”, “maybe”, “probably”.

   Can these shoes cost so much money? — Do these shoes really cost that much? (astonishment)

   He can’t work all day round. — It can’t be that he works around the clock. (mistrust)

   You know that could is the past tense form can. But if we want to express doubt in the past, then we use the form can’t have.

   He can’t have fallen asleep at the meeting. — It cannot be that he fell asleep during the meeting.

   They can’t have missed the last bus. “I can’t believe they missed the last bus.

   If someone violated the prohibition or did not follow the advice, then you can reproach him for this, using the same verb can. There is, however, one peculiarity: such proposals are constructed in the form of a negative question.

   Can’t you just stop telling silly jokes to the guests? — Can you just stop telling stupid jokes to the guests?

   Can’t you get along with her friends? — Can’t you communicate normally with her friends?

Expressions with the verb can (could)

Can (could) occurs in some well-established expressions. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Сan’t (couldn’t) but do something — there was nothing left but how.

   I couldn’t but agree with him. — I had no choice but to agree with him.
2. Couldn’t help doing something — could not resist to; could not help but.

   I couldn’t help laughing. — I could not help laughing.

3. Сan’t stand something / somebody — I hate something / somebody.

   I can’t stand him. — I can’t stand him.

To make sure that the modal verb can (could) is well remembered by you, take the test and save our handy table.

↓ Download the table of usage of the modal verb can / could (* .pdf, 259 Kb)

Test

Using the modal verb can (could)

Source: https://engblog.ru/modal-verb-can

Modal verbs in English (Modal verbs)

Modal verbs — these are verbs that are not used on their own; they express the speaker’s attitude to any action or state.

The speaker can evaluate the action as possible, necessary, permitted, prohibited, ordered, etc.

Modal verbs are often used in English to express obligation, duty, need, permission, prohibition, opportunity, ability / inability, criticism, suggestion, or advice.

Modal verbs include can / could (to be able, to be able / could, could), may / might (may / could (used to express probability or resolution)), must / have to (must («categorical» verb) / must due to some circumstances), ought to (should, should) shall / should (for proposing joint action, offering a service, advice), will / would (intentions, desires, promises). Could, would, might Are the forms of verbs in past time.

No secrets to using modal verbs

1. Form of modal verbs other than have to, does not change.
2. Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without a particle to. BUT: have to do, ought to do.
3. Modal verbs are used before the subject in interrogative sentences. In negative, after them, a particle is used Note.
4. When a modal verb is followed by an infinitive of a semantic verb, it refers to an action in the present or in the future. — She shouldntwash her car more often. She should wash her car more often. When a modal verb is followed by a perfect infinitive, it refers to an action in the past: She should have washed her car before she left for her trip.

   She should have washed the car before driving.

Expression of obligation, duty, necessity

Must: expresses a duty / strict obligation to do something, indicates that an action is urgently needed.

If the pain persists he must see a doctor. If the pain persists, he will need to see a doctor.

Have to: expresses the need arising from the circumstances.

The vet says they have to give some medicine to their cat. The vet says they need to give their cat medication.

Had to Is the past tense of must and have to: I had to do this. I had to do it.

Should / ought to expresses commitment, recommendation: You should send him a card for his birthday. You should send him a birthday card.

Absence of necessity

Don’t have / don’t need to / needn’t: used when there is no need to do anything in the present or future.

You don’t have to buy extra bread. You don’t need to buy any more bread.

You don’t need to tell him about your problem. You don’t need to tell him about your problem.

Source: https://engfairy.com/modalnye-glagoly-v-anglijskom-yazyke-modal-verbs/

Modal verbs Can, Must, May — usage, examples, exercises

Modality is a very important grammatical category that determines the speaker’s attitude to action. We can trace the meaning of this by using the modal verbs may can must in sentences. You will see that these verbs perform the same function, but carry different meanings.

With this verb, the speaker communicates his own skill or ability to do something, and also expresses an opinion about the abilities of other people as an outside observer.

Jane can speak Chinese well. Jane can speak Chinese well.

In the past tense, the verb can takes the form could.

I could read comics when I was four years old. I could read comics when I was four years old.

Also, this form is used in polite questions:

Could you show me the way to the river, please? Could you show me the way to the river?

You can often find this word in the subjunctive mood.

If Jane were (was) rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons. If Jane was rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons.

In the future tense, the verb can is not used, but you can get out of the situation by using the construction to be able to:

I will be able to send you some candies. I will have the opportunity to send you some sweets.

Such a replacement can be carried out at all times, but there will be little semantic difference (to be able to do something).

Modal verb must

This is the strictest modal must verb, with the help of which the speaker indicates that an action must be performed without fail.

Shannon must get visa to visit her friends in Russia. To visit friends in Russia, Shannon needs a visa.

The modal verb must is used exclusively in the present tense, and therefore, in order to compose a sentence in the past and future tense, you need to find a replacement for it. The most commonly used modal verb (especially in American English) is have to.

Shannon will have to get visa. Shannon will need a visa.

Shannon had to get visa. Shannon needed a visa.

As a substitute for the verb must in all tenses, the expression to be obliged to can also be used:

If you choose a doctor’s career, you will be obliged to be loyal to the Hippocratic Oath. If you choose the profession of a doctor, you will have to keep the Hippocratic Oath.

Modal verb may

When a speaker announces the likelihood of an event or asks permission to do something, he uses the modal verb may:

It may rain on Thursday. Rain is possible on Thursday.

Mom, may I take another portion of ice cream? Mom, can I get another ice cream?

The verb may take the past tense form might:

Mom said that I might eat one more portion of ice cream. Mom said I could have another ice cream.

In modern English, might can also be used in the present tense. Moreover, using this verb, when someone talks about the likelihood of an event, he expresses a fairly large degree of uncertainty about it.

It might get a bit warmer tomorrow. Tomorrow may or may not be warmer.

Perfect Infinitive

All of the above verbs can be used with other types of infinitives, of which there are six in English. The most commonly used of these is the perfect infinitive. Pay attention to the peculiarities of the translation of such constructions.

John could have chosen a better suite. John could have chosen a better suit.

Mike must have repaired his bike. Mike must have repaired his motorcycle.

You might have helped your sister to do her homework. You could also help your sister do her homework.

May can must modal verb exercises

When performing exercises for these verbs, you must remember the following rules:

• In most cases, the modal verb is followed by an infinitive (except for short answers: Yes, I must.No, I couldn’t, etc.)
• All these verbs in interrogative sentences and in phrases with negation perform the function of auxiliary verbs: Must I get visa? I couldn’t play the violin.
• Replacing one modal verb with another radically changes the meaning of the statement.

To begin with, we suggest inserting suitable modal verbs into sentences with gaps:

You immediately stop, when the traffic light is red. You stop immediately when there is a red light at the traffic light.

The weather be dangerous for boating. The weather can be dangerous for boating.

Source: https://lim-english.com/pravila-anglijskogo-yazyka/modalnie-glagoli-can-must-may/

9 uses of the modal would

Would is a riddle verb. In some cases it is translated, in others it is not. Why and why would there be in sentences? What does it mean?

Would appears at all levels, several important grammatical constructions are built on it, but no textbook gives a complete description of this most important verb. Therefore, the knowledge of the verb would is fragmentary for many. I know that most learners use would in a purely automatic way — because they have memorized a rule or a particular grammatical formula. Used correctly, but not fully consciously.

Stop piecing together knowledge and guesses about the use and meanings of would, it’s time to get a complete picture and a solid understanding of what would is and when to use it in English.

In this article, I will tell you about nine caseswhere would is needed. Of course, in order to understand all of them, you already need to have a certain language background, but I’m sure you will be able to figure it out.

To begin with, a general characteristic. Like any modal verb, would is always used only with another (semantic) verb, which gives an additional «modality». The verb after would is used in the infinitive form without the to particle.

The second feature of the verb would as modal is that it does not need auxiliary verbs to form the interrogative and negative forms.

The abbreviated form would is’ d, and its negative form is wouldn’t.

About meanings: would is, first of all, the past form will. When we talk about the future in the past, we need not will, but would. In this case, would be translated into Russian as “will”, “will” and so on.

In addition, would has the function of a conditional mood, and can be translated as the particle «would» next to the verb. Would has a number of completely independent meanings, which we will also consider.

1. Requests and Offers

The first meaning we get to know at the Elementary level is requests and suggestions. Such addresses are called interpersonal uses — in polite communication, we sometimes add a particle «would» to make the sentence softer than just the future tense:

Would you some tea or coffee? — Would you like some tea or coffee?
I would to ask you a question. — I would like to ask you a question.

Would in these examples is a more polite version of want.

Would you mind sitting down for a moment? — Could you / would you mind to sit down for a minute?

Would you open the door, please? — Could you open the door, please?

A less «sophisticated» version of the last request would be «Can you open the door?» — can be perceived as a requirement close to the imperative mood.

2. Indirect Speech

At the Pre-Intermediate level, you covered the topic of «Indirect speech». And here you learned that will is replaced by would, which is logical, since would is the past form of will. And if the speaker said: «I will go to work tomorrow,» then in indirect speech will go will transform into would go. This is because the word said carries the entire utterance into the past, that is, we look at the future from the past. Will is only used when we look into the future from the present.

He said he would go to work the next day. — He said he would go to work the next day. She asked if I would join her. — She asked if I would join her.

I told my friends that I would travel to Italy in winter. — I told my friends that I would go to Italy in winter.

Note that when the verb changes to would, the future tense designators will also change. I have already written in detail about how to translate statements and questions from direct to indirect speech.

Source: https://enginform.com/article/9-sluchaev-ispolzovaniya-modalnogo-glagola-would

Modal verbs in English: rules of use

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

Modal English verbs

Modal Verbs is a separate part of the English language that works according to its own rules, which differ from regular and irregular verbs. In order not to confuse English modal verbs with anything, they should be memorized. Teachers introduce students to a table that tells about the rules of application, the role in the proposal.

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

Also, verbs are classified into main and auxiliary. The main ones perform an important lexical role, tell about a specific action. Easily and organically translated into Russian. Auxiliary complement them, are responsible for grammatical functions. They have no analogues in Russian.

All modal verbs in English can be compared with an auxiliary, have a complementary function, but more essential. According to the rules, modal verbs express the relation of the subject in the action laid down in the sentence or phrase.

Types of modal verbs

The main feature of modal verbs in English is the transfer of the attitude of the main character to what is happening. There are 5 modal verbs to learn by heart:

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

There are also additional verbs, which can also be classified as modal, but they partially possess their properties. These are the forms dare, ought to, need and others. Now about the formats in which modal verbs are used. Expression characteristics:

• confidence, statement
• request, offer
• advice, expression of opinion
• formal request
• commitment

Forms of modal verbs are actively used in living speech. Therefore, if you want to achieve a level of fluency in English, pay special attention to this topic.

Formation of verbs in different types of sentences

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

If we talk about the location of modal verbs in a sentence, there are a number of rules that must be followed in the construction of phrases. In an expression, statements modal verbs are used before the verb responsible for a specific action and after the main noun.

In case of negation, the particle not must be added to the verb (the exception is have to).

In the interrogative sentence, a change of position is required — the modal verb, contrary to the rules of arrangement in affirmative constructions, comes before the noun, replaces the auxiliary verb.

Rules for using modal verbs

In order to freely express your thought, emotionally color a speech structure, you should remember the most used modal verbs, which will help you correctly compose an affirmative, interrogative, motivating sentences, express a request or wish. Note: must, can, may, ought to, need, should, to be able to, have to, manage to.

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

1. The to particle is not used after modal verbs, except for the forms ought to, need to, have to.
2. Endings are not docked to modal verbs (the exception word is manage to).
3. The verb denoting action, in combination with the modal, takes the form of an infinitive.

examples:

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

Source: http://top100lingua.ru/blog/grammatika/modalnye-glagoly-v-anglijskom-jazyke-pravila-upotreblenija

Modal verb could in English

In English Could in combination with the infinitive of the main verb (without the particle to!), it is also used as a form of the subjunctive mood. In this case, when translating into Russian, the particle «would» is most often added to could: could, could, could.

I could help you. — I could help you.

The subjunctive mood indicates that the speaker views the action as possible, desirable, or intended. In other words, a subjunctive verb can express the possibility, assumption, doubt, desire, or unreality of an action. The subjunctive mood is usually translated into Russian by a combination of a verb in the past tense and the particle «would» — in the case of could — could, could.

Opportunity now or in the future

The modal verb could is used to express the possibility of taking an action in the present or in the future. In other words, with the help of could we can talk about possible actions that could happen now or in the future.

We Could still win — the game isn’t over yet. — We could still win — the game is not over yet.

Could in this sentence is used as a form of the subjunctive mood and expresses the possibility of performing the action “all is not lost yet, we can win, such a possibility exists”.

In this sentence, instead of could, you can also use the modal can:

We can still win — the game isn’t over yet. — We can still win — the game is not over yet.

But in this case, the sentence with can will sound more categorical, more confident. In turn, could is a less definite form than can. Could generally softens the entire statement and at the same time expresses less confidence in the possibility of an action.

Thus:

We can still win — the game isn’t over yet. — We can still win — the game is not over yet.
The offer sounds more categorical, we are more confident in the possibility of winning.

We Could still win — the game isn’t over yet. — We could still win — the game is not over yet.
The proposal sounds softer, while the use of could introduces a tinge of uncertainty — we do not rule out that there is an opportunity to win, but we are less sure about it. Hence the particle «would» in translation into Russian.

More examples:

I could do it now, if you. “I could do it now if you want.

What shall we do tomorrow? ~ Well, we could go to the cinema. — What are we going to do tomorrow? ~ Well, we could go to the movies.

When you go to Paris next month, you could stay

Source: https://myefe.ru/reference/verbs/modal-verbs/could

Modal Verbs in English (Modal Verbs)

Perhaps, in texts and speech, you have come across words more than once that did not express the persons who performed the actions, did not describe (fully) the action itself. You may have come across modal verbs in English. 

What is it? This is a small but very important group of special verbs that do not fill sentences with actions, but characterize existing ones. This article will examine in detail the features of the meaning and use of modal verbs in English.

Modal verbs in English

Missing:

• impersonal forms (infinitive, gerund, participle): in the text and speech it is impossible to use — «to can», «to may», «to must», etc .; also do not exist — «canning» and «canned», «musting» and «musted», etc .;
• future tense forms;
• in the present tense, the form of the third person singular ending in «- s«: He can_, she could_, it must_, etc.

water flow must_ be controlled. — The flow of water must be controlled.

He can_ find the exit gate. “He can find the exit gate.

The enterprise must become very profitable. — The enterprise should become very profitable.

To get to that village we should take a local flight. — To get to this village you need to take a local flight.

Can — Could

Translation: be able (to be able, to be able / able).

• can — used with all faces and numbers of the present tense;
• Could — used with all persons and numbers in the past tense.

Used to express:

Only an experienced fisherman can catch a chub. — Only an experienced fisherman can catch a chub.

Woodpeckers can make holes in trees and pull out insects. — Woodpeckers are ways of making holes in trees and pulling out insects.

Buddhist meditation can calm your body and mind. — Buddhist meditation can relax your body and calm your mind.

The pizza Could be decorated with slices of anchovy. — The pizza could be garnished with anchovy slices.

I Could hear my watch ticking in the silence. “In the silence, you could hear my clock ticking.

This type of show can‘t entertain both children and adults. — Such a performance is unlikely to be able to entertain both children and adults.

Dog she control her anger? — Can she contain her anger?

How Could you do such a thing? Only an utter fool could do it. — How could you do that? Only a complete fool could do that.

May — Might

Translation: be able (have permission); perhaps (may be).

By analogy with «can»:

• may — is used with all persons and numbers of the present tense;
• might — used with all persons and numbers of the past tense.

Used to express:

May I add some sour cream to the borscht? — Can I add a little sour cream to borscht?

May my sister dance in the club? — Can my sister dance in the club?

you may not watch this TV program. — Don’t you dare watch this program.

her brother may not play in the street. — Her brother is not allowed to play outside.

If you go to Japan, you may see Mountain Fuji. — If you go to Japan, you may (maybe) see Mount Fujiyama.

He says that he may

Source: https://englishboost.ru/modal-verbs/

Lesson 11. Modal Verbs can, must, should

Modal verbs are verbs denoting a physical or moral opportunity, necessity, obligation.

Simply put — your attitude to action:

• I can do it. I I can to do this.
• I must do it. I should to do this.
• I shouldnt do it. to me necessary to do this.

Need to remember features of modal verbs:

• No particle after modal verbs to
• Modal verbs independently form interrogative and negative forms
• Modal verbs can be used in the present tense when talking about the future.

Modal verb Can

Modal verb can expresses the ability or ability to perform an action.

Usually translated into Russian by words I can, I can.

• I can run fast.I I can run fast.
• She can play piano. knows how play the piano.

Modal verb Must

Modal verb must expresses a duty, the need to perform an action due to certain circumstances, as well as an order or advice.

Usually translated into Russian by words must owe.

• you must help me. you have help me.
• I must read this book. must read this book.

Modal verb Should

Modal verb shouldnt expresses the need, but not the obligation to take an action. Those. I need do something, but I don’t have to do it.

In Russian, it is usually translated by the word necessary.

• I shouldnt discuss it with you. necessary discuss it with you.
• I shouldnt read this book. necessary read this book.

Interrogative form

When constructing a question, the modal verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

• Dog will you help me?Can can you help me?
• Dog are you waiting for me?Can will you wait for me?

negative form

In a negative sentence to a modal verb the particle not is added.

• Visitors must not park here.Visitors should not park here. (Visitors must not park here)
• He can’t help me. can not help me.

Source: https://polyglotmobile.ru/polyglot-english-base/lesson11/

Modal verbs in English

Modal verbs in English, these are verbs that do not in themselves denote an action, a state, but reflect, as they say in textbooks, «the speaker’s attitude to action.»

What does it mean? Let’s take a verb can (to be able, to be able to do something) — by itself, it does not denote actions or states, like the verbs “fly”, “see”, “be frightened”. But in combination with another verb, it denotes that very attitude to action — in this case it is ability perform an action.

I can fix your TV in two minutes — I I can fix your TV in two minutes.

I can swim in cold water — I I can swim in cold water.

Modal verbs include:

• Dog (could) — to be able, to be able.
• Must — to be due.
• Should — should, be due (eg “you should”).
• May (might) — expresses that there is permission, (eg «I can»)

Note: This article discusses the most common modal verbs.

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Why is it important to know modal verbs?

Modal verbs are VERY common in spoken and written language. Especially verb can — it is included in the 10 most common verbs in the English language and almost no conversation can do without it.

In addition to the basic meanings, it is useful to know the basic nuances of using modal verbs. For example, in the phrase «You must help Bill» verb must expresses the obligation: «You must help Bill.» And in the sentence «You must be Bill» the same must has a completely different meaning: «You must be Bill.»

Features of modal verbs

Modal verbs are a special group of verbs (fortunately, very few in number), living according to their own separate rules. Here are their main features.

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

Correctly:

• I can buy you a candy — I I canbuy you candy.
• I must decline your offer — I shouldreject your suggestion.

Wrong:

• I can to buy you a candy.
• I must to decline your offer.

2. Modal verbs are not conjugated, no endings are added to them, including the ending -s in the third person singular.

Correctly:

• He can walk on a wire. — He knows how walk the tightrope.
• She must go. — She should go.

Wrong:

• He tires walk on a wire.
• She musts go

3. Modal verbs are not used in the future tense with the auxiliary verb will.

In most cases, modal verbs can refer to an action in the future, this becomes clear from the context.

• I can help you tomorrow. — I AM I can (I can) help you tomorrow.
• We must get back home by midnight. — We have return home by midnight.
• He may

Source: https://langformula.ru/english-grammar/modal-verbs/

LESSON 13 English

Abstract of the 13th lesson in PDF format can be viewed, printed and downloaded at this link

In colloquial speech, we not only discuss everyday situations, but also express our position, make guesses, predict the likelihood of any events occurring. In order to do this competently, it is necessary to study the characteristic features of modal verbs in English.

Modal verb Is a part of speech that has two main features:

• with their help NOT action is expressed;
• they NOT answer the question: «what to do?»

The purpose of modal verbs is to demonstrate attitude to the predicate verb.

Modal verbs in English can be called defective. This means that although these parts of speech are considered verbs, they do not have the same features that are inherent in ordinary verbs. Consider them main differences.

• Modal verbs do not change by faces, For example: I may, he may, they may, she may etc. Compare with regular verbs: I put, he puts, they put, she puts etc. The exception is modal verbs be to и have to.
• Almost all ordinary verbs can have impersonal forms: participles, infinitives or gerund (forms with the ending ‑Ing). Modal verbs no impersonal forms.
• Two ordinary verbs very rarely stand next to each other, most often after the verb there is an infinitive with a particle to. The infinitive without this particle is usually used after the modal verb.… The exception is modal verbs have to, be to, ought to.
• To form a negative or interrogative sentence, modal verbs most often no auxiliary verbs required.
• Modal verbs not used by themselves, and represent the complement of the predicate.

Basic modal verbs:

• can / could
• may / might
• must
• need
• be to
• have to
• ought to
• give
• shall
• will
• shouldnt
• would

Modal Verb Table

Below is a summary table that will allow you to quickly and easily memorize the main modal verbs in English.

Please note that not all modal verbs have past and future tense forms, however, there are some kind of equivalents that replace them in specific situations.

• Modal verb can has an equivalent — the construction be able (to)… It can be used in any tense, unlike the verb can (Could), which is used only in the present or past tense.
• Modal verb may in terms of permission to do something has the equivalent be allowed (to)… This construction can also be used in any tense, unlike the verb may (might), which is used only in the present or past tense.
• Modal verb must has an equivalent — combination to be obliged (to), which can be used instead of this verb in the past and future tenses. In the present tense, this construction is rarely used, while must we only use in the present.

Could
was / were able (to)

can
am / are / is able (to)

will be able (to)

Could

Could

will be able (to)

might
was / were allowed (to)

may
am / are / is allowed (to)

will be allowed (to)

was / were obliged (to)

must

will be required (to)

was / were (to)

am / are / is (to)

—

had (to)

have / has (to)

will have (to)

Negative and interrogative sentences

Almost all modal verbs in English are used without auxiliary ones in the case of constructing negative and interrogative sentences. To compose a question, the modal verb is placed before the subject, and to compose a negative sentence, a particle is added to the modal verb Note… In written and oral forms of colloquial speech, abbreviated forms are often used:

can not = can’t, must not = mustn’t, have not = haven’t, is not = is not etc.

Source: http://en1632.com/f/lesson32_13_synopsis.html

Conditional sentences — would, should, were. How not to get confused?

We continue to delve into conditional sentences. I believe, after reading the article Conditional sentences (Zero, First, Second, Third, Mixed), watching the video and completing without errors)) the tasks, you figured out the structure of conditional sentences and are ready for a new portion of English grammar. In today’s article
“Conditional sentences — would, should, were. How not to get confused? » I will comment on some of the features of conditional clauses that you need to know in order not to get confused.

1.and clauses

Conditional sentences consist of the main (from which we ask a question) and subordinate part (to which we ask a question).

Example 1: If you finish your work tonight, we will go for a walk. (If you finish work tonight, we’ll go for a walk.) — First Conditional, in which we will go for a walk — the main part, since from it we ask a question to the subordinate clause: will we go for a walk under what condition? Answer: If you finish your work tonight.

When Speaking / Writing, it is very important to understand in which part which thought in which time you want to express, because will and would are NOT used in clauses (for an exception, see example 6.

2. Condition — consequence or consequence — condition

Clause (if)expressing the condition and main part (will, would)expressing a consequence can change places in a sentence. BUT!! The times in these parts do not change.

Example 2: If you answered the phone, I would be grateful to you.

or

I would be grateful to you if you answered the phone.

(If you answered the call, I would be grateful to you. or I would be grateful if you answered the call.) — Second Conditional.

3. Punctuation in conditional sentences

Comma separates the subordinate clause and the main part, provided that the subordinate clause comes first, that is, before the main part.

Example 3. If I had received your e-mail, I would have replied immediately. BUT! I would have replied immediately if I had received the e-mail. (If I received your letter, I would answer you immediately.) — Third Conditional

I recommend not to neglect separating marks when making conditional sentences — on exams such as IELTS, BEC, TOEFL, the absence of commas is considered a mistake.

4. Will / would in the clause (very important!)

Often a stumbling block for students studying type 1 conditional (First Conditional) is the verb to be. As I said above (see paragraph 1. and the subordinate clause), will and would are NOT used in clauses).Therefore, no matter how you think it sounds better, (if I will — If I will be) — this is one of the typical mistakes students make in English.

Example 4. If I am at home in the afternoon, I will help you (to) cook dinner.

If I’m home this afternoon, I’ll help you prepare dinner.

But! Exception to rule!

If you want to politely express a REQUEST, then will / would can be used in the if part. In this case, the condition, as such, is lost, and the subordinate clause means «if you wouldn’t mind» (if you don’t mind)

Example 5. if you will fill in this form now, you can hand it in to reception. If you fill out this form now (be so kind if you don’t mind), you can leave it with the secretary. = If you wouldn’t mind filling in this form now, you can leave it with reception.

Example 6. if you would call us in 5 minutes, the teacher will explain the task to you. = If you wouldn’t mind calling us in 5 minutes, the teacher will explain the task to you. = If you‘d be so kind as to call us, the teacher will explain the task to you. If you would be so kind as to call us in 5 minutes, the teacher will explain the assignment to you.

5. Would — would, perfect — 3 conditional

The particle «would» is the word «would» (and vice versa). Seeing when writing or hearing sentences with «would» (or with a particle «would»), you understand that we are talking about unreal actions, that is, 2, 3 or Mixed Conditionals are possible.

Example 7. If you had stayed at home, it wouldn’t have happened. If would you stayed at home this would did not happen.

Source: http://blog.englishvoyage.com/conditional-sentences-would-should-were-kak-ne-zaputat-sya/

Using the modal verbs Can (Could) and May (Might), be able to

What is a modal verb ?!
Modal verbs in English differ from other verbs in that they are not used independently and do not indicate a specific action or
states, they reflect his modality, that is, the attitude of the speaker towards him. Together, the modal verb and the infinitive of the significant verb form a composite modal predicate.

I can swim. I can swim.

The speaker can assess the action as possible, necessary, permitted, requested, prohibited, ordered, unlikely, very likely, etc.

Can or May?

The use of the verbs can and may in modern English is often difficult. Once upon the strict rules of English grammar
can expressed physical or mental capacity,
may — permission and approval… It was considered wrong to use can in the resolution value.

Today, the rules of the language are not so definite. Already from the second half of the 19th century
can used in informal speech to express permission. V
formal and formal communication situations, the verb should be used may to request permission.

For example, in a conversation with a restaurant waiter, it will sound more profitable

May I have more salt, please?

As for prohibition / denial, then the use mayn’t extremely NOT recommended. This applies to all styles.

The use of may in such cases, although formal and permissible, sounds unnatural. Educated people would rather say
«Can’t I?», Not «Mayn’t I?» or «May I not?» And even according to the strict rules of English grammar, the question «Why mayn’t I go to the disco?» sounds
incorrect, one can say “not
in English».

CAN is used:

1. When expressing abilities or capabilities
do anything. (Indefinite Infinitive)

I can swim. You can play. / I can swim. You can play.

2. In the case of denial of opportunity or ability to do anything.

I cannot swim. He cannot see / I cannot swim. He cannot see.

3. When the possibility is denied that the action could
come true in reality. (Perfect Infinitive)

You cannot have done it. / It cannot be that you did it.

COULD is used:

1. When expression capabilities or abilities
taking any action in the past… (Indefinite Infinitive)

They could swim. / They couldn’t swim.

2. When expression denial of opportunity or ability
taking any action in the past.

She couldn’t swim. / She couldn’t swim.

3. When consumed indirect speechdepending from the verb in the past tense… (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)

I said that you couldn’t have done that. / I said you couldn’t do it.

4. In the main part of conditional sentences.

In conditional sentences of the second type and the third type (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive).

If he tried, he could do it. / If he tried, he could do it.

If he had tried, he could have done it. / If he tried, he could do it.

MAY is used:

1. To express permission for any action (Indefinite Infinitive)

You may go home now. / Now you can go home.

2. To express an assumption: related to the present and the future (Indefinite Infinitive) or to the past (Perfect Infinitive)

It may rain today. / It may rain today.

She may have returned to Moscow. / She may have returned to Moscow.

MIGHT is used:

1. When using indirect speech, depending on the verb in the past tense.

for expressing permission (Indefinite Infinitive) or expressing an assumption (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)

She said that he might take her cellphone. / She said he could take her phone.

He said that she might know their address. / He said that she might know their address.

2. In the main part of conditional sentences: in conditional sentences of the second (Indefinite Infinitive) and third type (Perfect Infinitive)

If you tried, you might get her phone number. / If you tried, you could get hold of this book.

If he had been here, he might have helped us. / If he was here, he could help us.

Use of turnover to BE ABLE TO

As you probably already noticed when considering the verb can, he has only two forms, these are — can and could, i.e. when expressed in the present or past tense. But how to betray the meaning of this modal verb in other tenses
forms? For this, it has a synonym expressed by the combination «To be able to»… This turnover, like the verb can, denotes ability, skill.

I can swim = I am able to swim — I can swim.

BUT it wouldn’t be that simple! When using this turnover, it is necessary
take into account the difference between the modal verb can and the expression itself
to be able to.

The fact is that if we use to be able to in the present or past tense as a direct replacement for can or could, then the very meaning of the whole sentence changes! In such a case, the combination shows that the person may or may not do something in a particular case under consideration, at a particular point in time. Let’s try to figure it out with an example, say, with the same swim verb. Let’s say I can swim. And this morning, going down the stairs, I twisted my leg, and therefore today, I cannot swim. But from the fact that I twisted my leg, my ability to swim, in general, did not go anywhere.

I can swim. But I’m not able to swim today. / I can swim. But today I am unable to swim.

What about other temporary forms? For example, how will we do something in the future.

I will be able to go to you tomorrow. / I can visit you tomorrow.

To give negation, the particle is used Note
by joining.

I am not able to I will not (won’t) be able to I was not (wasn’t) able to etc.

It must be remembered

— With all personal pronouns, the modal verb does not change.

I, WE, YOU, THEY, HE, SHE, IT — can (cannot / can’t), could (couldn’t) — the verb «abilities» (do, play, see, come ..)

— Between the modal verb and the verb «ability»
noTO!

Statement of a question

In an interrogative sentence, the first place is
1. An interrogative word, followed by 2. A modal verb, then 3. Acting person and finally 4. An action verb.

(1) When (2) can (3) you (4) get home? / When can you come home?

Will you be able to give me your book? — Can you give me your book? (As you can see, in the case of be able to, the question remains the same as with a regular verb.)

Source: https://engrammar.ru/grammar/upotreblenie-modalnyx-glagolov-can-could-i-may-might-be-able-to/

Using the to particle after modal verbs

I am glad to welcome you, friends! When you remember all the rules you have learned at school in English lessons, what you have heard dozens of times becomes clear in your memory:

«After modal verbs, the -to particle is not used, except for the following exceptions.»

After the word “exclusion,” the thread of memory is interrupted. I believe that a similar situation is observed among many school leavers, and in general, it will be useful for beginners to learn about this rule. Let’s put things right by putting in place the words that are exceptions and those that aren’t.

The to particle after the modal verb

The general rule is that a modal verb is always followed by an infinitive verb

It is well known that the grammatical feature of a verb in the infinitive is nothing more than the particle –to. A continuation of the above rule is a very important point that the verb is placed in the infinitive, but without the -to particle, indicating the infinitive.

When the to particle is not used

After the next series of modal verbs, the use of the infinitive indicator –to is not allowed:

Do not need an infinitive
Verb	Example	Transfer
Dog	My uncle can solve any mathematical equation.	My uncle can solve any mathematical equation.
May	You may go if you want.	You can go if you want.
Must	I must forget about my personal dis if I am a good doctor.	I must forget about my personal animosity if I am a good doctor.
Hall	Is it too warm here, shall we leave this place?	It’s very hot in here, maybe we’d better get out of here?
Should	We should send this letter.	We must send this letter.
Will	We will visit this church when we come back to Moscow.	We will go to this church when we come back to Moscow.
Would	He told her that you would invite her.	He told her that you would invite her.

Modal verbs that combine with the to particle

As mentioned, there are a few modal verbs that are exceptions when used in conjunction with –to.

Used from -to parts
Verb	Example	Transfer
Right to	You ought to say this thing to him.	You need to tell him that.
Have (got) to	You have to go with him, if you are free. He has got to be at work by 7:45 am.	You should go with him if you’re free. He should be at work at 7:45 AM.
Be to	The bus is to leave in 8 minutes.When are we to return?	The bus leaves in 8 minutes, when do we need to get back?

Using to with the verbs need and dare

In addition to the first and second groups of verbs, there are several modal verbs in English, which in some cases require the use of the -to particle after themselves, in some its use ceases to be necessary, these include:

-Need has not only one shape, but two — sufficient (or correct) and insufficient.

Insufficient form is used most often when specifying a one-time action. Observed only in negative and interrogative types of sentences in the present tense and used without -to to indicate the need for action

• Need we go now? — Do we really need to go now?

But the sufficient form –need is used to indicate repetitive actions in the meaning of «need», «required». Has the form of present and past tenses and can be used in all three types of sentences.

• Do you need to help them every day? — Do you need to help them every day?
• Do we need to go there every Sunday? — Should we go there every Sunday?

-Dare is a semi-modal verb due to the fact that it stands on the border between full-valued and modal

The modal –dare means “to have arrogance / courage”, has the forms of the present and the past, after which the infinitive is not used.

• How dare she tell him this thing? — How dare she say that to him?

The full-valued –dare has all the properties and characteristics of an ordinary verb, which is why it is followed by a verb in the infinitive with –to after it, as after an ordinary one.

• John dares to lie to him. — John dares to lie to him.
• He did not dare to lay a hand on her. “He dared not touch her.

Features of the modal verb used to

Another verb that should be mentioned in this article is -used to, always used with -to. Until now, its belonging to the category of modal words remains controversial, some linguists attribute it to the usual — full-valued. However, I am inclined to believe that its essence is closer to modal.

Its main difference from other modal words is that it has only one temporary form — the past.

• John used to be so serious when we knew him. “John was so serious when we knew him.

The auxiliary verb -do can be used to form negations and questions with -used to.

• I did not use to think of computer as a common thing when I was your age. “I didn’t treat the computer as a completely ordinary thing when I was your age.
• Did she use to visit them? — Did she visit them?

It is possible to construct these types of sentences without -do, which is another feature of this word.

• I used not to worry about my clothes when I was 10 years old. — I didn’t pay attention to my clothes when I was 10.
• Used you to play the piano? — Did you play the piano?

Hopefully you’ve figured out how to use –to after English modal verbs.

Good Luck!

Modal verbs in English

Source: https://englishfull.ru/grammatika/to-posle-modalnih-glagolov.html