When to use could or would in a sentence for each word - Word и Excel - помощь в работе с программами

We make use of the word ‘could’ to express ability or past possibility, whereas ‘would’ can be used to show willingness or when we imagine a situation.

…

Comparison Chart.

Basis for Comparison	Could	Would
Examples	Maybe she could meet Piya when she go to Amsterdam.	I would meet you, but I was little busy.

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29 oct. 2019

Also What are conditional and define it with examples?

The definition of a conditional is a grammar term that means a sentence structure that expresses a particular situation or circumstance and its consequences. An example of a conditional is a sentence telling someone that you will be mad at them if they are late.

Subsequently, Where we use could and would? Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

What is the difference between could and would? Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Could is the past tense of can. Would is the past tense of will.

Could in a sentence example?

Could sentence example. I had let so much gas out of my balloon that I could not rise again, and in a few minutes the earth closed over my head. The doctor thought I could not live. I could not help it.

What do you mean by conditional mean?

1 : subject to, implying, or dependent upon a condition a conditional promise. 2 : expressing, containing, or implying a supposition the conditional clause if he speaks. 3a : true only for certain values of the variables or symbols involved conditional equations.

What are the two types of conditional and explain each?

5 Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentence type	When to use
Type 1	A possible situation and the result
Type 2	A hypothetical condition and its possible result
Type 3	An impossible past situation and its result in the past
Mixed Conditionals	An impossible past situation and its result in the present

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26 août 2021

What are conditionals in English grammar?

What are conditionals in English grammar? Sometimes we call them ‘if clauses’. They describe the result of something that might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn’t (in the past) . They are made using different English verb tenses.

Would and could in a sentence?

“Would” to Show Certainty

While “could” shows ability or possibility, “would” shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. If you think about “would” being the past tense of “will,” then it completely makes sense. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes.

Where we use would?

We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future: I thought we would be late, so we would have to take the train.

Could or would you please?

But I would suppose that “would” is more polite, because it expresses the idea of probability, and of willingness, and of the desire that something be done, whereas “could” is more in the realm of ability (yes I can). And according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “would” is used to make a polite request.

Could you please vs Would you please?

But I would suppose that “would” is more polite, because it expresses the idea of probability, and of willingness, and of the desire that something be done, whereas “could” is more in the realm of ability (yes I can). And according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “would” is used to make a polite request.

When we can use would?

‘will’ and ‘would’

We use will:
would is the past tense form of will. …
We use will to express beliefs about the present or future:
We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future:
We use would as the past tense of will:
We use I will or We will to make promises and offers:

Could VS would in questions?

When making general polite suggestions or asking a question, both could and can are possible (“Excuse me, can/could you tell me what time it is?”). … Would can also be used to ask polite questions (“Would you mind if I had another cup of tea?”), or to wish for something (“I wish she would write a book.”).

When to use the word could in a sentence?

In the sentence “We could have as many as ten people come to dinner tonight,” could is used to say that it is possible that ten people will come to the speaker’s home for dinner (“I think that it is possible we will have as many as ten people for dinner tonight.”).

Could or can in a sentence?

The modal verbs can and could represent the ability of a person or thing in doing something. However, there is a difference in their usage, as ‘can‘ is used in present situation, whereas we can use ‘could’ for talking about a past ability. Both are followed by a base form of the verb.

When Could is used?

“Could” is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. “Could” is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of “can.” Examples: Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.

What means conditional statement?

Definition. A conditional statement is a statement that can be written in the form “If P then Q,” where P and Q are sentences. For this conditional statement, P is called the hypothesis and Q is called the conclusion. Intuitively, “If P then Q” means that Q must be true whenever P is true.

What is conditional mean and variance?

In probability theory and statistics, a conditional variance is the variance of a random variable given the value(s) of one or more other variables. Particularly in econometrics, the conditional variance is also known as the scedastic function or skedastic function.

What are the two types of conditionals?

Conditional

Conditional sentence type	Usage	If clause verb tense
Zero	General truths	Simple present
Type 1	A possible condition and its probable result	Simple present
Type 2	A hypothetical condition and its probable result	Simple past
Type 3	An unreal past condition and its probable result in the past	Past perfect

What are the two types of conditional clauses?

The 4 Types of Conditionals. Conditional sentences have two clauses: a condition (if…) and a result. The verb tenses used in each clause depends on whether the speaker thinks the result is probable (real) or only exists in the imagination (unreal).

What is a Type 2 conditional?

The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result. … In type 2 conditional sentences, the time is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.

What are the 3 types of conditional?

Conditional

Conditional sentence type	Usage	If clause verb tense
Zero	General truths	Simple present
Type 1	A possible condition and its probable result	Simple present
Type 2	A hypothetical condition and its probable result	Simple past
Type 3	An unreal past condition and its probable result in the past	Past perfect

What are the types of conditional statements?

Conditional Statements : if, else, switch

If statement.
If-Else statement.
Nested If-else statement.
If-Else If ladder.
Switch statement.

What are conditional statements?

Conditional Statements

Use if to specify a block of code to be executed, if a specified condition is true. Use else to specify a block of code to be executed, if the same condition is false. Use else if to specify a new condition to test, if the first condition is false.

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English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity.

Could and would are two such verbs. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners.

Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs.

What is the Difference Between Could and Would?

In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context.

Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time.

When to Use Could

What does could mean? Could is a verb with many senses.

Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past.

For example,

In high school, I could dunk a basketball.
In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds.

In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past.

In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can.

For example,

You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time.
Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. –The Washington Post

In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true.

For more on condition sentences, see here.

When to Use Would

What does would mean? Would is also a verb with many senses.

Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty.

In high school, I would do my homework on the bus.
While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently.

In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could.

Let’s take the first of these two examples,

In high school, I could do my homework on the bus.
In high school, I would do my homework on the bus.

As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesn’t mean that I did. I simply had the ability to do so.

Conversely, would is making a definite claim. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do.

Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions.

Here are some examples,

If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical.
I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars.
A mega-luxury deal that would merge Neiman Marcus with the company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue is in the works, sources told The Post. –New York Post

Again, these examples make definite claims. Let’s again look at the first example,

If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical.
If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical.

As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere cold—perhaps Colorado to go skiing.

But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. It will be somewhere tropical.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Could and would are related, but they mean different things. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent.

A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb.

Could is the past tense of can.
Would is the past tense of will.

If you are looking to make a statement of ability, think to yourself, “I can do that.”

If you are looking to make a statement of certainty or intent, think to yourself, “I will do that.”

This won’t always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time.

Summary

Is it could or would? Both could and would are verbs that have many senses.

Could is a conditional verb that expresses possibility.
Would is a conditional verb that expresses certainty, intent, or both.

Could is also the past tense of can. Would is the past tense of will. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember.

Contents

1 What is the Difference Between Could and Would?
2 When to Use Could
3 When to Use Would
4 Trick to Remember the Difference
5 Summary

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Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

Asked by: Misty Hilpert

Score: 4.6/5
(64 votes)

Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

Would VS could examples?

“Would” to Show Certainty

While “could” shows ability or possibility, “would” shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. If you think about “would” being the past tense of “will,” then it completely makes sense. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes.

What is the difference between could and would in a sentence?

Trick to Remember the Difference

Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Could is the past tense of can. Would is the past tense of will.

Can you or could you or would you?

‘Could You‘ imply that somebody has the ability to do something. ‘Could’ can also be termed as Can in the grammar but have a distinct meaning. ‘Could’ is used in case if someone is requesting to do something. ‘Would You’ is similar to ‘Could You’, but ‘Would You’ is an appropriate way of asking something to someone.

Where we use would or could?

Could, would, and should are all used to talk about possible events or situations, but each one tells us something different. Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

17 related questions found

What’s the difference between can you and could you?

To summarize, ‘can’ is the present tense version of the word and ‘could’ is the past tense version of the word. ‘Could’ is also used when a condition must be fulfilled in order for the thing to happen. … When asking someone to do something, either word can be used, but ‘could’ is considered to be more polite.

Could you please vs Would you please?

How do you use would in a sentence?

We often use would (or the contracted form ‘d) in the main clause of a conditional sentence when we talk about imagined situations: If we had left earlier, we would have been able to stop off for a coffee on the way. If we went to Chile, we’d have to go to Argentina as well. I’d love to see both.

When can we use could in a sentence?

«Could» is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. «Could» is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of «can.» Examples: Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.

Could uses and examples?

We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain:

They could come by car. (= Maybe they will come by car.) …
It can be very cold here in winter. …
That can’t be true. …
It’s ten o’clock. …
It could be very cold there in winter. …
They know the way here. …
She can speak several languages. …
I can see you.

Could a sentence have example?

Here are some more examples:

People could do so much more for their community.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
We could have left the party earlier.
The girl was crying because she couldn’t find her parents.
You could have stopped by the grocery store. We need some milk.
I couldn’t have done it without you.

Could VS would in questions?

When making general polite suggestions or asking a question, both could and can are possible («Excuse me, can/could you tell me what time it is?»). … Would can also be used to ask polite questions («Would you mind if I had another cup of tea?»), or to wish for something («I wish she would write a book.»).

When should we use would?

We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future: I thought we would be late, so we would have to take the train.

When would is used in grammar?

To express uncertainty, we should use “would”. For example, “I would say he is about forty”. By the way words such as, imagine, say and think go along with “would” to express these types of situations. If we are not sure about the distance between two places we should say: I think it would take forty minutes.

What verb tense uses would?

Technically, would is the past tense of will, but it is an auxiliary verb that has many uses, some of which even express the present tense.

Would you mind vs Could you please?

The meaning is the same in both sentences, but with ‘could’ the speaker sounds a little less sure of the answer and this makes the request sound more polite. … To be even more polite, you might say, Would you mind…? (‘Would’ sounds a little less sure than ‘do’): Would you mind if I turned the music down?

Is it polite to say could you please?

We also use ‘could‘ to ask permission; it is more polite or formal than ‘can’. Changing the word order to «could you please» is no more or less polite — it’s a matter of style. whether requests starting with «Please can/could you…» render the same degree of politeness as those that start with «Could you please…».

Could you please or could you kindly?

4 Answers. Both are polite, and no reasonable professor would take objection to either. If you wanted to sound a little more formal, you could say I should be most grateful if you would send me the document.

Is could you please rude?

-> They both are impolite. They both sound like a command/order.

Can you tell me or could you tell me?

2 Answers. “Could you” is more polite than “can you”. Regarding the rest of the wording, something about “tell me my next work” rings wrong to my ears. Probably, because you don’t “tell a work”.

What is the difference between can could and May?

Could is the past tense of can. So, it has a similar meaning to can. ‘May’ is used to denote a sense of possibility or a term of factual statement in a sentence. It is used to state that something is possible in the future or present.

When use could and might?

The difference between Could and Might is that could is used to say about something or some event or action that is possible or has a great possibility of happening, whereas ‘might’ is used when there are few possibilities of occurrence of an event. E.g. Shweta could visit us on Friday.

What you mean by would be?

: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be a would-be actor.

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Asked by: Dr. Lucas Hermiston Sr.

Score: 4.4/5
(68 votes)

Just remember that could is used to talk about something that can happen, would is used to talk about something that will happen in an imagined situation, and should is used to talk about something that ought to happen or must happen.

What is the difference between could and would?

Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Could is the past tense of can. Would is the past tense of will.

When should and would is used?

Use «should» to say that something is the right thing to do; use «would» to talk about a situation that is possible or imagined.

Which is correct would be or will be?

‘Will be’ is used in situations of certainty and possibility. ‘Would be’ is used in most imaginary situations. ‘Will be’ is used to describe actions that are still in practice, whereas ‘would be’ is used to talk about habits that once were regular but are no more in practice.

Would used for future?

We have this in the past tense, simple past tense and then, in that past tense thought, we have some idea about the future and we use Would to express that idea about the future. … So meaning, in the past, in the far past, I knew that this would happen. Um. So we can use Would to talk about future but in the past.

33 related questions found

Would and will in the same sentence?

For instance: I would propose her if I got a chance, but I know she will definitely reject. If absolutely necessary I will go to china, but I would prefer somebody from Head Office to manage it.

Will and would sentence examples?

Firstly, the word would is the past tense form of the word will.

Jack said he would finish the work the next day.
Ann said she would write us soon.
He hoped she would come.

Would in grammar use?

Using would as as a kind of past tense of will or going to is common in reported speech: She said that she would buy some eggs. («I will buy some eggs.») The candidate said that he wouldn’t increase taxes.

Could Can examples?

As the past form of can, could is used for general ability in the past and in reported speech. Examples: When she was younger, she could work for ten hours without stopping. He said he could get his wife to come to the football with us.

Could you VS would you?

‘Could You’ is considered to be an informal way of asking something, contrary, ‘Would You’ is a formal way of requesting someone to do something.

Should and shouldn’t sentences?

I have an English test tomorrow. I shouldn’t worry if I were you. I never have enough money. I don’t think you should go out so much.

When can we use could in a sentence?

Could vs might grammar?

The difference between Could and Might is that could is used to say about something or some event or action that is possible or has a great possibility of happening, whereas ‘might’ is used when there are few possibilities of occurrence of an event.

Could vs Can grammar?

‘Can’ is a modal verb, which is used with the main verb to express the ability of a person or thing in doing something. On the other extreme, ‘could’ is the past participle or second form of the verb, which is used with the main verb to talk about a past the ability of an individual in doing something.

Will offer examples?

To make promises, offers, requests and threats

Promises: “I’ll help you with your homework tomorrow.” Offers: “I’ll look after the children for you if you like.” Requests: “Will you tell Tony I called?”

When would is used in grammar?

Will and would expresses?

Will and won’t are used most often in English to talk about the future. However, they also have other functions, one of which is to express willingness and unwillingness. Likewise, would and wouldn’t are not only used for conditional sentences, but can also be used to express willingness when speaking about the past.

Would to talk about the future?

We often use verbs like would like, plan, want, mean, hope, expect to talk about the future: What are you going to do next year? I’d like to go to university. We plan to go to France for our holidays.

What are examples of future tense?

Future Tense Examples

I will give a speech in the program.
Robert will be going to the varsity.
Tom will have reached the place by now.
I will be singing modern songs in the program.
I will help you to do the project.
Alice will assist you in this case.
We will have reached home before you come.

Could you please vs Would you please?

Would we use usage in English?

Would have also forms the result clause of a past unreal conditional. For example: If I had known they were vegetarians, I would have made a salad. You can always reverse conditional sentences.

Would be happy or will be happy?

The difference between I would (be happy to)…. and I will (be happy to) is that ‘would’ can be used as an possibility, while ‘will’ is only a certaintly. As so often in English, you do not give a firm answer, but it is implied.

How use shall and will?

As a general rule, use ‘will’ for affirmative and negative sentences about the future. Use ‘will’ for requests too. If you want to make an offer or suggestion with I/we, use ‘shall’ in the question form. For very formal statements, especially to describe obligations, use ‘shall’.

Источник

The words could and would are modal auxiliary verbs, wherein both are the past tense form of the verbs can and will respectively. We make use of the word ‘could‘ to express ability or past possibility, whereas ‘would‘ can be used to show willingness or when we imagine a situation.

In the case of polite expressions, i.e. while making offers, requests, invitation, suggestion or permission, we often get confused, which one to use. So, let’s have a look at the examples given below to understand these two in detail:

Rahul said ‘he could sing bhajans when he was a kid, but now he would play them on mobile.”
Would you please be quiet so that I could sleep for an hour?

In the first sentence, could denotes ability, while in the second one it indicates the possibility. On the other hand, would talk about the future, but the outlook is past, in the first case. In the second situation, would is used to make a request.

Content: Could Vs Would

Comparison Chart
Definition
Key Differences
Examples
How to remember the difference

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Could	Would
Meaning	Could is mainly used to discuss possible actions or happenings, in the present or in future.	Would is used in sentences when we talk about situation which we only imagine or of things that happen frequently in the past.
Situation	Possible situation	Imaginary situation
Usage	It is used in making suggestion, request or seeking permission.	It is used in making request offer and seeking permission.
Examples	I could have gone to the parlour.	I would like to go America.
She could walk 50 miles in a day, when she was young.	Would you mind if I take your novel?
Maybe she could meet Piya when she go to Amsterdam.	I would meet you, but I was little busy.

Definition of Could

‘Could’ is used to express past possibility, i.e. something that is possible in the past situation. It can also be used in giving suggestions to someone or making polite requests. Now let’s take a look at its usage:

To indicate something which you are able or permitted to do:
- In my childhood, I could play basketball.
- You said we could go for lunch when I complete the assignment.
To make requests, i.e. asking someone to do something:
- Could you stay there for an hour, I am just on the way?
- Could you tell me the exact address, please?
- Could you please close the door?
To ask for permission:
- Could I have the bowl, please?
- Could I take your notebook?
To show the possibility:
- You could have joined us.
To give a suggestion:
- We could go by train instead of the bus.

Definition of Would

The word ‘would’ is used to talk about a future time, from the past viewpoint. It refers to something, which is just an imagination, i.e. a situation which is not real or unlikely to happen. It also indicates the willingness or inclination towards something. Let us now discuss its usage:

To state things that may happen in future, from the past standpoint:
- Prateeksha said she would go for a meeting on Monday.
- I was a bit excited to know what would be the result of the game show.
For making requests, i.e. asking someone to do something:
- Would you please give me some time to think over it?
To express intention, from the past standpoint:
- You said you would always help me.
- She promised, she would not let me go.
To ask for permission:
- Would you mind if I go and meet my friends tonight?
- Would it be Okay, if I am out of town for three days?
To make an offer or invitation:
- Would you like to come over our place tonight?
- I would like to have oranges.
To represent the possibility:
- She would not like to go to the party.
- I think Raman would come this week.
In conditional sentences:
- What would you do if you became a celebrity overnight?

The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below:

Could is the past tense form of the verb ‘can’ which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. On the other hand, would is the past of ‘will’ which indicates the intent or willingness of a person, in future, but from the past situation. It is also used when we are talking about an imaginary situation.
Could is used when the situation is possible in the past. On the other hand, would is used when the situation is unreal or unlikely to happen.
When it comes to polite expressions like requests, permission, we can use both could and would. However, when we are making a suggestion, we explicitly make use of the word could, and if we are making an offer or invitation we use would.

Examples

Could

I could go to the party.
She is so upset that she could travel for a week.
Right now the circumstances are favourable, but it could be out of our control.

Would

It would be great to travel the world, but I have no money.
I would call the Police if I had my cell phone.
When she was not in a mood to talk, she would go to the lake, to be alone.

How to remember the difference

When it comes to requests, we can use both could and would, but could is more formal and polite than would. While making polite requests, could is used with suggestions, as it indicates a possibility. On the contrary, would is used with offers or invites, because it is more usual.

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compare

This is a question that pops up a lot in English learning.
What is the deal with Would vs Could and also Should vs Might?.

When should you use which one? Which is more polite? What would a native speaker say?

Don’t worry!

The following is your one-stop guide to the proper usage for each word. You can refer back to any of this during your independent study or you can ask a question in the comments and I’ll do my best to clear things up.

Probability vs Possibility

Before explaining the terms, we need to look at what these words are trying to explain.

Would vs Could = PROBABILITY

Should vs Might = POSSIBILITY

The best way to understand the difference is with the following sentences:

I will probably see you later. (more definite)

I will possibly see you later. (less definite – more doubt as it is also possible that I will not see you later)

Try to say them to yourself a few times before reading more so that you hear the difference. Got it? Great!

Would vs Could

The most important thing to realise here is that these verbs are being used to show probability.

It’s easier when you look at the root verbs of these words:

Would – Will

Could – Can

Would is more affirmative than could, but it requires conditions to be met:

I would go to the supermarket if Dad hadn’t taken the car.

Whereas with could, the speaker is able to perform the task but has an excuse as to why they won’t:

I could go to the supermarket, but I don’t feel like it right now.

Would and could can also be used for purposes of being polite when used in questions.

Would to a native speaker, sounds a little more direct than could.

Applying the root verbs above, if you ask someone to do something by saying:

Would you _____ ?

You are implying that they are definitely able to do it and therefore should have done it already.

Could sounds a little more polite because you are saying:

Are you able to do _____

This implies that you don’t expect them to do it but it would be great if they can.

Take a look at these two contrasting examples:

Spoken sentence: Would you close the door, please?

Translation: I know you are able to close the door, do it.

Versus:

Spoken Sentence: Could you close the door, please?

Translation: If it is possible and if you want to, can you close the door please?

Realistically, a native speaker would not and should not get angry with you for using would rather than could, but this is one way to sound a bit more polite and less demanding.

Should vs Might

These two are very similar but are defining possibility which is slightly different from probability.

Let’s use the example of predicting the weather:

Spoken sentence: It should be raining now, but it’s actually sunny!

Translation: Rain was expected, but in fact it’s sunny.

In the example above, there was an 80 percent chance of rain.

Now compare that to the following:

Spoken sentence: It might rain later, but it also might be sunny.

Translation: Both events are possible.

In this instance, there is a 50 percent chance of rain, nobody is sure.

Obligation

Should and might can also be used to explain obligation.

For example:

Spoken sentence: I should go to the bank later.

Translation: I have an appointment and I have some money to deposit.

There is a sense of obligation here. You could also say: I need to go to the bank later.

In comparison to the following example:

Spoken sentence: I might go to the bank later.

Translation: I don’t have to, but it’s possible that I will go to the bank.

Here is another example for practice:

Spoken sentence: I should go to work, but I don’t want to.

Translation: It’s a good idea for me to go to work and I probably will even though I don’t feel like it.

Versus:

Spoken Sentence: I might go to work later.

Translation: I don’t have to go to work, but I could get some extra work done.

Yes, I know, this is a lot of information to digest!

The best way to completely understand the information is to practice by speaking to a native speaker so that it becomes natural. In any case, try saying it out loud and you will start to hear the difference between the examples.

I hope this helps and please feel free to ask any questions below!

_______________________________________

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CAN or MAY? The difference between CAN and MAY!
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Can vs Could vs Shall! – MyEnglishTeacher.eu

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“Modals verbs” are a class of verbs used to express ideas like intention, likelihood, ability, or to give advice. You can call them helper verbs. They always appear with a main verb. English has nine of them:

can
could
will
would
shall
should
may
might
must

You may also find modal verbs referred to as “auxiliary verbs”. Basically, this means “helper verb”. This is because they help the main verb by adding extra information about it to the sentence. The information it adds lets the listener know things like our intentions, the likelihood of an event, or if they are capable of or allowed to do something.

Check out the table below for more information:

Helper Verb	Meaning
can	ability to do something “I can play the piano.” permission to do something “You can sit down now.” asking permission “Can I drink the juice?”
could	ability to do something (past) “I could run fast when I was young.” permission to do something (past) “You said I could eat the ice cream.” potential to do something “It could snow.”
will	intention to do something “I will sleep now.” reported action (future) (informal) “I will eat dessert after dinner.” making a promise “I will be there.” explaining something as certain “The paper will burn.”
would	intention to do something (past) “I would have eaten the apple.” reported habitual action (past) “I would always play baseball after lunch.”
shall	asking permission (formal/polite) “Shall I take your coat?” reported action (future) (formal/polite) “I shall eat dessert after dinner.”
should	making suggestions “You should say sorry.” expressing intention “I should go to bed now.”
may	expressing intention “I may go to bed now.” giving permission “You may leave now.” making predictions “She may compete in the Olympics this year.” potential of an event “It may rain.”
might	expressing intention “I might go to bed now.” making suggestions or predictions “You might want to eat some salad.”
must	giving orders “You must stop talking.” expressing obligations “I must pay my debts.”

Modal verbs always appear to the left of the main verb. They also appear in front of any other helper verbs or adverbs that also appear in the sentence.

The student should write her essay soon.
The student may have written her essay two hours ago.
The student will have already written her essay by now.

How not to use modal verbs.

There are quite a few restrictions modal verbs have for proper use. Let’s look at some examples of ways you cannot use modal verbs:

You can’t use them alone.
- He may.
- They can.
  
  Note: You can say sentences like the ones above but only if they come after a sentence that has already used a main verb. Then the verb is implied in the modal sentence. You can’t only say a sentence like the ones above alone.
You can’t add verb endings.
- You shoulded.
- I maying.
You can’t make them into commands.
You can’t make them negative.

You might think that modals can be made negative due to sentences such as:

However, this is only true if the main verb is already understood. If the main verb is unknown when you say this, it will be incorrect because the listener does not know what the person might not or shall not do.

The underlying structure of the sentence above is actually something like this:

You can never use a modal verb alone. There must be a main verb stated, either implicitly (known without being said) or explicitly (said directly).

Extra Modal Phrases

You caught me!

These aren’t all the possible modal verbs in English. There are also a few more interesting modal phrases you can use in English.

ought to

This phrase is used to make suggestions or to declare your intentions. It is very similar to the modal verb “should”. You most often hear this in spoken English; it is often said during informal situations.

The suggestions you make with this phrase are subtle. It isn’t a very strong way to give advice or make a suggestion. You should use this phrase when you want to be delicate about giving someone some advice.

It isn’t advisable to use this phrase in formal academic writing, but you can use it to spice up your informal spoken English.

Here are some example sentences using the phrase “ought to”:

You ought to stop eating so much cake.
I ought to eat more vegetables.
He ought not return without some money.
You think I ought to start writing now?

However, unlike “should”, this phrase cannot appear at the front of a question.

had better

This is another informal modal phrase. Like “ought to”, you will most often hear this phrase spoken in informal situations. This phrase is similar to the modal verb “should” as well. It is used to make a suggestion in a stronger way than “should” or “ought to”.

You should be careful about using this as you can easily sound rude if you use it in a wrong situation. In my mind, this is most often used by parents when talking to their children.

Again, I would advise you against using this phrase in academic writing.

Here are some example sentences:

You had better eat your vegetables.
You had better go to bed early tonight.
You had better wash your hands.
You had better smarten up.

have to

Like the previous two phrases, this phrase is also (mostly) informal. Most of these extra modal phrases will help you expand your vocabulary for spoken English in informal situations.

This phrase is similar to the modal verb “must”. You use this phrase when you are giving orders or expressing obligations.

You should avoid using this in academic writing. Instead, you should use “must”.

Here are some example sentences:

I have to go to bed.
I have to pet my dog.
I have to make dinner.
I have to go to work.

got to

You have probably seen this phrase before. Most often, you see this written or said in its contracted form as “gotta”. This means the exact same thing as “have to”, but it is more informal.

Needless to say, this is an informal usage of English. You should not write this academically.

Here are some example sentences:

I got to (gotta) go to bed.
I got to (gotta) pet my dog.
I got to (gotta) make dinner.
I got to (gotta) go to work.

Dare

This isn’t commonly used anymore in casual English. You may sound strange or archaic if you say this while speaking. However, it isn’t rare to see it written in stories or hear it said in movies and TV shows.

“Dare” isn’t exactly the same as any single modal verb or phrase we have looked at previously. The meaning of it depends on how it is being used. For example, it can be similar to the modal verbs “will” or “shall” in the following sentences:

I dare to dream.
I dare not say.
Dare I even look?

However, the feelings of the sentences above aren’t exactly the same as if you used the words “will” or “shall”.

“Dare” gives the sentence the feelings of a conflicting desire. It’s usually used in situations where the speaker wants to do something but knows they shouldn’t.

It also makes the sentences sound a bit poetic. This isn’t really appropriate to write for academic texts and you likely want to avoid saying things like this to your friends or co-workers unless you’re making a joke.

Conclusion

That was everything you need to know about using modal verbs in English!

We even got to look at a few common modal phrases you can use to spice up your conversations, great deal huh?

I hope you learned something useful by reading this article. If you want to learn more about English grammar, check out my other articles on the topic.

Did you know I’m available for personalized 1 on 1 English conversation coaching? It’s true! You can read about it here.

Until next time, happy studying!

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‘Should’, ‘would’ and ‘could’ are auxiliary verbs that can sometimes get confusing. They are the past tense of ‘shall’, ‘will’ and ‘can’ but are also used in other situations.

‘Should’ can be used:

To express something that is probable
Examples:
“John should be here by 2:00 PM.”
“He should be bringing Jennifer with him.
To ask questions
Examples:
“Should we turn left at this street?”
“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work?”
To show obligation, give recommendation or even an opinion
Examples:
“You should stop eating fast food.”
“You should go for walks more often.”
“We should go to the park tomorrow.”
“He should go to the pharmacy first thing in the morning.”

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‘Would’ can be used:

To ask ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘why’ or ‘how’ (not always, but often)
Examples:
“How would you do that?”
“What would you do if…”
“When would we have time to do that?”
“Who would want to wait in that line?”
To make a polite request
Examples:
“Would you like any tea?”
“Would you like anything else?”
In hypothetical situations
Examples:
“If I had a lot of money I would like to own a farm one day.”
“I would love to buy a boat one day.”
To ask questions
Examples:
“Would you like fries or salad?”
“Would you like to join us tonight?”

‘Could’ can be used:

To suggest a possibility
Examples:
“Whose journal is this? It could be Nelly’s journal.”
“Could ‘A’ be the answer? It’s definitely not ‘B’ or ‘D.’”
To make a polite request
Examples:
“Could you please move this box?”
“Could you please pass that paper?”
Using the word ‘could’ to respond to the requests we made in the last example would suggest that you could do it, but you might not really want to. If you agree to the request, then you use the word ‘can’.
Examples:
“Could you please move this box?” “I could, but I am really busy right now.”
“Could you please pass that paper.” “Sure, I can.”

There you go, a few ways to use ‘should’, ‘would’ and ‘could’. Yes, that’s right, just a few ways! There are more, but we can discuss those another time, or you could try to look up the other uses and try them out yourself or with the support of the online English course EF English Live. Join us for free!

Similar article: Accept or except? The top 10 confusing English words you need to know

Wil

Wil is a writer, teacher, learning technologist and keen language learner. He’s taught English in classrooms and online for nearly 10 years, trained teachers in using classroom and web technology, and written e-learning materials for several major websites. He speaks four languages and is currently looking for another one to start learning.

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Conditional statements are statements are sentences that express cause and effect. Kate has written a very good overview of conditional statements for this blog. As Kate says, there are four types of conditionals: the zero, first, second, and third conditionals (click here for a special grammar lesson on the third conditional). I’ll give you a brief review of these four conditionals. Then we’ll look at three modal verbs that are common in conditional statements: “could,” “should,” and “would.”

The four conditionals deal with four different kinds of cause and effect. The zero conditional deals with real cause and effect, things that really do happen. (“When the temperature drops below 0 Centigrade, water freezes.”) The first conditional deals with predictions of future cause and effect. (“If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.”) Second conditional statements mention causes and effects that are possible in theory, but are unlikely. (“If I magically grew wings, I would be able to fly.” Since it is in theory possible that magic exists, this is possible. Just not very likely at all.) The third conditional deals with causes and effects that were possible in the past, but did not actually happen. (“If Christopher Columbus had not sailed to America, someone else eventually would have.”)

Now, let’s look at the way “could,” “should,” and “would” are used in conditionals:

Could: “Could” is used to express possibility. Something that could happen is not necessarily something that must happen. Could does not express desire or opinion. It is simply used to state one or more things that are possible (even if they are unlikely) or were possible in the past (even if they didn’t happen).

First conditional example: If it rains enough tomorrow, it could flood; we should be prepared in case that happens.

Second conditional example: If I had lunch with my favorite actress, I could ask for her autograph, or I could ask her to make a movie with me.

Third conditional example: If I had known you were going to the football game yesterday, I could have gone with you, because I had the day off from work.

Should: “Should” is used to express an opinion on the best course of action. When describing cause and effect, it is also used to suggest that one cause is very likely to happen in the future, or was very likely to happen in the past.

First conditional example: If it continues to rain this hard for another hour, it should start flooding. Start preparing for the flood right now.

Third conditional examples (suggestion; event that was likely in the past): If you were going to the football game yesterday, you should have invited me to go with you. You should have known I had the day off, because I emailed you to tell you I was free.

Would: “Would” is used to describe something that is unlikely or impossible, but definitely will happen if circumstances change in a specific way. In addition, it can describe a past event that didn’t happen, but only because the circumstances were not right.

Second conditional example: If you had lunch with your favorite actress, you would ask her for her autograph and you would ask her to make a movie with you. You wouldn’t feel like you needed to choose just one of those.

Third conditional example: If I had known you had the day off yesterday, I would have asked you to join me. I wanted you to join me, but I didn’t know you were free.

There are a few things you should note. “Could,” “should,” and “would” are not used in the zero conditional. This is because the zero conditional describes things that always happen. “Could,” “should” and “would” only deal with things that may or may not happen. Additionally, “should” is not generally used in the second conditional. The second conditional deals only with things that are unlikely. If a situation is unlikely, there is little reason to give someone advice on the best course of action. Finally, “would” cannot be used in the first conditional, which deals with predictions of likely and possible future events. In conditional statements, “would” only deals with the unlikely and the impossible.

“Could,” “should,” and “would” are also used in other kinds of sentences, not just conditionals. In future posts, I will look at other uses of these three words.

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.
David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles, his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru.
Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram, or connect with him via LinkedIn!

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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:

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?
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.

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.
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:

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.
Couldn’t help doing something — could not resist to; could not help but.
I couldn’t help laughing. — I could not help laughing.
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

Form of modal verbs other than have to, does not change.
Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without a particle to. BUT: have to do, ought to do.
Modal verbs are used before the subject in interrogative sentences. In negative, after them, a particle is used Note.
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:

The to particle is not used after modal verbs, except for the forms ought to, need to, have to.
Endings are not docked to modal verbs (the exception word is manage to).
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.

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

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.

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

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