UNIT 4. MODALS

PART I. MODAL VERBS

MODEL 1

I (you, he, she, it, we, they) can wait.

I (you, he, she, it, we, they) cannot (can't) wait. Can you wait?

The past form of the verb can is could.

MODEL 2

I (may come.

I may not come. May I come?

The past form of the verb may is might.

MODEL 3

I (...) must stay here. I mustn't stay here. Must I stay here?

The verb must doesn't have a past form.

MODEL 4

I need some rest.

I needn't any rest (I don't need any rest). Do you need any rest?

The past form of the verb need is needed.

MODEL 5

You should sign the contract. You shouldn't sigh the contract. Should you sign the contract?

The verb should doesn't have a past form.

EXERCISE 1

Translate into Russian.

I. 1. I can learn English, I'm sure. 2. Can you speak Japanese? 3. She can't get on with him — he is a difficult man to get on with.

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4. When I was only seven I had some money of my own and I could buy whatever I wanted. 5. Could you repeat, please? 6. Unfortunately, I can't afford to buy this coat. 7. Can't you sit still for a moment? 8. He could have become a film star. What a pity and what a waste! 9. These shoes of yours can't be repaired.

II. 1. May I ask you a question? 2. Probably, you can smoke here, but you certainly may not! 3. Where is he? At home? — I've no idea. He may be at home, and he may be at work. 4. You may know this name. You may have heard it already. 5. What may happen to a man if he doesn't follow the doctor's advice? 6. Let's hide behind the tree. I am afraid they may notice us from the window. The may (might) have noticed us already. 7. You may be asked about it later. 8. There may be somebody in this crowd who you know.

III. 1. Must I answer this stupid question? 2. We must do what we are told. 3. You mustn't come up to her and speak to her. 4. The meeting must be conducted immediately. 5. There must be a lot of sweets in the cupboard. 6. It must be done. 7. My glasses must be here somewhere. 8. He must have told you.

IV. 1. I need some rest. 2. You needn't work so much. 3. We are happy here, aren't we? What else do we need? 4. You needn't shout so loudly, I can hear you perfectly well. 5. She needn't worry, we'll do everything on time. 6. Tell her she needn't stay with her relatives. She can stay with me.

V. 1. You should read your contract properly before you sign it. 2. I think we should re-design the product before launching. 3. The problem should be discussed next time we meet. 4. One should be patient with the old. 5. You should have told me. You shouldn't have told him. 6. He shouldn't have promised the kid that he would buy her that doll if he wasn't going to do it.

EXERCISE 2

Complete the text putting in the appropriate modal verbs:

MEETINGS

There are different kinds of meetings. Meetings (можно) be held by politicians in the Parliament and by managers in companies and firms; these are formal meetings. There are also informal meetings when friends and colleagues get together for a walk or for a chat. We need meetings, first of all, because we often have a serious

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problem to solve. We (не можем) solve it alone, we need help from other people — some good advice or some specific information. Formal meetings (следует) be held regularly — usually once a month if nothing urgent happens in the interval.

There is always a person who runs (or conducts) a formal meeting — a chairman or a chairwoman. This person knows what problems the company is facing and what the alternatives are. The chairman has a power to make a decision at the end of the meeting.

To conduct the meeting properly we need an agenda — a list of issues that we (следует) discuss at the meeting. The agenda is usually presented by the chairman. He says something like this: "We (нужно) to discuss the price of our new product. Basically, we've got two alternatives: either we cut the price, or we keep it high and redesign the product and improve its quality. What do you think?"

The participants of the meeting who have something to say can express their views. There is always one or two who disagrees with their proposals. Some people (могут, вероятно) have their own ideas, and they want to discuss them. If the chairman is competent and experienced he can find the possibility for everyone to speak, and at the same time (не следует) allow people to shout at each other. Criticizing other people is a difficult thing to do: on the one hand, you should be convincing. You (нужно) have a lot of facts and figures at hand, you (следует суметь) to persuade people that your ideas are right. On the other hand, you (нельзя) insult the colleagues who you disagree with. You (следует) be polite and diplomatic. The most important thing is that you (нужно) learn to listen to other people. It happens very often that people argue or even quarrel, because they don't understand each other. If they (могли бы) listen to each other carefully, they would see that they think alike, but express their ideas in different words.

At the end of the meeting the chairman summarizes what has been said. Then he (должен) decide what exactly to do — how to solve the problem.

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EXERCISE 3

Put in the gaps must (n't) or need (n't):

Helen is not very well today. She is in bed. The doctor has come to see her. Complete what the doctor says.

Doctor: Well, I'm going to give you some medicine. You ...

take it four times a day before meals. And go on taking it even if you feel better. You ... stop taking it until you've finished the bottle. You ... drink all of it. Now, you … stay in bed today. You can get up tomorrow if you like. But you ... go outside this week. It's too cold. And you really ... do any work at all. You need absolute rest. You ...

just relax for a few days. You can eat a little if you like, but you ... if you don't want to. But don't forget to keep drinking. You ... drink as much water as you can. You'll probably be all right next week, so you ... call me again unless you feel worse. But I'm sure the worst is over.

EXERCISE 4

MAY OR CAN?

1. My leg still hurts, but I think, I ... go. 2. I don't know where he is. He ... be at home. 3. I ... not believe what you tell me. 4. He ...

believe you, but I am not sure. Your story is too odd. 5. As soon as you finish your work you ... go. 6. You ... not smoke here, it's forbidden. 7. She ... not drive a car. 8. You ... think what you like, but it is not true.

EXERCISE 5

Translate into English:

1. Можно мне спросить? 2. Я думаю, что я могу исправить положение. 3. Он может и не прийти. 4. Я не хочу хвастать, но я действительно все умею: могу отремонтировать машину и компьютер, могу приготовить обед на дюжину человек, умею играть на любом музыкальном инструменте... 5. Может быть, она уже знает о том, что произошло. 6. Когда я был ребенком, я мог делать все, что хотел. 7. Вы можете двигаться? 8. Это можно прекратить в любой момент.

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EXERCISE 6

I. Read the following information about Ken:

1.Ken didn't do anything on Saturday.

2.Ken doesn't know anything about machines.

3.Ken was free on Monday afternoon.

4.Ken was short of money last week.

5.Ken's car was stolen several days ago.

6.Ken had to work on Friday evening.

II. Some people wanted Ken to do different things but they couldn't contact him. So he didn't do any of these things. Say whether he could have done or couldn't have done them and explain why.

1.Ken's aunt wanted him to drive her to the airport.

2.A friend of his wanted him to go out for a meal on Friday

evening.

3.Another friend wanted him to play tennis on Monday after-

noon.

4.Jack wanted Ken to lend him 50 pounds last week.

5.Jane wanted Ken to come to her party on Saturday.

6.Ken's mother wanted him to repair her washing machine.

EXERCISE 7

Translate and comment on the meanings of the verb should:

1. The students should know by now that the teacher won't accept bad work. 2. You shouldn't eat peas with a knife. 3. Before signing a contract one should read it thoroughly. 4. You should have told me everything! 5. He shouldn't have come here. 6. I got up early, so that I should not be late for the train. 7. My doctor says that I should not lift heavy things. 8. He should have been punished. 9. The Head of the Department insists that we should start work half an hour earlier. 10. I propose that we should have a little rest. 11. You should 've sold this car of yours long time ago. 12. What should be done to prevent crime? 13. It is odd that you should remind me about it. I've forgotten it long ago. 14. It is essential that we should try our best to cope with this difficult situation.

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EXERCISE 8

Put in the verb should or must in the gaps:

1. Sue drives everywhere. She never walks. She ... not use her car so much. 2. If you are not satisfied with your job, you ... look for another one. 3. The speed limit is 30 miles, but he's doing 50. He ...

not be doing that fast. 4. We lost the match, but we ... have won. We were the better team. 5. I ... give up smoking and start a new life. 6. You ... not have met him. And you ... not have told him everything. 7. The landlord demanded that we ... pay by Friday. 8. The film I saw the other day was really marvelous! You ... go and see it. 9. Where do you suggest I ... go for my holiday? 10. It's funny that you ... say that. I was going to say the same thing. 11. Isn't it typical for Ron that he ... leave without saying goodbye to anyone? 12. I think I ... have talked to her about her brother. She ... have known about him already and needed my advice.

EXERCISE 9

Fill in the gaps with "needn't/don't have to", "mustn't", "didn't need to/have to" or "needn't have".

1.You ______ enter this area without permission.

2.You _______ write the report . I'll do it tomorrow.

3.He_______ give me a lift, because i had arranged to go by

taxi.

4.The notice says that club members _____ use the pool unat-

tended.

5.The officer______ write down all the information as he had it all in the computer.

6.You ______ pick me up after work. I'll take the bus.

7.You _____ sent me the evidence. I was going to come and take it myself.

8.You _____ shout at suspects.

9.They _____ order a printer as their office had anything they

wanted.

10.I ____ leave yet. I'm not flying until 3.00 p. m.

PART II. MODAL EQUIVALENTS

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MODEL 8

I am allowed to come.

You (we, they) are allowed to come. He (she, it) is allowed to come.

MODEL 9

I am to attend the lectures.

You (we, they) are to attend the lectures. He (she, it) is to attend the lectures.

EXERCISE 10

Comment on the usage of the modal verbs and equivalents.

1. I always have to finish what he started. 2. You should have invited her — she is very upset that you didn't. 3. Students must be able to see the difference between shares and bonds. 4. Ken could have taken his aunt to the shops — he had plenty of time. (It is a pity that he didn't know about her plans.) 5. He had to protect his associates. 6. She must have finished her report — she is looking so happy.

7.People must be allowed to do what they want. Or mustn't they?

8.She shouldn't have repeated that gossip in my presence! 9. You might be able to see sense in it, but I can't. 10. I am to inform you that your request is denied. 11. The suspect couldn't have done it, because he wasn't at home at that time — actually, he was abroad.

12.Why did he have to change his testimony? 13. We are to reconcile the two points of view.

EXERCISE 11

Complete the sentences.

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EXAMPLES: You don't have to work really hard, ...— You don't have to work really hard, do you?

You are not allowed to meet her, ...— You are not allowed to meet her, are you?

I. 1. He's got to pay her bills, ... ? 2. I had to tell them everything, ... ? I had no choice, ... ? 3. They won't have to regret about this, ... ? 4. You'll have to resign, ... ? 5. Your dog is a clever one, so you don't have to repeat things, ... ?

II.1. Kids are not allowed to walk outside after 10 p. m., ... ?

2.Journalists were allowed to ask most provocative questions, ... ?

3.I won't be allowed to see her all the same, ... ? 4. Don't you see, it says here "The personnel only". The strangers aren't allowed to enter through this door, ... ? 5. A small kid as he was at that time, he was allowed to take and read any book from his father's library, ... ?

EXERCISE 12

MUST (N'T) or (DON'T) HAVE TO?

1. In Japan schoolchildren ... wear uniform. 2. When you come to London again, you ... come and see us. 3. One ... learn to forgive. 4. You can't turn right here. You ... turn left. You ... turn right, it's dangerous! 5. I went to the bank that morning. There was a queue, so I ... wait. 6. You'll ... pay for this. 7. He has got a beard, so he ...

shave. 8. I ... give up smoking if I want to recover. 9. If he moves to Novosibirsk, he won't ... regret.

EXERCISE 13

Translate into English using must or have to:

1. Ты не должен забывать то, что я сказал тебе. И ты не должен никому об этом говорить. 2. В здании есть лифт, так что нам не нужно идти по лестнице. 3. Ни за что не нажимай эту кнопку — это опасно. 4. Не нужно кричать на меня. 5. Не обязательно быть хорошим спортсменом, чтобы получать удовольствие от игры в теннис 6. Мне приходится работать сверхурочно. Зато мне не обязательно приходить на работу каждый день. Я просто должен приносить готовый материал в срок. 7. Вы обязательно должны посмотреть этот фильм — он просто замечательный! 8. Ему не приходилось выбирать между семьей и работой. И не придется.

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EXERCISE 14

Translate into English using modal equivalents have to, be able to, be allowed to, be to:

1. Некоторые родители позволяют своим детям слишком многое. 2. Ему приходилось брать дополнительную работу, чтобы прокормить семью. 3. Если вы согласитесь, вам не придется жалеть об этом. 4. Вам не обязательно брать на себя такую ответственность. 5. Переговоры (negotiations) должны начаться 15го января. 6. Боюсь, ему не позволят увидеться со свидетелем.

7.Я страшно устал и был не в состоянии отвечать на вопросы.

8.Иногда судье приходится вести процесс в переполненном зале. 9. Лекции по гражданскому праву должны закончиться в семь. 10. Я думаю, что в ближайшем будущем я смогу распла-

титься с долгами. 11. Мне не позволяют здесь оставаться. 12. Ему не позволят совершить эту глупость еще раз. 13. Малышу позволили посидеть со взрослыми, хотя ему давно пора было в постель. 14. У меня так много работы, что я боюсь, что к концу недели я буду не в состоянии двигаться. 15. Ревизоры должны прибыть 15-го; к этому времени мы сможем как следует подготовиться.

EXERCISE 15

Complete the conversation between the teacher, Mr. Priestley, and his students, Frieda and Hob:

Frieda: Oh, Mr. Priestley, (Можно) I come in? Are you busy? Mr. P.: Well, I was just going to give Hob a private lesson, but

what's the matter?

Frieda.: I (должна) tell you my news. Jan is going to take part in football match for University. The match is next Thursday at 3o'clock.

Hob: I say, (не позволите ли вы) us all go and see it and shout for Jan's team?

Mr. P.: We (не должны) neglect our work. If you, Hob, want to learn English, you (должен) to work, not to go watching football.

Hob: But, sir, you (не обязательно) sit in a classroom to learn English. Well, I went to see a football match last Tuesday and I learned a lot of words I had never heard in this classroom.

Mr. P.: I (могу) quite believe it!

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Hob: And I think, sir, sport (должен) be in an Englishman's blood, they just (должны) to play football.

Mr. P.: There is something in it. Henry YIII passed law to say that men (запрещается) play football, because it took them away from archery. But it didn't stop football in England.

Frieda: I don't like missing lessons, Mr. Priestley, but Jan is hoping we (сможем) go and see the match. He has sent me six tickets. Do you think...?

Mr. P.: Well, perhaps we (могли бы) do it. Hob: Hurrah!

Frieda: Oh, thank you, sir. Shall I go and tell the others? They are in the library.

Mr. P.: Yes, but tell them they (не следует) stop work just now to talk about football. And now, Hob, we (должны) get down to some grammar...

Hob: Oh, Mr. Priestley, (должны ли) we? Mr. P.: Yes, Hob, we (должны).

EXERCISE 16

Make up the tag-questions.

1. He has to read everything twice, ...? 2. We can't improve our English unless we work really hard, ...? 3. I should have stood up for him, ...? 4. You weren't able to pay the fine, ...? 5. That Hollywood star could have sued the journalist for libel, ...? 6. He'll have to change his attitude to life, ...? 7. She needn't do it all by herself, ...? We could help her, ...? 8. I am to be at my office at 9 sharp, ...?

EXERCISE 17

Comment on the usage modal verbs with Passive

1. This noise must be stopped at once. 2. What is done cannot be undone. 3. The old man might be met in this garden every morning. 4. The book can't be published — it's all gossip and rubbish, no facts at all. 5. I wonder why he didn't come. I think, he must have been warned. 6. The problem should have been discussed long before. 7. Money mustn't be wasted like this. 8. The waiters in this restaurant aren't allowed to take tips. 9. There were some serious mistakes, but the whole system shouldn't have been destroyed! 10. He could have been promoted but for his bad temper.

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EXERCISE 18

Translate into English:

Мне начинать? Тогда позвольте мне представить вам нашу новую студентку Ирину. Я сразу должна сказать, что Ирина не обязана посещать все занятия этого курса. Может быть, это удивит вас, но она закончила факультет иностранных языков (have a degree) и должна обладать куда большими знаниями, чем другие студенты нашей группы. Полагаю, она в состоянии успешно сдать экзамен, и уверена, что ей не придется перенапрягаться

(overstrain oneself).

Надеюсь, мне не нужно напоминать, что это исключение (exception) не распространяется (extend to) на остальных (студентов). Вы, безусловно, не должны пренебрегать (neglect) занятиями и домашними заданиями. Если кто-то не может присутствовать на занятии, он обязан уведомить меня заранее. В прошлом семестре мне пришлось снизить некоторым студентам отметки за пропуски (absenteeism). Печально, что приходится вообще упоминать о таких очевидных (obvious) вещах.

EXERCISE 19

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7. Residents are obliged to recycle bottles, cans and newspa-

EXERCISE 20

Translate into English:

1. Закон не позволяет продавать спиртное подросткам до 18 лет. 2. Ты можешь зайти в бар, но можешь покупать только безалкогольные напитки. По закону тебе нельзя употреблять алкогольные напитки. 3. Закон разрешает работать полный рабочий день, если ты ушел из школы. 4. Ты можешь уходить из дома без разрешения родителей. В пятнадцать лет закон разрешает тебе покупать и смотреть фильмы категории 15. 5. В шестнадцать лет закон разрешает тебе получить паспорт. 6. С семи лет ты должен платить полную стоимость за билеты в поездах, автобусах и в метро. 7. В шестнадцать лет закон в Англии разрешает тебе жениться или выходить замуж, если родители позволят. 8. В семнадцать лет закон разрешает тебе получить права на вождение. 9. В семнадцать лет закон разрешает тебе покупать оружие. 10. В восемнадцать лет закон разрешает тебе голосовать и брать заем в банке. 11. В тринадцать лет закон запрещает школьникам работать более двух часов в учебные дни.

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