How does the modal verb would translate? Features of using will (would). Order or command

will And would are used to express the speaker's will, intention and persistence. Verbs after will And would used without a particle to.

Will used to express present and future tenses, and would– past or to express politeness. As a rule, they are highlighted by intonation or translated by the verb “ want».

Past

The present

Future

Would Will / Would Will
You knew I would do it anyway.
You knew I wanted to do it anyway.
I like it and I will buy it!
I like it and I want to buy it!

Would you mind my sitting here?
Do you mind if I sit here?
Will
You don't like it but I will buy it.
You don't like it, but I intend to buy it (anyway).

Statement

Modal verbs in affirmative sentences will And would almost never used with a subject, expressed pronoun You(you you).

  • Intention
  • We like this place that is why we will stay here!– We like this place so we will stay here!
  • Ann didn’t have enough money but she would buy this dress anyway. Ann didn’t have enough money, but she still wanted to buy this dress.
  • Perseverance
  • You don’t want to hear but I will say it anyway.“You don’t want to hear it, but I’ll say it anyway.”
  • Matt asked not to sing loudly but Jack would do it.– Matt asked not to sing loudly, but Jack continued to do so.

Verb would used in design I would like..(I would like...), which expresses a desire or a polite request.

  • I would like a cup of coffee.– I would like a cup of coffee.
  • I would like to ask you for some help.-I would like to ask you for help.
  • I would like to know whether this shop is still open.– I would like to know if this store is still open.

Negation

In negative sentences with modal verbs will And would, as a rule, the first and third person are used. Particle not comes after will And would.

  • It is hard but we will not give up.“It’s difficult, but we don’t give up.”
  • You can try but she will not speak to you.– You can try, but she won’t (won’t want) to talk to you.
  • He begged me but I would not change my mind.“He begged me, but I didn’t change my mind.
  • Paul was wet enough but he would not change.“The floor was quite wet, but I didn’t want to change my clothes.”

With inanimate objects will not or wouldn't are used to show that these items are not doing their job or their intended purpose.

  • will not = won’t (abbreviation)
  • I want to enter but the door won’t open.– I want to go in, but the door won’t open.
  • would not = wouldn't
  • I was in a hurry but my car wouldn’t start up.“I was in a hurry, but my car didn’t want to start.”

Question

Modal verbs will And would with subject, expressed pronoun You, are used to create polite questions. Wherein would more polite than will, and is often used in the design would you like..?(would you like..? would you like to..?).

  • Will you have a cup of coffee?- Would you like a cup of coffee?
  • Would you pass me some bread please?- Could you please pass me some bread?
  • Would you like some wine?- Would you like some wine?
  • What Would you like to drink, madam?-What would you like to drink, madam?

Features of use

Verbs will And would combine the modal meaning (desire, intention) with the function of the auxiliary verb of the future ( will) and past tense ( would). However, modal verbs will And would Most often used with the first person, expressing the intention, desire of the speaker, or with the second person in polite questions.

Will not have

  • I would prefer to stay at home.– I would prefer to stay at home.
  • I would prefer not to say it.– I would rather not say this.
  • Would you prefer me to have lied?“Would you rather I lied?” (but at that moment I didn’t lie)
  • would prefer to = ‘d prefer to (abbreviation)
  • I 'd prefer my best friend to go abroad with me.– I would like my best friend to go abroad with me. ing me a cup of coffee? – Could you bring me a cup of coffee?
  • Would you mind Jack 's sitting here?– Do you mind if Jack sits here?

Design I wouldn't mind expresses agreement with something.

  • I wouldn't mind if you came with me.“I don’t mind if you come with me.”
  • I wouldn’t mind getting you a cup of coffee.“I don’t mind bringing you a cup of coffee.”
  • I wouldn't mind your telling them this story.“I don’t mind if you tell them this story.”
will And would are used to express the speaker's will, intention and persistence. Verbs after will And would used without a particle to.

Will used to express present and future tenses, and would– past or to express politeness. As a rule, they are highlighted by intonation or translated by the verb “ want».

Past

The present

Future

Would Will / Would Will
You knew I would do it anyway.
You knew I wanted to do it anyway.
I like it and I will buy it!
I like it and I want to buy it!

Would you mind my sitting here?
Do you mind if I sit here?
Will
You don't like it but I will buy it.
You don't like it, but I intend to buy it (anyway).

Statement

Modal verbs in affirmative sentences will And would almost never used with a subject, expressed pronoun You(you you).

  • Intention
  • We like this place that is why we will stay here!– We like this place so we will stay here!
  • Ann didn’t have enough money but she would buy this dress anyway. Ann didn’t have enough money, but she still wanted to buy this dress.
  • Perseverance
  • You don’t want to hear but I will say it anyway.“You don’t want to hear it, but I’ll say it anyway.”
  • Matt asked not to sing loudly but Jack would do it.– Matt asked not to sing loudly, but Jack continued to do so.

Verb would used in design I would like..(I would like...), which expresses a desire or a polite request.

  • I would like a cup of coffee.– I would like a cup of coffee.
  • I would like to ask you for some help.-I would like to ask you for help.
  • I would like to know whether this shop is still open.– I would like to know if this store is still open.

Negation

In negative sentences with modal verbs will And would, as a rule, the first and third person are used. Particle not comes after will And would.

  • It is hard but we will not give up.“It’s difficult, but we don’t give up.”
  • You can try but she will not speak to you.– You can try, but she won’t (won’t want) to talk to you.
  • He begged me but I would not change my mind.“He begged me, but I didn’t change my mind.
  • Paul was wet enough but he would not change.“The floor was quite wet, but I didn’t want to change my clothes.”

With inanimate objects will not or wouldn't are used to show that these items are not doing their job or their intended purpose.

  • will not = won’t (abbreviation)
  • I want to enter but the door won’t open.– I want to go in, but the door won’t open.
  • would not = wouldn't
  • I was in a hurry but my car wouldn’t start up.“I was in a hurry, but my car didn’t want to start.”

Question

Modal verbs will And would with subject, expressed pronoun You, are used to create polite questions. Wherein would more polite than will, and is often used in the design would you like..?(would you like..? would you like to..?).

  • Will you have a cup of coffee?- Would you like a cup of coffee?
  • Would you pass me some bread please?- Could you please pass me some bread?
  • Would you like some wine?- Would you like some wine?
  • What Would you like to drink, madam?-What would you like to drink, madam?

Features of use

Verbs will And would combine the modal meaning (desire, intention) with the function of the auxiliary verb of the future ( will) and past tense ( would). However, modal verbs will And would Most often used with the first person, expressing the intention, desire of the speaker, or with the second person in polite questions.

Will not have

  • I would prefer to stay at home.– I would prefer to stay at home.
  • I would prefer not to say it.– I would rather not say this.
  • Would you prefer me to have lied?“Would you rather I lied?” (but at that moment I didn’t lie)
  • would prefer to = ‘d prefer to (abbreviation)
  • I 'd prefer my best friend to go abroad with me.– I would like my best friend to go abroad with me. ing me a cup of coffee? – Could you bring me a cup of coffee?
  • Would you mind Jack 's sitting here?– Do you mind if Jack sits here?

Design I wouldn't mind expresses agreement with something.

  • I wouldn't mind if you came with me.“I don’t mind if you come with me.”
  • I wouldn’t mind getting you a cup of coffee.“I don’t mind bringing you a cup of coffee.”
  • I wouldn't mind your telling them this story.“I don’t mind if you tell them this story.”

We continue to delve into conditional sentences. I believe that after reading the article, watching the video and completing the tasks without errors)) you have figured out the structure of conditional sentences and are ready for a new portion of In today's article
“Conditional sentences - would, should, were. How not to get confused? I will comment on some features of conditional sentences that you need to know so as not to get confused.

1. Main and subordinate parts

Conditional sentences consist of main(from which we ask the question) and subordinate clause(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 will 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 part: 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 idea at what time you want to express, because will and would are NOT used in subordinate clauses (exception - see example 6.

2. Condition - consequence or consequence - condition

Subordinate 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 would answer the phone, I would be grateful. or I would be grateful if you would answer the phone.) - Second Conditional.

3. Punctuation in conditional sentences

Comma separates the subordinate and main parts, 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 had received your letter, I would have answered you immediately.) - Third Conditional

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

Often the stumbling block for students studying Type 1 conditional sentences (First Conditional) is the verb to be. As I said above (see point 1. Main and subordinate parts), will and would are NOT used in subordinate clauses). Therefore, no matter how much it seems to you that it sounds better, (If I will be) - this is one of the typical mistakes of students in the English language.

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

If I'm home in the afternoon, I'll help you prepare dinner.

But! Exception to the rule!

If you would like 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 (if you don't mind, please), 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 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 task to you.

5. Would - would, perfect - 3 conditional

The particle “would” is the word “would” (and vice versa). Having seen while writing or hearing sentences with “would” (or with the particle “would”) while listening, you understand that we are talking about unrealistic actions, that is, 2, 3 or Mixed Conditionals are possible.

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

And in order to accurately remember the structure of the past unreal action (3 Conditional), make an association with the perfects (if + past perfect, would + present perfect).

Example 8. If the performance hadn't finished on time, we would have missed the bus. If the show hadn't ended on time, we would have missed the bus.

6. WERE for all persons

The verb to be is used in the form were with all singular persons. and many more numbers. (However, in colloquial speech (not in formal situations) was is also used.)

Example 9. If he were here, he would understand me.

If he were here, he would understand me.

Example 10. If you come on time, don’t call me. If you come on time, don't call me.

Example 11. Don’t wake me up if you get home late, will you? Don't wake me up if you come home late, okay? (!!! Pay attention to the translation of the word “good?”)

Example 12. Shall we go out if the weather is good? Shall we go for a walk if the weather is good?

8. Should in conditional sentences

1. In order to emphasize formality, omit IF and put SHOULD or WERE.

Example 13. Should you have any further questions, please contact me. Please contact us if you have any questions.

2. And to show low probability of assumption(the condition is unlikely to happen), in addition to should they also use were:

Example 14. If the refrigerator should break down, you would repair it at your expense. If the refrigerator were to break (which is unlikely), you would have to repair it at your own expense.

Example 15. If I were to talk to her tomorrow, she would forgive me for forgetting her birthday. If I spoke to her tomorrow (which is unlikely), she would forgive me for forgetting her birthday.

9. Modal verbs in conditional sentences

In both parts of conditional sentences, you can use modal verbs, especially can, could, may, should.

Example 16. I could speak English better if I tried. I could speak English better if I tried.

Example 17. If you had called all your friends in, I might have come. If you invited all your friends, maybe I would come.

10. Questions in conditional sentences

If it is difficult to immediately translate a question containing a condition, make a statement out of it, translate it by defining , and then form a question, guided by tips, for example, from the article. Practice:

  1. Would you mind if I used your computer to send a letter?
  2. What would you do if you were me?
  3. What will you do if there is a fire in the building?
  4. What would happen if you lost your certificate?
  5. What will you do if he doesn't call?

The English language is very multifaceted. Of course, it is not as rich and intricate as the Russian one, however, it also has its own complexities and questions that require answers. The difference between will and would - what is it?

Introduction

To understand what the words will and would actually mean in English, what they are eaten with and how to use them correctly, you need to go from the very beginning and understand this topic gradually and slowly.

First, we need to start with the fact that would is a form of the verb will, but in the past tense. Accordingly, in order to understand the difference between will/would, we must first understand what the auxiliary verb “will” is.

What is "will"?

Will hides two meanings and two meanings.

  1. Will is literally translated from English as “will”, that is, in this version it is an independent part of speech. Example:
  • This was this last will, and you should take it into consideration. (This was his last wish and you should take this into account.)

2. Will is also used in much more cases as an auxiliary part of speech to form the future tense. Example:

  • I will accomplish all my homework, but first - coffee. (I'll do all my homework, but first, coffee.)

When do we use "will"?

There are several cases where we use will:

  1. When we talk about an action that will happen in the future. In this case, will is used together with the infinitive.
  • A sudden decision: Someone is knocking the door. I"ll open. - Someone is knocking on the door. I’ll open it.
  • Sentence: Maybe I will join you? - Maybe I'll join you?
  • Request: Will you help me please? - Won't you help me?
  • Order: You will answer all my questions immediately. - YOU will answer all my questions now.
  • Promise: I promise, I will do with you wherever you want. - I promise that I will go with you wherever you want.

2. Using will we denote a habit in the present tense: I will from time to time go for a walk to the park and spend there more than two hours. - From time to time I go for a walk in the park and spend more than two hours there.

3. Persistence, perseverance, resistance - He won't tell me the story! - He won't tell me the story!

I can"t come out! The door won"t open. - I can't go out! The door doesn't open.

4. In conditional sentences of the first type (The 1st conditional). - If you spend some time on learning these chapters, you will be able to retell them. - If you spend a little time memorizing these chapters, you will be able to recite them.

What is "would"?

Everything is simple here. Would is a form of will, but in the past tense.

When do we use "would"?

Usually we use would, If:

  • We make conditional sentences of the second type (The 2nd Conditional): If I had enough time, I "d drive you home. - If I had more time, I would take you home.
  • "The future is in the past": We really thought, that it"d be too complicated. - We really thought that it would be too complicated.
  • Perseverance, reluctance to act in the Past Simple: He "d not tell them the truth. - He did not tell them the truth.
  • Repeating actions, habits in the past (almost like the construction used to, would only with dynamic verbs): He would run the same business several years ago. - He had a similar business several years ago.

Main differences between will and would

The very first and most significant difference between will/would is the fact that:

1. Both will and would are auxiliary verbs that are used in different tenses: we use will in Future Indefinite. For example:

  • Tomorrow we will gather together with my friends and share some breaking news. (Tomorrow we will gather with friends and share some news.)
  • I am not going to visit my grandmother today, I will go to her in two days after passing all exams. (I'm not going to visit my grandmother today, I'll go to her two days after I've passed all my exams.)
  • Look! This is a tiger! My mother and I will go to the zoo tomorrow and I will be able to see more wild animals. (Look, it's a tiger! Mom and I will go to the zoo tomorrow and I can see more wild animals.)

We use would when we speak in time Future Indefinite in the Past Tense (future indefinite in the past). For example:

  • Anastasia was woundering if I "d go to the party with her. (Anastasia wondered if I would go to the party with her.)
  • My teacher said that he"d be able to help us but for some pay. (My teacher said that he will help us but for some payment.)
  • Alex told me thay his sister would arrive in several days. (Alex told me that his sister would arrive in a few days.)

2. The next difference between will and would is the use of both in conditional sentences of different types. As mentioned earlier, we use will when the 1st Conditional is used:

  • If it won't be rainy, we will go with our dogs to the park. - If it weren't for rain, we would go with our dogs to the park.
  • If I "m invited, I will go to your birthday party. - If I were invited, I would go to her birthday party.
  • If you let me come in, I will explain you everything! - If you would let me in, I would explain everything to you.

3. We must not forget that would replaces will in indirect speech:

  • She wondered if I"d be in the library on Friday. - She asked if I would be in the library on Friday.
  • John said that he"d invite more friends, but his parents would probably not approve it. - John said that he would invite more friends, but his parents probably would not approve of it.
  • He answered that his best friend would come back in several days. - He replied that his best friend would return in a few days.

4. It is with the help of would that we express the particle “would” in sentences like “conditionals”. For example:

  • If I had not eaten so many cakes yesterday, I"d not have felt fat today. - If I had not eaten so many cakes yesterday, today I would not feel fat.
  • If I had known the date of your final exam, I"d have wished you good luck earlier. - If I knew the date of your final exam, I would have wished you good luck earlier.
  • If my father had not married for the second time, we"d have had much better relationships. - If my father had not married a second time, our relationship with him would have been much better.

5. If you don’t want to seem ignorant, then when expressing a request, use would instead of will, it will be much better heard. Example:

  • Would you rather choose another piece of cake? - Could you choose another piece of pie?
  • Would you come today to repair my piano? - Could you come over today to fix my piano?
  • It "s so cold here! Would you please close the window? - It’s so cold here! Can you please close the window?

A bit of confusion

Considering the difference will/would, we must pay attention to the fact that very often these words are confused with other parts of speech, sometimes, well, completely unrelated to the words - the subjects of our discussions today. One of these “victims” is the verb want. It happens that people do not understand the difference between will and want. How and why is a mystery of nature, but let's figure it out.

The want/will difference is easy to understand. Want is a verb of desire and aspiration, literally translated it means “to want.” In this sense, will, as you remember, also means “desire, desire,” but this is a noun part of speech. Want is a verb, will is a noun. All clear?

Another confusion arises when using could and would, which are modal verbs. The could/would difference isn't too complicated either. Could is the but form in the past tense. Literally translated as “to be able to, to be able to.” And would is actually a particle of “would” or a more polite version of the verb “want” (in this case it is used together with “like” - “would like” - I would like a bottle of water. - I would like a bottle of water.)

And the last question we need to understand is the had/would difference. In general, this is the difference between the expressions had better and would rather. The expression had better is used with advice, admonition and threat; it can have the translation “it would be better for us/me/you, etc.”:

  • You had better stop smoking. - You better quit smoking.

Would rather expresses preference, desire. It is also translated as “it would be better”, but at the same time expresses the result of some thoughts:

  • I would rather accomplish this task tomorrow. - I’d better complete this task tomorrow.

Conclusion

We really want to believe that there will be as little confusion as possible on your path to learning English. Study with pleasure, look for material, find out questions you don’t understand and remember: knowledge is power!

In addition to the main modal verbs, the following phrases can be used in the modal meaning:
to be able to, had better, used to.

What do modal verbs express?
Modal verbs, unlike all other verbs, do not denote an action or state, but express an attitude towards it, that is, the possibility, ability, necessity, desirability of performing an action, for example:
You may wait here. - You can wait here (permission)
You can wait here. - You can wait here. (existing opportunity)
You must wait here. - You must wait here (necessity)

Most modal verbs have more than one meaning, which makes it possible to represent the attitude to the action expressed by the semantic verb in all its diversity.

Grammatical features of modal verbs

Modal verbs are considered insufficient, or defective, since they do not have a number of grammatical forms (infinitive, forms with the ending - ing) and do not form complex verb forms. Modal verbs must, ought to, should, need have only one temporary form. Verbs can, may, to be to have the form of present and past tense (Present Simple, Past Simple): can- could; may - might; to be to - was to/were to. Modal verb to have to has the form of present, past and future tense (Present, Past, Future Simple): have to (has to), had to, shall/will have to. In missing tenses, modal verbs are replaced by modal phrases:
I can do the work on time. - I can complete the work on time.
I will be able to do the work on the time. - I can complete the work on time.

A modal verb cannot express an action; the semantic verb that follows it does it for it. Therefore, a modal verb is not used without a semantic verb. The modal verb and the infinitive of the semantic verb that follows it form a compound verbal predicate. The infinitive is usually used without the to particle(except for verbs ought to, to have to, to be to and revolutions to be able to, used to):
You can see him at the institute. - You can see him at the institute.
Not must leave for London tonight. - He must leave for London this evening.
She should be more careful about her health. - She should be more attentive to her health.
You ought to give up smoking. - You should quit smoking.

Modal verbs do not change for persons and numbers, therefore in the third person singular ( he, she, it ) V Present Simple they have no ending -s:
I can do it. - I can do it.
Not can do it. - He can do it.

Modal verbs form interrogative and negative forms without the help of auxiliary verbs do or did(except for the verb to have to):
Can did you read this text? - Can you read this text?
I cannot (can't) read this text. - I can't read this text.
Do you have to go home? - Should you go home?
We don't have to go home. - We don't have to go home.

Modal verbs can be used with the perfect infinitive of the semantic verb to express the past:
You should help her. - You have to help her
You should have helped her. - You should have helped her.

Modal verbs can be used without the infinitive of the semantic verb in dividing questions and in short answers to questions:
- You can tell me the truth, can"t you? - You can tell me the truth, right?
- Can you meet me? -Can you meet me?
- Yes, I can. - Yes I can.

CAN

Forms

Modal verb can has two temporary forms: can (Present Simple) - could (Past Simple).

In missing forms instead of a verb can modal phrase is used to be able to(in negative sentences to be not able to/to be unable to).

Meaning and usage
1. Ability

Verb can used in the present tense to express an ability (innate or acquired, physical or mental) determined by a person’s physical data, knowledge and skills:
She is only 3 but she can read rather well.- She is only three years old, but she can already read quite well.
I can type.- I can type (on a typewriter).

In relation to the past:

can form applies could or modal phrase to be able to/ to be unable to at the appropriate time:
He couldn't (was unable to) swim when he was a little boy.- He couldn't swim when he was little.
I have never been able to speak in public.- I could never speak in front of a large audience.

If an action in the past occurred as a result of certain specific conditions, especially due to luck, and did not become a consequence of abilities determined by the physical data, knowledge and skills of a person, then the form is used was able to/were able to or phrase managed to do something:
We missed the last train yesterday but we were able to get a taxi.- Last night we missed the last train, but we managed to catch a taxi.

In relation to the future:

can form applies will be able to:
At the end of the course you will be able to speak English fluently. - At the end of the course you will be able to speak English fluently.

Verb can used to express an ability that arises as a result of a combination of circumstances. In this sense it can be translated as “to be able to”:
Can you take those home? - You can take me home?
He can't come to that birthday party. - He can't come to my birthday.

Verb can used in the present tense in combination with verbs of physical perception ( to see, to hear, to feel, to taste, to smell) to describe the intense manifestation of the corresponding feeling at the moment of speech:
I can't see you.- I do not see you.
Can you hear that strange noise? - Do you hear this strange noise?

In relation to the past:

To convey this meaning in relation to the past instead can form applies could:
I listened carefully but couldn't hear anything.“I listened carefully, but didn’t hear anything.”

2. Opportunity
Verb can used to express the possibility of performing this or that action. He points to:

possibility of a general plan:
There's a lot of snow here. We can ski. - There is a lot of snow here. We can go skiing.
Friendship cannot stand always on one side. - Friendship should be mutual. (proverb)

The verb is also used in this meaning could, but he, unlike can, expresses a less likely action.

- an opportunity that occurs from time to time:
She can be very tough sometimes. - Sometimes she can behave very harshly.
It can be cold and windy here.- It can be cold and windy here.

In relation to the past

To convey the meaning of possibility in relation to the past instead can form applies could:
In his time such wound could be mor tat. “In his time, such a wound could have been fatal.”
I could go home on foot when I worked not far from here.- I could walk home when I worked not far from here

If the verb can, expressing possibility, is combined with the infinitive of the active voice, then it is translated into Russian by the word Can(you can, maybe and so on.):
I can do this work today. - I can do this work today.

If the verb can, expressing possibility, is combined with the infinitive of the passive voice, then it is translated into Russian by the word Can:
This work can be done today. - This work can be done today.

If the verb can in the negative form is combined with the infinitive of the passive voice, then it is translated by the word it is forbidden:
This work can't be done today. - This work cannot be done today.

Combination cannot but combined with the active infinitive is translated I can't not, I can't not:
I cannot but see the difference. - I I can't help but see the difference.

3. Request, permission or prohibition

• can used to make a request or ask permission to perform some action. It sounds less polite than a verb could, which is also used in this meaning:
Can you give it to me?-Can you give it to me?
Can I use your phone? - Can I use your phone?

Use of the negative form in interrogative sentences can"t makes the request more persistent:
Can't I go with you, please? - Shouldn't I go with you? Oh please!

In affirmative sentences, the verb can used to give permission to perform some action:
You can stay here if you like.-You can stay here if you want.

In relation to the past:

To convey this meaning in relation to the past instead can form applies could:
On Saturdays we could stay up late. - On Saturdays we were allowed to stay up late.

If permission for any action in the past was given and the action occurred, then instead of the form could the phrase is used was/were allowed:
Didn't have a visa so he was allowed to enter the country.- He had a visa, so he was allowed to enter the country.

In negative sentences the verb can used to refuse a request or prohibit performing any action:
- Can I borrow your pen?-Can I borrow your pen?
- No, you can't. I need it myself.- No you can not. I need it myself.
You can't smoke here.- You can't smoke here.

4. Strong doubt

In interrogative and negative sentences, the verb can can express strong doubt, surprise and disbelief regarding any action. Form could occurs in the same situations, but she expresses the necessary emotions a little weaker. Verb can in such cases it is translated into Russian as really, it can't be that, it's unlikely:
Can it be true?- Is that really true? Can't be a good father.- He can't be a good father.

In this meaning the verb can, as well as could, can be used:

with a simple infinitive if the action refers to the present tense:
Can (Could) she be your age? You look much younger.- Is she really the same age as you? You look much younger.
You can"t (couldn"t) be thirsty already. You"ve just had a glass of water. - It may not be that you were already thirsty. You just drank a glass of water.

with infinitive Continuous
Can (Could) they still be waiting for us?- Are they still waiting for us?
Can't (couldn't) still be working. He's 80 years old.- It's unlikely he's still working. He is already eighty years old.


I can"t (couldn"t) have told her that! - I couldn't tell her that!
Can't"t (couldn't) have left without saying good-bye. “He couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

with infinitive Perfect Continuous, if doubt is expressed regarding an action that is performed over a period of time:
He can't have been working since morning. He's written just a paragraph. - It can't be that he's been working since the morning. He only wrote one paragraph.

In indirect speech
In indirect speech the verb can is replaced by the form could:
Useful Expressions

Expressions can't help doing And couldn't help doing used to indicate an action that could not have been prevented:
They can't help doing it.- They can't help but do it.
I couldn't help laughing.- I couldn’t help laughing.

COULD

Forms

Modal verb could in its own modal meanings has one tense form.

Meaning and usage
1 Opportunity

Verb could, like a verb can, is used to express the possibility of a general plan, but unlike it indicates a less probable action:
- Where is Nick?- Where is Nick?
- Couldn't be in the attic. He could be still fixing his telescope. - It could be in the attic. He may still be repairing his telescope.

In this meaning, along with the verb could, the verbs are also used may And might. Unlike the verb could These verbs express an assumption with a slightly higher degree of probability, however, in speech this often does not matter:
Couldn't/could be driving the car himself. - Perhaps he drives the car himself.

2. Request

In interrogative sentences the verb could used to make a request or ask permission to perform some action. It sounds much more polite than a verb can, which is also used in the same meaning, and is more preferable in speech:
Could you lend me some money? -Can you lend me some money?
Could you give a hand with this bag?- Could you help me carry this bag?

Along with the form could a modal verb is also used to express a polite request would.

3 Strong doubt

In interrogative and negative sentences, the verb could can express strong doubt, surprise and disbelief regarding a particular action. In this meaning it is also used can, but he expresses these feelings more definitely and emotionally:
Couldn't have won the election. - He maybe he won the election.
Could she make such jam herself?- Does he really make this jam himself?

The attribution of an action to some time in such sentences is determined by the form of the infinitive.

4 Possibility if condition exists

Verb could expresses the possibility of action in the future (subject to any condition):
If the work is not done today, I could stay here for the night. - If the work isn't done today, I can stay here overnight. Could the flight be delayed by fog? - Could the flight be delayed due to fog?

5 Opportunity/ability in the past

Verb could can express a possibility that existed in the past. To do this, it is used in the form of the subjunctive mood (in combination with the perfect infinitive). This grammatical construction is used in the following cases:

- if some action could happen and we do not know whether this action happened or not:
Anybody could have taken my notes. I put them here. - Anyone could have taken my notes. I put them here.

- if the action could have happened, but did not happen:
I could have given him a lift but he didn’t ask for it. - I could have given him a lift, but he didn’t ask me.

- if an action could have happened, but did not happen, and we want to express reproach or dissatisfaction about it:
You could have told me about it before. - You could have told me about this earlier.

6 Offer

Verb could It is also used when we want to address someone with a proposal:
You could have supper with us.- You could have dinner with us.
Could I offer you some coffee? - Would you like to have some coffee?

However, proposals from could sound more uncertain than sentences with can:
We can phone him now.- We can call him now.
We could phone him now.- We could call him now.

MAY

Forms

Modal verb may has two forms: may (Present Simple) - might (Past Simple).

In modern English might, as the past tense form of a verb may, is used almost exclusively in indirect speech and in historical narratives of this type:
In Middle Ages peasants might have the right to graze cattle on common land.- In the Middle Ages, peasants could have the right to graze livestock on communal lands.

Meaning and usage
1 Resolution

Verb may used to ask or give permission to perform some action. Verb may sounds more formal and polite than a verb can/could, which is also used in this meaning:
You may take that car. - You can take my car.
May I borrow your umbrella?- Can I borrow your umbrella?

Permission to do something can be requested using the form might, but in this case this request will sound very polite and even hesitant:
Might I make a suggestion? - I couldn't Would I make a suggestion?

In relation to the past:

To convey this meaning in relation to the past instead of a verb may turnover applies to be allowed to followed by an infinitive:
You may stay here. - You can stay here.
I was allowed to stay here.- I was allowed to stay here.

2 Opportunity

Verb may might, however might indicates a less likely action:
It may rain tonight.- It might rain tonight.
She may not believe you.- She may not believe you.

In interrogative sentences the verb may Rarely used in this meaning:
When may we see you next?- When can we see you again?

The question is often framed as a sentence. Do you think...? or using turnover to be likely:
Do you think he may accept our offer?- Do you think he will accept our offer? Is it likely that the train will he late? - The train might be late? Are they likely to catch this train? - Can they get on this train?

3 Opportunity in the past

Verb may, as well as might, in combination with the perfect infinitive, can be used to express the possibility of action in the past. Both verbs can convey uncertainty about whether an action has occurred:
I may/might have been there.- Perhaps I have been there.

If it is known for sure that an action occurred or did not occur, then only the verb is used might+ perfect infinitive

4 Wish

Verb may can be used to express wishes in phrases of the following type:
May you live to be a hundred!- We wish you to live to be a hundred years old!
May there never be wars!- Let there never be wars!

In indirect speech

In indirect speech instead of may the form used might:

MIGHT

Forms
Verb might has only one temporary form.
Meaning and usage
1 Resolution

Verb might, as well as may, is used if we want to ask or give permission to perform some action. Unlike may, verb might sounds more polite, and sometimes indicates indecisiveness on the part of the speaker:
Might I open the window?- Will you allow me to open the window?
Might he see his father? - Could he see his father?^

2 Opportunity

Verb might used to express the possibility of action related to the present and future. The form is also used in the same meaning may, however, it indicates a more likely action:
Couldn't be waiting outside.- He might be waiting outside.
They might want to come with us.- They might want to come with us.
Do you think we might not be able to pay?- Do you think that he might not pay?

3. Opportunity in the past

Verb might, as well as may, in combination with the perfect infinitive, can be used to express the possibility of action in the past. Both verbs can convey uncertainty about whether an action has occurred:
The letter may/might have been sent to the wrong address. - The letter was sent to the wrong address.

If it is known for sure that the action occurred, then only the form is used might not+ perfect infinitive:
We might not have bought the tickets.- We might not buy tickets. (But we bought them.)
They might not have met.- They might not have met. (But they met.)

If it is known for sure that the action did not occur, then only the form is used might+ perfect infinitive:
We might have won the first prize. - We could win first prize. (But we didn't win it.)

4 Assumption, proposal, request

Verb might used to express an assumption, proposal or request with a hint of uncertainty:
Might not feel better if he drinks less beer.- Perhaps he will feel better if he drinks less beer.
It might be better for us to stay out of it.“Perhaps it’s better for us not to interfere with this.”

5 Reproach

Verb might used to express reproach or remark. Form might+ the simple infinitive refers to the present and future tense. Might+ the perfect infinitive expresses a reproach for an imperfect action in the past:
You might do it yourself. - You could do it yourself. (Action is still possible.)
You might have done it yourself. - You could do it yourself. (The action has not been completed and is no longer possible.)

Useful expressions:

Expression might as well used to indicate an action that is permissible in certain circumstances:
It's not far, so we might as well go on foot.- It’s not far here, we could easily walk there.

Expression might just as well used to indicate an action that would be better in certain circumstances:
The traffic is so slow that we might just as well walk.- Transport moves so slowly that we could just as easily walk.

MUST

Forms

Modal verb must form Present Simple.

Meaning and usage
1 Responsibility

Verb must used to express an obligation, duty, or the need to perform an action due to certain circumstances. This action can relate to the present and sometimes the future. In this meaning the verb must translated as must, must, must and so on.:
Don't have to get up earlier in the morning. - He must get up earlier in the morning.
They must wear uniform on duty. - Ha They need to wear uniforms while on duty.

In relation to the past:

To express should in the past tense instead must to have to V Past Simple ( had to ):
He had to stop smoking. - He had to quit smoking.
Girls had to wear dark dresses to school. - Girls had to wear dark dresses to school.

In relation to the future:

To express obligation in the future tense, a modal verb is used instead of must to have to V Future Simple ( will/shall have to ):
He"ll have to train very hard for these matches.- He will have to train a lot to prepare for these matches.
You will have to thank your grandfather for his wonderful present.- You will need to thank grandfather for his wonderful gift.

In this meaning must often used in written instructions, orders, rules, job orders and so on.:
Staff must be at their desks by 9.00. - Personnel must be at work by 9:00.
Doors must be lacked on the inside. - Doors must be locked from the inside.

In answers to the question containing must, used in an affirmative answer must, and in the negative - needn"t.
- Must I go there?- Do I need to go there?
- Yes, you must. - Yes, it is necessary.
- No, you needn't.- No, don't.

Besides the verb must the meaning of duty can be conveyed by modal verbs should And to have to. They often replace each other, but there are also differences between them.

Verb must used to express advice, recommendation or invitation:
You must see this film. It's superb. - You should watch this movie. He's excellent.
You must come and see us in summer. - You should come visit us in the summer.
You mustn't leave your suitcases here. This place is full of thieves. - You must not leave suitcases here. This place is full of thieves.

3 Ban

Verb must in a negative form expresses a prohibition on any action:
You mustn't park here.- You shouldn't park here.
Mustn't take more than two pills at once.- He should not take more than two tablets at a time.

In this meaning must often used in announcements, orders and rules:
Candidates must not ask more than five questions.- Candidates should not ask more than five questions.
Staff must not smoke when serving customers.- Staff should not smoke while serving customers.

4 Irritation

In interrogative sentences must may express irritation or dissatisfaction with some repetitive action:
Must you always interrupt me when I"m speaking? - Do you have to interrupt me when I speak?

5 Confident Guess

Verb must used to express an assumption with a high degree of probability. In such cases must translated as must be, probably, probably, in all likelihood. In this meaning must used:

with a simple infinitive if the action refers to the present:
You must be that son's friends.- You must be my son's friends.
Don't have to be really interested in this job. - He must be very interested in this work.

with infinitive Continuous, if the action refers to the moment of speech or the current period:
The pavement is wet. It must be raining.- The sidewalk became wet. It's probably raining.

with a perfect infinitive if the action refers to the past:
They must have learned the news from my mother.- In all likelihood, they learned the news from my mother.

with infinitive Perfect Continuous, if the action is performed over a period of time:
She must have been working at school for about twenty years. “She’s been working at the school for probably twenty years now.”

In the meaning of assumption, the verb must used only in affirmative sentences. To convey assumptions in negative sentences, other linguistic means are used:
They can't have recognized me then. - They hardly recognized me then.
I"m nearly sure they didn"t recognize me then. “I’m almost sure they didn’t recognize me then.”

In relation to the future:

To pass this value in relation to the future instead must words and phrases used: probably(probably), to be likely/to be unlikely, I don't think...:
He won't probably call me in the evening. - He'll probably call me in the evening.
It "s likely to snow tomorrow. - It will probably snow tomorrow.
She is unlikely to come to your party. - It's unlikely that she will come to your party.
I don't think he will win the bet. - It is unlikely that he will win the bet.

In indirect speech

In indirect speech the verb must, as a rule, does not change. When expressing advice, it can be replaced by a verb advise with infinitive:

Useful expression

Expression if you must know is colloquial in nature and is translated into Russian as if you want to know, by the way, so that you know:
If you must know, I have never seen this girl before.- If you want to know, I've never seen this girl before.
If you must know, I am the author of this book. - Just so you know, I am the author of these books.

TO HAVE TO

Forms
Modal verb to have to has the forms Present Simple ( have/has to ), past simple ( had to ), Present Perfect ( have/has had to ) and Future Simple ( will/shall have to ).

Interrogative and negative verb forms to have to are formed like semantic verbs:

in Present Simple And Past Simple using an auxiliary verb do/does And did respectively:

Time Affirmative form Interrogative form Negative form
Present Simple I/you/we/they have to go

He/she/it has to go

Do I/you/we/they have to go?

Does he/she/it have to go?

I/you/we/they do not (don't) have to go

he/she/it does not (doesn't) have to go

Past Simple I/you/he/ she/it/ we/they had to go Did I/you/ he/she/it/ we/they have to go? I/you/he/ she/it/we/ they did not (didn't) have to go

in Present Perfect And Future Simple by changing the word order (interrogative form) and using a negative particle not(negative form):

Time Affirmative form Interrogative form Negative form
Present Perfect I/you/we/they have had to go

He/she/it has had to go

Have I/you/we/they had to go?

Has he/she/it had to go?

I/you/we/they have not (haven"t) had to go

He/she/it has not (hasn"t) had to go

Future Simple I/we will/shall ("ll) have to go

you/he/she/it/ they will ("ll) have to go

Will/Shall I/we have to go?

Will you/he/she/it/they have to go?

I/we will not (won"t)/shall not (shan"t) have to go

you/he/she/it/they will not (won't) have to go

Meaning and usage

Modal verb to have to expresses the forced obligation and necessity of performing some action (in the affirmative and interrogative forms) and the absence of such obligation or necessity (in the negative form) and is translated as have to, have to, need.
Do you have to be in school so early? - Do you need to be at school so early?
We had to take a taxi to go to the airport.- We had to take a taxi to get to the airport.
I"ve had to remind him two times to return my book.- I had to remind him twice to return my book to me.

Modal verbs to have to, must And should express an obligation and often replace each other. However, there are certain differences between them.

In addition, the verb to have to V Past Simple And Future Simple used instead of a verb must:

In British English, along with the forms have/has to And don"t/doesn"t have to forms are often used have/has got to And haven"t/hasn"t got to. These forms differ in meaning:

• have/has to and don"t/doesn"t have to express a repeated, usual action:
I have to take the children to school every day.- I have to take the children to school every day.
Doesn't have to take the children to school on Saturdays.- He shouldn't take the children to school on Saturdays.

• have/has got to and haven"t/hasn"t got to express a one-time action:
I've got to take the children to school this Saturday.- I need to take the children to school this Saturday.
He is glad he hasn't got to take the children to school this Saturday. - He's glad he doesn't have to take the kids to school this Saturday.

Besides the verb to have to(in the shape of don't / doesn't have to) the absence of the need to perform some action can be expressed by a modal verb need in negative form ( needn"t). The differences between these verbs mirror the differences between to have to And must:

• needn"t expresses the absence of a need for action from the speaker’s point of view in the form of advice or orders:
You needn't go on foot. I will give you a lift. - You don't have to walk. I'll give you a ride.
You needn't call me Mrs. Smith. We all use first names here.-You don't have to call me Mrs. Smith. We all call each other by name here.

• don"t/doesn"t have to indicates a fact caused by external circumstances:
Doesn't have to cook for himself. Fie gets his meals in the cafe. - He doesn't you need to cook for yourself. He eats in a cafe.

NEED

Forms and grammatical features

Verb need can be either a semantic or a modal verb. Acting as an ordinary, regular semantic verb, it means “to need something” and is used in all tenses:
We need some water. - We need water.
Did the windows need washing? - Did the windows need to be washed?
I will need your help a week from now. - I will need your help in a week.

Like a modal verb need is an insufficient verb:
it has only one temporary form - Present Simple.

Modal verb need used with an infinitive without a particle to.

Meaning and usage
1. The need to perform an action

Verb need in combination with a simple infinitive expresses the need to perform an action related to the present or future, or the absence of such a need. To Russian need translated as necessary, necessary, necessary. Verb need in a modal meaning it is used in interrogative and negative sentences, as well as in affirmative sentences that contain adverbs with a negative meaning hardly, scarcely and only:
Need I tell them about it?- Do I need to tell them about this?
You needn't clean the window. It is not dirty.- You don't need to wash the window. It's not dirty.
You hardly need to remind us of it. - To you there is hardly any need to remind us of this.

In modern English, a regular, semantic verb often appears in a modal meaning. to need. The interrogative and negative forms of this verb are formed using an auxiliary verb. They very often replace forms of the modal verb. Instead of Need I say? used Do I need to say? , instead of needn't say - don"t/ doesn"t need to say :
You don't need to go there.- You don't have to go there.
She doesn't need to carry bags by herself. We'll help her. “She doesn’t have to carry the bags herself.” We will help her.

No need for any action along with the verb need expresses and modal verb to have to .

2. No need for the past

Verb need in a negative form ( needn"t) in combination with the perfect infinitive indicates an action in the past that was performed although it was not necessary:
You needn"t have come so early. - It’s a shame you came so early. (This was not necessary.)
I needn"t have made this promise. - I made this promise in vain. (I didn’t have to do it.)

Form needn"t+ the perfect infinitive differs in meaning from the Past Simple form of the semantic verb to need (didn't need to). Form didn't need to also indicates an action in the past that was not necessary, but this action still did not happen.
I needn"t have got up so early. - I didn’t need to get up so early. (But I got up.)
I didn't need to get up so early. - I didn't have to get up so early. (And I didn't get up.)

Form needn"t+ perfect infinitive is often used with a verb could, which in combination with the perfect infinitive indicates an action that could have been performed instead of an action that was not necessary:
- You needn"t have walked on foot. You could have taken a taxi. - You didn’t have to walk. You could have taken a taxi

Instead of form needn"t+ perfect infinitive form can be used shouldn't+ perfect infinitive. There are only some stylistic differences between these forms:
shouldn't+ perfect infinitive indicates criticism on the part of the speaker, a needn"t+ the perfect infinitive does not imply such criticism:
She shouldn't have stood in a queue. - She shouldn't have stood in line. (It was unreasonable of her.)
She needn"t have stood in a queue. - She didn’t need to stand in line. (This was not necessary.)

Useful Expressions
Need anybody know? - Is it really necessary for someone to know about this?
They needn"t be told this. - They don’t have to say it.
I needn"t tell you that.. - I don’t need to tell you that...

SHOULD

Forms and grammatical features

Verb should should does not have its own lexical meaning and is used to form the future in the past (Future-in-the-Past) and forms of the subjunctive mood:
I said I should miss him.- I said I would miss him.
If I were you I should read as many English books as possible.- If I were you, I would try to read as many English books as possible.

Like a modal verb should

Meaning and usage

Modal verb should used to express duty, moral obligation, advice or recommendation and is translated into Russian as should, should, should, ought to:
You should spend more time with your children.- You should spend more time with your children.
Shouldn't ring me up and apologize. - He should call me and apologize. Should I inform the police about it?- I have to report this to the police.

In this meaning should used:

with a simple infinitive if the action refers to the present or future:
She should eat more fruits and vegetables. - She should eat more fruits and vegetables.
You shouldn't be late for the meeting. - You shouldn't be late for the meeting.

with infinitive Continuous, if the action refers to the moment of speech or the current period:
We shouldn't be telling you all this. - We don't have to tell you all this.
Should you be watching TV the whole day? - Should you watch TV all day?

should expresses a modal verb ought to. These verbs do not differ in meaning. Just ought is used in speech much less frequently than should.

Advice or recommendation will sound more insistent if instead should use modal phrase had ("d)better(affirmative form) or had ("d)better not(negative form). This phrase is used:

in cases where urgent measures are needed:
The entrance door is open. You'd better call the police.- The front door is open. You must call the police.
I hear our bank is in trouble. We'd better withdraw the money.- I heard that our bank has problems. We need to get the money from there.

to express a warning or threat:
We"d better not drink the water from this well. It can be bad. - We better not drink the water from this well. It can be bad.
You"d better put that bag back or I"ll report theft.- Return my bag to its place, otherwise I will report it stolen.

In addition to the verb should, the meaning of obligation can be conveyed by modal verbs must And to have to. They often replace each other. However, there are certain differences between them:

• must expresses the need for some action from the speaker’s point of view:
You must work hard to improve your English.- You have to work hard to achieve success in English.
She mustn"t tell everyone about her problems. It will only make things worse. - She shouldn't tell everyone about her problems. This will only make things worse.

• to have to expresses the need for some action due to external circumstances:
I have to work hard to improve my English. I am going to need English in my work.- I need to work hard to achieve success in English. I will need English for work.
She doesn't have to tell everyone about her problems. She will be the talk of the town.“She has no need to tell everyone about her problems.” The whole city will be gossiping about her.

• should expresses the need for some action from the point of view of common sense:
You should work hard to improve your English. Good English will help you to get a good job.- You should work hard to achieve success in English. Good knowledge of English will help you get a good job.
She shouldn't tell everyone about her problems. It won't help to solve them. - To her You shouldn’t tell everyone about your problems. This won't help solve them.

2 Reproach or disapproval

Verb should, like a verb ought to, used to express reproach for an imperfect action and disapproval of a completed action. In this meaning, these verbs are used with the perfect infinitive. IN in this case It is important in what form the modal verb is used:

affirmative form should/ought to combined with the perfect infinitive shows that the action was desired, but it did not happen (in this case should/ought to expresses reproach):
You ought to have cleared up the mess long ago.- You should have cleared up this misunderstanding a long time ago. (But they didn’t find out.)
She should have been more attentive to her family. - She should have been more attentive to her family. (But she didn’t do that.)

negative form shouldn't/ oughtn't to combined with the perfect infinitive shows that this action occurred, but was undesirable (in this case should/ought to expresses disapproval):
She shouldn't have opened my letter. - She shouldn't have opened my letter. (But she did it.)
I oughtn't have called him.- I shouldn't have called him. (But I called.)

3. Probability

Verb should can express the probability of a particular action. In such cases it is translated as it should, probably should. In this meaning should used:


She should be at home. - She should be at home.
You shouldn't have any difficulty in translating the text.- You should not have any difficulties translating this text.

with infinitive Continuous, if the action refers to the moment of speech or the current period:
Should her plane be taking off now? - Should her plane be taking off now?
Shouldn't be working on this project from morning till night.- He probably works on this project from morning to night.

with a perfect infinitive if the action refers to the past tense:
The train should have arrived by now. - The train has probably already arrived.
They should have started the rehearsal.- They should have already started rehearsing.

Besides the verb should will. These verbs can replace each other. However, there are differences between them:

• should expresses probability with less certainty than will:
This book should be interesting for you. - This book will probably be interesting for you. (I assume this is a possibility.)
This book will be interesting for you. - This book will be interesting for you. (I am sure about that.)

• should not used to express a probability that is unpleasant for the speaker. In such cases it is used will:
I don't want to go there in summer. It will be hot there.- I don’t want to go there in the summer. It will be too hot there. .

4. Surprise, bewilderment or indignation

Verb should used to express surprise, bewilderment or indignation at some action. In such cases, it is used only in direct and indirect questions that begin with the words why And how:
Why should I go there?- Why on earth should I go there? How should I know his address?- How do I know his address?
I don't know why you should think that you can do it.“I don’t know why on earth you decided you could do this.”

In indirect speech

In indirect speech should should expresses advice, in indirect speech verbs are often used instead to advise(advise), to warn(to warn), etc. with the infinitive:

OUGHT THAT

Forms

Modal verb ought to has only one temporary form.

Verb ought to always used with an infinitive with a particle to.

Meaning and usage

Verb ought to used to express obligation, moral duty, advice regarding action related to the present and future. To Russian ought to translated as should, should, should:
You ought to visit your parents more often.- You should visit your parents more often.
Don't oughtn"t to do it the other way. - He shouldn't do it any other way.
Ought I to put this box here?- Should I put this box here?

In this meaning ought to used:

with a simple infinitive if the action refers to the present or future:
This letter ought to be sent back.- This letter should be sent back.
She ought to be more serious.- She should be more serious.

with infinitive Continuous, if the action refers to the moment of speech or the current period:
We ought to be studying for the exam now.- We should be preparing for the exam now.
I ought to be writing the last chapter this week.- This week I have to write the last chapter.

Meaning of duty/advice along with verb ought to expresses and modal verb should. These verbs do not differ in meaning. Just ought is used in speech much less frequently than should.

Modal phrase had better conveys the meaning of advice or recommendation more strongly than should or ought to.

2. Reproach or disapproval

Modal verb ought to, like a verb should, used to express reproach for an imperfect action and disapproval of a completed action. In this meaning, these verbs are used with the perfect infinitive. In this case, it is important what form the modal verb is in.

In indirect speech

In indirect speech ought to remains unchanged. In cases where the verb ought to expresses advice, in indirect speech verbs can be used instead to advise, to warn u etc. with infinitive:

TO BE TO

Forms
Modal verb to be to has the forms Present Simple ( am/is/are to ) and Past Simple ( was/were to ). The interrogative and negative forms are formed as in other cases of using the verb to be:
Time Affirmative form Interrogative form Negative form
Present Simple I am to come

He/she/it is to come

you/we/they are to come

Am I to come?

Is he/she/it to come? Are you/we/they to come?

I am not to come

he/she/it is not to come

you/we/they are not to come

Past Simple I/he/she/it was to come

you/we/they were to come

Was I/he/she/it to come?

Were you/we/they to come?

I/he/she/it was not to come

you/we/they were not to come

Meaning and usage
1. Necessity in accordance with the plan, agreement, schedule

Verb to be to used to express the need to perform an action due to a plan, agreement or schedule. It is translated into Russian as must, agreed, agreed, to be u etc. It is often found in this meaning in official announcements:
We are to meet at the cinema. - We agreed to meet at the cinema.
The prime minister is to make a special statement tomorrow.- The Prime Minister will make a special address tomorrow.

Regarding the past:

To convey this meaning in relation to the past, the form is used Past Simple combined with a simple or perfect infinitive. The infinitive form has great semantic meaning:

the perfect infinitive shows that the action was planned but not carried out:
He was to have given me the answer yesterday, hut I still don"t have it. - He should have given me the answer yesterday, but I still don’t have it.
The plane was to have landed an hour ago.- The plane was supposed to land an hour ago.

a simple infinitive shows that the action was planned, but does not make it clear whether it was carried out or not.
They were to be married on Sunday. - They were supposed to get married on Sunday. (This probably happened, but We don't know for sure.)

In relation to the future:

To convey this meaning in relation to the future instead of a modal verb to be to modal verb is used to have to in the shape of Future Simple:
Will not have to go there alone. - To him you'll have to go there alone.

2 Order or instruction

Verb to be to used in affirmative and interrogative sentences in order to give an order or order or ask for instructions:
You are to stay here until I return. -You must stay here until I return.
What are we to do?- What should we do?

3 Ban
Verb to be to used in negative sentences to indicate prohibition:
You are not to take these things with you. - You shouldn't take these things with you.
Not is not to watch television today. - He is not allowed to watch TV today.
4 Predetermined action

Verb to be to is used to express the predetermination of a particular action and is translated as destined or was destined:
They did not know that they were never to meet again. “They didn’t know that they were never destined to meet again.”
If we are to live in the same building we should get to know each other better. - If we are destined to live in the same house, we should get to know each other better.

Useful Expressions
What is to be done?- What to do?
You are not to say anything.- You don't need to say anything.

SHALL

Verb shall shall used to form future tenses in the first person singular (Future Simple, Future Continuous, Future Perfect, Future Perfect Continuous). In these cases the verb shall simply indicates an action in the future:
I shall work in a big office. - I will work in a large office.
We shall be seeing each other at the meeting. - We'll see you at the meeting.
I shall have done the work by the end of the day. - I will do this work by the end of the day.
Next Monday we shall have been working here for two years. - Next Monday it will be two years since we have been working here.

In some cases verb shall

Modal verb shall has only one temporary form - Future Simple and, like the auxiliary verb, is used in the first person singular and plural. It forms an interrogative and negative form just like an auxiliary verb.

Short affirmative form "ll used only in colloquial and informal written speech.

Shortened negative form shan"t practically not used by Americans.

Meaning and usage
1. Forecast for the future

Modal verb shall, as well as will, is used to predict the future (verb will can replace shall and in the first person singular and plural):
I"m afraid I shall/will be late. - I'm afraid I might be late.
We shan"t (won"t) make enough money to start our business.- We won’t earn as much money as we need to start our own business.

2 Intent

Modal verb shall, as well as will, is used to express intention. In this meaning it is rare, but at the same time it sounds more significant than will and can be used in all persons:
I shall/will do it as soon as I can. - I I'll do it as soon as I can.
We shall/will fight and we shall win. - We will fight and we will win. Don't shan't come here.- He won't come here. (We will not allow this.)

3 Promise
Modal verb shall, as well as will, is used if we want to make a promise. Verb shall expresses a much stronger promise than will, and can be used in all persons:
I shall/will ("ll) buy you this car for your birthday. - I will buy you this car for your birthday.
You shall go with us. I promise.- You will come with us. I promise. Modal verb shall(but not will) is used if we want to ask for advice:
Shall we wait any longer for him? - Shall we wait for him some more?
What shall I wear tomorrow? - What do I need should I wear it tomorrow?
5 Offer
Modal verb shall(but not will) is used if we want to hear a proposal from someone or offer something ourselves:
Shall we take a taxi?- Shouldn't we take a taxi?
Let's meet at the cafe, shall we?- Let's meet at the cafe, okay?

By using shall(but not will) we can offer our help to someone:
Shall I bring you some water?- Should I bring you some water?
Shall I help you pack?- Should I help you pack your things?

6 Order
Verb shall can express an official order or command, usually in writing. In this meaning it is used in the third person and is translated as it should:
The committee's decision shall be final. - The decision of the commission shall be considered final.
The chairman and secretary shall be elected annually.- The chairman and secretary must be elected annually.
In indirect speech

shall should or would(depending on the meaning) or gives way to the infinitive (if we are talking about a proposal or promise):

WILL

Forms and grammatical features

Verb will can be either an auxiliary or a modal verb. Acting as an auxiliary verb, will used to form future tenses (Future Simple, Future Continuous, Future Perfect, Future Perfect Continuous). In these cases the verb will simply indicates an action in the future:
The film will start in five minutes. The film will start in five minutes. They will be playing tennis at 10 o"clock tomorrow. - Tomorrow at ten o'clock they will play tennis.
The book will have been published by the end of the year. - The book will be published forged by the end of the year.
Tomorrow I will have been working on this play for two months.- Tomorrow it will be two months that I have been working on this play.

In some cases verb will not only indicates an action in the future, but also conveys a number of modal meanings, acting as a modal verb.

Modal verb will has only one temporary form - Future Simple and forms the interrogative and negative forms in the same way as the auxiliary verb.

Meaning and usage
1 Forecast for the future
Modal verb will, as well as shall, is used to predict the future:
It will rain tomorrow.- It will rain tomorrow.
Your help won't be needed. - Your help will not be required.

Together with will/won't verbs and phrases are often used that express hopes, expectations, fears, doubts and so on.: to think, to expect, to believe, to suppose, to hope, to fear, to assume, to be afraid, to be sure, doubt and m. P.:
Everyone believes they will win the game. - Everyone thinks they will win this game.
I don't think he will come. - It is unlikely that he will come.

Different degrees of confidence in the forecast verb will often conveyed using adverbs perhaps, probably, possibly, certainly:
They will probably bring their children with them. - They will probably bring their children with them.
Perhaps she"ll change her mind. - Perhaps she will change her mind.

2. Spontaneous decision

Verb will used to express a spontaneous decision made at the moment of speech:
The phone's ringing. I'll answer it. - The phone rings. I'll come.
I won't eat this beefsteak. It looks rare. - I won't eat this steak. It looks like it's not cooked through.

In this meaning will used predominantly in the first person. Intentions towards other persons are conveyed through speech to be going to:
Are you going to leave without giving me the answer? -Are you leaving without giving me an answer?
She"s going to clean the carpets now. - She will clean the carpets now.

A deliberate decision or planned intention can also be conveyed using the phrase to be going to:
I am not going to have porridge for breakfast. I"m on a diet. - I won’t eat oatmeal for breakfast. I am on a diet.

3. Determination, intention, refusal

Verb will used to express the determination to perform or not to perform this or that action in the present or future:
I will help you with this task.- I will definitely help you complete this task.
They will take part in the competition. - They will certainly participate in competitions.

Form won't expresses a persistent refusal to perform some action in the present:
Don't sell the house.- He stubbornly refuses to sell the house.
The door won't open.- The door won't open.

Using a verb will The threat is often expressed:
You"ll regret this!- You will regret this! He"ll pay for his mistakes.- He will pay for his mistakes.

4. Request

Verb will
Will you please open the window? - You won't you open the window?
Will you call back later?- Call later, please.

In such cases, the request sounds somewhat harsh. A more polite request can be expressed using modal verbs would or could :
Would please give me that book? - You Could you give me that book over there?
Could you go faster?- Could you go faster?

An informal request can also be expressed using:

dividing question:
You"ll write to those, won"t you? - You'll write to me, won't you?

imperative sentence:
Mind your own business, will you? - Mind your own business, okay?

5 Offer, promise

Verb will used to express a proposal, a promise to perform this or that action:
What will you have for dessert?- What will you have for dessert?
I will help you to tidy the room.- I'll help you clean the room. We won't leave you here.- We won't leave you here

6 Order

Verb will used to express an order that can be given by a person with authority over other people (army commander, coach, ship captain, school principal and so on.). In this meaning it is translated by the word as it should:
The team will report to the gymnasium for the training. - The team must report to the gym for training.
You will not mention it to anyone. - You should not tell anyone about this.

7 Repetitive, habitual action

Verb will is used to denote a repeated action when we want to draw attention not so much to this action, but to characterize the person who performs this action. From a grammatical point of view, it replaces the semantic verb in Present Simple:
An Englishman will always show you the way in the street. - Any Englishman will always show you the way.
Boys will be boys. - Boys are boys.

In relation to the past:

To convey this meaning in the past, the verb is used would or turnover used to :
On Sunday he used to go/would get up early and go fishing. - On Sundays he got up early and went fishing.

Sometimes verb will indicates a repeated action that a person persistently performs or persistently refuses to perform. In this meaning the verb will may, contrary to the rules, be used in a subordinate clause:
If you will go to bed so late, no wonder you're tired.- If you always go to bed so late, it's no wonder you're tired.
If she won't read, how can she know literature?- If she doesn't want to read, how can she study literature?

8 Assumption, probability

Verb will used to express an assumption that we consider most likely. It is used in this meaning:

with a simple infinitive if the action refers to the present or future:
Ring his work number. He'll be at work now. - Call him at work. He's probably at work now.
They won't have difficulty in finding the way home.“It probably won’t be difficult for them to find their way home.”

with infinitive Continuous if the action refers to the moment of speech or a certain period in the future:
Will not be expecting us now.- I'm sure he's waiting for us.
She will be staying at her mother's.- She will probably stay with her mother.

with a perfect infinitive if the action refers to the past:
Will not have finished his call.- He probably finished talking on the phone.
She won"t have returned from the trip. - It is unlikely that she returned from the trip.

Besides the verb will the meaning of the probability of an action can also be conveyed by a modal verb should. These verbs often replace each other.

In indirect speech

In indirect speech, the modal verb will behaves like an auxiliary verb, that is, if the past tense is used in the main clause, it is replaced by would or gives way to the infinitive (if we are talking about an offer, promise or request):

WOULD

Forms and grammatical features

Verb would can be either an auxiliary or a modal verb. Acting as an auxiliary verb, would used to form the future in the past (Future-in-the-Past) and forms of the subjunctive mood:
Didn't say that he would get the book as soon as possible. - He said that he would get the book as soon as possible.
I would call on you, but I"m leaving for Moscow. - I would call on you, but I’m leaving for Moscow.
If I were you, I wouldn't do it. - Ha If I were you, I wouldn't do this.

Like a modal verb would has only one temporary form.

Meaning and usage
1 Wish, proposal, invitation

Verb would used to express wishes, proposals and invitations:
- I"d like some coffee please. - I would like some coffee.
- What would you prefer? - What would you preferred?
- What would you like to do? - Whatever did you want to do?
- Would you like me to open the door? - Would you like me to open the door?
- Would you like to go for a walk? - Would you like to take a walk?
- I"d like to.- With pleasure.
- I"d love to.- With great pleasure.

2 Preference

Turnover would rather ("d rather) in combination with an infinitive without a particle to used to express preference and has the meaning “would prefer”:
I"d rather play cards than dominoes. - I'd rather play cards than dominoes.
- Would you like wine?- Would you like some wine?
- I'd rather have beer.- I would prefer beer.

Using negative form would rather not You can politely decline an offer or request:
- Are you coming with us? -Are you coming with us?
- I"d rather not. - I think no.

3 Request

Verb would used to express a request:
Would you please close the window? - Could you close the window?
If you would sign here. - Sign here, please.
Would you be so kind as to keep me informed?- I would be very grateful to you if you would keep me informed.

Modal verb will also expresses a request, but it sounds less polite than a request with would:
Will you give me a lift home? - Will you give me a ride home?
Would you give me a lift home? - You do not could you give me a ride home?

Except would a polite request is expressed by a verb could. Would And could in this meaning they often replace each other. However, there is a slight difference between them:
would indicates readiness or desire to comply with a request, while could indicates the ability to fulfill a request:
Could you lend those some money? - Could you lend me some money? (Do you have this option?)
Would you lend me some money? - Could you lend me some money? (Do you have such a desire?)

4. Repeated, characteristic action in the past, refusal

Verb would used to express an action in the past that happened frequently or constantly:
In fine weather he would often go for long walks. - In good weather, he often went for walks.
We tried to stop him eating at night but he would do it.“We tried to convince him not to eat at night, but he still did it.”

Form wouldn't indicates a refusal or persistent reluctance to perform a particular action in the past:
They wouldn't say where they had found the coin. - They refused to say where they found the coin.
The car wouldn't start this morning. - This morning the car wouldn't start.

Besides the verb would to describe repeated actions in the past, the phrase is also used used to:
Every morning he would/used to take a cold shower. - Every morning he took a cold shower.

However, between would And used to there is an important difference:

• would denotes only actions:
Wouldn't often go fishing in summer. - In the summer, he often went fishing.

• used to denotes both actions and states:
Not used to wear a beard when he was a student. He used to quarrel about it with his mother.- When he was a student, he wore a beard. He often quarreled with his mother about her.

6. Wish

Verb would used to express a wish. In such cases it is used in the subjunctive meaning in constructions I wish... would And If only...would:
I wish you would come here sooner. - I wish you would come here soon.
If you would only help me with this problem!- If only you could help me solve this problem!

DARE

Forms and grammatical features
Verb dare can be either a semantic verb or a modal one, expressing one main meaning - to dare to perform some action. Semantic verb to dare combines with an infinitive with a particle to and is used in all tenses:
I didn't dare to tell him about my departure. “I didn’t dare tell him about my departure.” She doesn't dare to say anything in his presence.“She doesn’t dare say anything in his presence.”
I dare you to catch me.- I bet you won't catch me.
Wouldn't dare to criticize our plan. - He wouldn't dare criticize our plan.

Modal verb dare used with an infinitive without a particle to and has two temporary forms - Present Simple ( dare ) and Past Simple ( dared ).

Affirmative form of the verb dare occurs rarely, mainly in sentences with a negative meaning:
I hardly dare tell you the reason. - I don't I dare to show you the reason.

Along with the forms given in the table, the verb dare forms interrogative and negative forms as a semantic verb - with the help of auxiliary verbs:
Dare you see? = Do you dare see?
I daren"t tell = I don"t dare tell
he dared not go = he didn't dare go

These forms are now used in speech much more often than forms without auxiliary verbs.

Meaning and usage

Modal verb dare expresses reproach, indignation, indignation about some action. It is especially often used in sentences beginning with How:
Don"t you dare come up to me!- Don't you dare come near me!
How dare they suggest such a thing! - How dare they offer such a thing!
How dared he use my name!- How dare he use my name!
- I"m going to smash this vase! - I I'll break this vase!
Just dare! - Just try!

Useful Expressions
How dare you!- How dare you!
I daresay you are aiming for the promotion. - I assume you are seeking promotion.
Share with friends or save for yourself:

Loading...