12. Talking about ability:

I can / can’t do it. (in present-time contexts)

I could / couldn’t do it. (general ability in past-time contexts)

I was able to do it. (a specific achievement in past-time contexts)

I’ll be able to do it. (a future ability which doesn’t exist now)

I have been able to do it for some time.

SECTION 3

INFINITIVES AFTER MODAL VERBS

Modal verbs are followed by infinitives. Some of their meanings allow only simple infinitives (do, occasionally to do) others demand different forms:

I could swim when I was three. (past ability)

I’ve got to do everything in an hour. (obligation)

She may be sleeping now. (supposition near uncertainty)

You needn’t have done everything yourself. (necessity)

She must have been carefully instructed before the interview. (supposition near certainty)

There are 6 infinitive forms which are chosen with reference to some certain types of action:

	Active	Passive
Simple / Indefinite	(to) do	(to) be done
Progressive / Continuous	(to) be doing	---------------
Perfect	(to) have done	(to) have been done
Perfect Progressive	(to) have been doing	---------------

1. Simple (Active and Passive) Infinitive can

   1. denote a repeated action or state:

I’ve seen this girl many times. She may be our neighbour.

I know her. She can’t do such things.

1.2. denote a future action:

He may be offered a promotion soon. (Perhaps he’ll be offered a promotion soon.)

Note 1.

Must is not used with the reference to the future. Someone’ll probably/ evidently do; someone is sure / bound to do can be used instead:

He’ll probably come tomorrow.

He’s bound to come soon.

1.3.be used with verbs which are not used in progressive tenses:

She can’t know anything about it.

2. Progressive (Active) Infinitive denotes a simultaneous action in progress:

Can/could she be still sleeping? (It is doubtful that she is still sleeping.)

3. Perfect (Active and Passive) can

3.1.denote a prior action:

She must have already heard the news. She’s smiling (I’m sure she has heard the news).

1. denote a possible or desirable action which did not happen:

She could have failed the exam. (It was possible because she wasn’t prepared enough, but it didn’t happen).

or undesirable action which happened:

You shouldn’t have gone so early. (It’s a pity you went so early.

2. occasionally denotes a future action which will have happened by some future moment:

You may have left by the time I’m back (Perhaps, you’ll have left by the time I’m back).

4. Perfect Progressive (Active) can

   1. denote an action of certain duration:

She can’t have been sleeping for over 12 hours. (It seems improbable that she has been sleeping for over 12 hours).

2. denote a prior action of certain duration which has/had visible results:

She’s so tired. She must have been working hard. (I’m sure she was working hard the whole week. That’s why she looks so tired)

3. denote a past process:

She must have been sleeping when I phoned and didn’t hear the ring. (I’m sure she was sleeping when I phoned.)

5. Passive (Simple and Perfect) has a passive meaning. It can denote an action which is received

5.1. by the subject:

She must have been kidnapped. (I’m sure she was kidnapped)

5.3. by people in general:

It can’t be pleasant to be scolded. (People don’t like to be scolded)

SECTION 4

MODAL VERBS IN REPORTED SPEECH

When there is a modal verb in the original statement, suggestion, etc., this sometimes changes when we report what was said. It depends on the meaning it expresses. So one modal is changed in one context and not changed in another. The changes are summarized in the table:

modal verb in original	modal verb in report (past time context)
could, would, should, might, ought to, used to	could, would, should, might, ought to, used to
will, can, may, be to, have to, need, dare	would, could, might, was/were to, had to, needed, dared will, can, may (if the situation we are reporting still exists or in the future)
may (supposition) can’t (doubt, negative logical assumption) must (positive logical assumption)	may can’t must
shall	should
must (obligation) mustn’t (prohibition)	had to mustn’t
needn’t (absence of necessity, permission not to do something)	didn’t need to

‘You may do it,’ – he said – He said that I might do it. (permission)

‘John may be sleeping now,’ he said – He said that John may be sleeping now. (supposition, not ‘might’ as it expresses less certainty)

‘I must do it as soon as possible,’ I thought. - I thought that I had to do it as soon as possible. (obligation)

‘Oh. You mustn’t hurry. Make sure you don’t spoil anything,’ he said. – He said that I mustn’t hurry. (prohibition, not ‘didn’t have to’ as it expresses lack of necessity)

SECTION 5

RUSSIAN-ENGLISH CORRESPONDENCES

умение / способность Я (не) умею это делать………… Я умел это делать………………. Я сумел / смог это сделать…….. Я не смог это сделать…………... Я научусь это делать…………… возможность (факт) (Иногда) это возможно происходит……………………… Это не возможно………………... Возможно ли это?......................... 3. предположение близкое к неуверенности / возможность в конкретном случае Это возможно произойдет… Это возможно не произойдет… Это возможно происходит (повторяющееся действие)…….. (в настоящий момент)…………. Это возможно произошло… Это возможно происходило (процесс в прошлом / период времени)………………………… Возможно ли это?....................... Это было возможно, но не произошло………………………. 4. предположение близкое к уверенности / логические выводы Это точно происходит в настоящий момент…………. Это точно произошло………….. Это точно происходило (процесс в прошлом / период времени)….. Это точно не происходит (повторяющееся действие)…….. (в настоящий момент)…………. Это точно не произошло……….. Это точно не происходило (процесс в прошлом / период времени)………………………… 5. разрешение Позвольте мне сделать это? (formal)………………………….. Можно я? (polite)………………. Я сделаю это? (informal)……….. Я (не) разрешаю этого делать…. Я не имею ничего против этого... Я против этого………………….. Нельзя…………………………… Можешь этого не делать………. 6. запрет Этого нельзя делать (таковы требования)……………………. (таковы правила)……………… Я не разрешаю тебе этого делать…………………………… Нет, нельзя…...…………………. 7. просьба / инструкция / приказ Не мог бы ты это сделать?.......... Ты можешь это сделать?............. Пожалуйста, сделай это (polite)…………………………… (more polite)…………………….. Ты это должен сделать (таковы требования)…………… 8. совет Тебе (не) следует это сделать…. Следует ли мне это сделать…… Сделай это обязательно (эмоциональный совет)……….. 9. предложение (своих услуг, чего-либо) Мне сделать это?........................ Не хочешь ли …?........................ (esp. at table) Вам помочь?............................... 10. предложение (идея) Мы могли бы сделать это……… Можем и сделать это………….. Давай сделаем это……………… 11. критика / упрек Тебе не следовало этого делать.. Тебе не следует этого делать (сейчас) ………………………… Мог бы и сделать это (сейчас)…………………………. (в прошлом, ситуацию не исправить)……………………. 12. долженствование Я должен сделать это (я сам считаю это необходимым)…………………. (этого требует ситуация)……… ( мы так договорились)………... 13. необходимость Мне нужно это сделать……….. Мне не нужно этого делать……. Мне не пришлось этого делать... Зря я это сделал………………… Нужно ли мне это сделать?........ 14. запрос на инструкцию Мне сделать это?........................ Как мне это сделать?................... Вы настаиваете, чтобы я это сделал?..........................................

I can do it. I could / was able to do it. I was able to do it. I couldn’t do it. I’ll be able to do it. It can / may happen. / I can / may do it. It can’t happen. Can it happen? It may / might / could happen. / I may / might / could do it. It may not happen. / I may not do it. It may / might / could happen. It may / might / could be happening. It may / might / could have happened. It may / might / could have been happening. Can / could / might it happen? It could / might have happened. It must be happening. It must have happened. It must have been happening. It can’t / couldn’t happen. It can’t / couldn’t be happening. It can’t / couldn’t have happened. It can’t / couldn’t have been happening. May I do it? Could I do it? Can I do it? You may (not) do it. You can do it. You can’t do it. You mustn’t do it. You needn’t do it. You mustn’t do it. You can’t do it. You may not do it. No, you can’t. Could you do it? Can you do it? Will you do it? Would you do it? You must do it. You should (not) / ought (not) to do it. Should I do it? You must do it. Shall I do it? Would you …? Can I help you? We could / can do it. We may / might as well do it Shall we do it? You shouldn’t have done it. You shouldn’t be doing it. You might do it. You might have done it. I must do it. I have to do it. I am to do it. I need to do it. I don’t have / need to do it. I didn’t have / need to do it. I needn’t have done it. Do I have / need to do it. Shall I do it? How shall I do it? Must I do it?

SECTION 6

EXERCISES

Exercise 1. Complete the sentences using the correct form of can. Comment on its meaning in each sentence.

1. Tom . . . drive but he has no car.

2. I can’t understand Martin. I’ve never . . . understand him

3. I used to . . . stand on my head but I can’t do it now.

4. He can’t play tennis very well now but he . . . play quite well when he was younger.

5. Did they find your house? – Yes. It took them a long time but they . . . find it.

6. He hurt his leg so he . . . walk very well.

7. The boy fell into the river but fortunately I . . . rescue him.

8. My grandmother loved music. She . . . play the piano very well.

9. When shall we go and see Tom? – We . . . do it on Friday.

10. . . . I help you, sir?

11. Did you buy that car? – No. I . . .have bought it but decided not to.

12. Jim wanted Ken to play tennis on Monday afternoon but couldn’t contact him. Ken . . . have played anyway because he wasn’t free on Monday afternoon.

13. . . . you tell me the right time, Mr. White?

14. I don’t think so. She . . . know a lot of people here. She is a stranger in this town.

15. Did Tom know about the plan? – No. He . . .have known about it? We kept it a secret.

16. He refused to help us. But he . . . have helped us if he wanted to.

Exercise 2. Complete the sentences using the correct form of may. Comment on its meaning in each sentence.

1. Do you know if they are married? - I’m not sure. They . . . be married.

2. Do you know if she was serious? - I’m not sure. She . . . have been serious. It sounded too improbable. I’m not sure.

3. Look! Sue’s going out. I wonder where she’s going. – I don’t know. She . . . be going to the theatre.

4. My friend said I . . . meet a lot of interesting people there.

5. . . . you be very happy!

6. Where are going for your holidays? – I haven’t yet decided but I . . . go to Italy.

7. Yesterday I had to do everything by myself. You . . .have helped me. Why didn’t you?

8. A friend has invited you to a party. You’re not very keen to go but there isn’t anything else to do. So you think you should go. You say: ‘I . . . as well go. There isn’t anything else to do’.

9. . . . I come in? – Yes , you … .

10. You are not alone in the room! You . . . .stop smoking.

Exercise 3. Complete the sentences using the correct form of must where possible. Comment on its meaning in each sentence.

1.All lights …be turned off by midnights.

2. We must make him change his mind, …we?

3. When you drive, you …go faster than the speed limit.

4. I … have been sleeping when you phoned.

5. I …be more attentive at the lectures.

6. You … visit the museum.

7. … we really help him?

8. He said he … talk about it with his friends.

9. You … come on time.

10. You … get tired tomorrow.

Exercise 4. Can, may, must: Which of the sentences is correct?

1. Неужели он не заметил тебя?

1. Can he have failed to notice you?

2. Could he not notice you?

3. Can he not have noticed you?

2. Жаль, что вчера погода была плохая, мы могли бы пойти прогуляться.

1. We could take a walk.

2. We could have taken a walk.

3. We can have taken a walk.

3. Может быть, он тебя не заметил.

1. He may not notice you.

2. He might not have noticed you.

3. He might not notice you.

4. Это не может быть правдой.

1. It must not be true.

2. It cannot be true.

3. Can it be true?

5. Неужели она все еще ждет нас?

1. Can she still wait for us?

2. She may not be waiting for us.

3. Can she be still waiting for us?

6. Она, должно быть, скоро придет.

1. She must come soon.

2. She’ll probably come soon.

3. She can come soon.

7. Неужели он знал об этом?

1. Could he know about it?

2. May he have known about it?

3. Can he have known about it?

8. Я предполагаю, что он может и не знать об этом.

1. He may not know about it.

2. He may fail to know about it.

3. He cannot know about it.

9. Джейн впервые в нашем городе. Почему вы ее не встретили вчера в аэропорту? Могли бы и встретить.

1. You might meet her.

2. You might have met her.

3. You could have met her.

10. Возможно, он этого не знал.

1. He may not have known about it.

2. He must have known nothing about it.

3. He could know nothing about it.

11. Он точно не знал этого.

1. He cannot have known about it.

2. He must not have known about it.

3. He must know nothing about it.

12. Она, должно быть, много читает.

1. She must be reading a lot.

2. She must read a lot.

3. She may be reading a lot.

13. В конце концов, мы смогли заказать 2 билета.

1. At last we could book 2 tickets.

2. At last we can have booked 2 tickets.

3. At last we were able to book 2 tickets.

14. Словарь возьму?

1. May I take your dictionary?

2. Can I take your dictionary?

3. Could I take your dictionary?

15. Перед неисчисляемыми существительными неопределенный артикль употреблять нельзя.

1. You may not use the indefinite article before uncountable nouns.

2. You must not use the indefinite article before uncountable nouns.

3. You can not use the indefinite article before uncountable nouns.

Exercise 5. Complete the sentences using the correct form of have to. Comment on its meaning in each sentence.

1. I’d like to. But Mum says I … visit my grand parents.

2. If you are late, I … do everything myself.

3. Tomorrow I .. get up earlier than usual.

4. It rained yesterday. We … water the flowers.

5. … he really … leave?

Exercise 6. Complete the sentences using the correct form of be to. Comment on its meaning in each sentence.

1. ‘You … do it immediately’, says the father to the child.

2. As we had agreed, we … wait for them at the bus stop.

3. He …have bought the flowers but he didn’t.

4. What … become of me?

5. Tomorrow I … come first.

Exercise 7. Complete the sentences using the correct form of need (to). Comment on its meaning in each sentence.

1. I get to school by bus which leaves at 7. I … get up early .

2. You … have bought any bread. I didn’t ask you to do it.

3. The exercise is very easy. You … do it in writing.

4. My friend phoned me and said that he was running late. I … hurry.

5. He … do any shopping. His mother does everything.

Exercise 8. Must, have to, be to, need:

1. Which of the patterns would you use to translate the sentences into English?There may be more than one answer to some of the sentences so choose the best one:

1. Мне нужно спешить. В шесть часов я должен встретить маму на вокзале.

1. must meet

2. am to meet

3. need to meet

4. have got to meet

2. Боюсь, мне нужно уходить. Меня ждут дома.

1. have to go

2. need to go

3. am to go

4. have got to go

3. Должно быть, это держали в секрете долгое время.

1. must be kept

2. must have been kept

3. had to be kept

4. was to be kept

4. Вчера Тому не нужно было никуда выходить, так как Мери купила все необходимое накануне.

1. did not have to go out

2. need not have gone out

3. need not go out

4. must not go out

5. Позже или раньше, но всегда приходиться выбирать.

1. one has to choose

2. must choose

3. needs to choose

4. is to choose

6. Мы решили, что он должен рассказать ей, что произошло.

1. was to have told her

2. had to tell her

3. must have told her

4. was to tell her

7. Ни к чему было покупать эту книгу. Ее можно взять в библиотеке.

1. did not need to buy

2. need not have bought

3. did not have to buy

4. was not to have bought

8. Можете не выполнять это упражнение письменно. Мы проверим его устно.

1. need not have done it in writing

2. do not have to do

3. are not to do

4. need not do

9. Ей приходится вставать рано, так как ей долго добирать до университета.

1. has to get up

2. needs to get up

3. must get up

4. has got to get up early

10. Завтра выходной, и тебе не нужно вставать рано.

1. must not get up

2. are not to get up

3. do not have to get up

4. will not need to get up

2. Translate the sentences above into English.

Exercise 9. Complete the sentences using the correct form of should / ought to. Use either of the verbs or both where possible. Comment on their meanings in each sentence.

1.You … ask Tom about his exam. He failed and is too much upset about it.

2. Do you think you … do it immediately?

3. Don’t worry. Rachel … do well in her exam.

4. You … have been so rude to your parents.

5. Why … I do it?

Exercise 10. Complete the sentences using the correct form of will or shall. Comment on their meanings in each sentence.

1. Oh, someone’s knocking. That … be Greg.

2. … I switch on the lights?

3. … you answer my question?

4. The door … open. We can’t get in.

5. He explained that the door … open.

Exercise 11. Complete the sentences with the appropriate forms of the words in parentheses. Add not if necessary for a sentence to make sense. (Section 3)

1. Look. Those people who are coming in the door are carrying wet umbrellas. It (must + rain).

2. A: Where’s that cold air coming from?

B: Someone (must + leave) the door open.

3. Alex (should + watch) TV now. He has a test tomorrow that he needs to study for.

4. The roads are treacherous this morning. In places there’re nothing but a sheet of ice. I (should + take) a bus to work today instead of driving my car.

5. A: Why didn’t Jack answer the teacher when she asked him a question?

B: He was too busy staring out of the window. He (must + daydream).

6. A: Where is Jane? I haven’t seen her for weeks?

B: I’m not sure. She (might +travel) in Europe. I think I heard her mention something about spending a few weeks in Europe this spring.

7. You (need + buy) so much food. We are leaving tomorrow.

8. Mary (may + return) by Wednesday

9. Her eyes are red. She (must + cry).

10. You say it was boring at the party. Anyway I (could + come) as I was busy studying for my exam.

Exercise 12. Say the sentences in another way using modals.

1. I’m sure this is the hotel we stayed at last year.

2. It’s not a good idea to eat so much chocolate.

3. Please help me with my bags.

4. She is able to play the guitar well.

5. Why not see a film tonight.

6. Don’t work too hard.

7. It isn’t possible for me to meet you this evening.

8. I’ve finished my exams. It’s not necessary for me to study any more.

9. There’s a possibility of better weather tomorrow.

10. Our family went to the seaside every summer but not any more.

11. Do you want me to help you to unpack the shopping?

12. Do you mind if I leave work early today?

13. I refuse to eat such disgusting food!

14. Do you know how to make real Italian Pizza?

15. My only regret is that I didn’t follow her advice.

16. Why use the car? Why don’t you cycle to work?

17. It isn’t necessary for Irish people to take a passport to enter Britain.

18. It was impossible to understand a word he said.

19. I strongly recommend the exhibition at the British Museum.

20. I don’t recognize this street. Maybe we took a wrong turning.

21. Let’s go for a bike ride.

22. I’m sure Paula’s train left on time.

23. I’m sure Jim didn’t mention the matter to anyone.

24. It’s possible that Liverpool will win the match.

25. Do you want me to make the lunch?

Exercise 13. Decide how to say what you would say in the following situations. There may be a number of possible answers (Section 2).

1. Offer to open the door for a stranger.

2. Ask someone to answer the door for you.

3. Invite to go for a swim this morning.

4. Offer to make someone a sandwich.

5. Request an appointment to see your bank manager, Ms Arnold.

6. Give someone permission to use your phone.

7. Suggest going for a picnic this afternoon.

8. Ask someone to wait here for you.

9. Give your son permission to go out but tell him to be back before it gets dark.

10. You are on a train. The woman next to you has finished reading a newspaper. Ask her to let you have a look at it.

11. You are in the post office. You want to buy three stamps for Russia. What do you say?

12. Your friend wants you to phone him later. You don’t know what time to phone. Ask him when to do this.

13. You are the teacher. Give your students permission not to work in groups today but tell them not to talk too loud.

14. Offer to answer the phone.

15. You friend is going to visit Greece. Advise him to learn a few words of Greek before he goes.

16. Ask a friend for a pen.

17. Allow you friend to take your pen.

18. A friend has just come to see you in your flat. Offer him something to drink.

19. You are sitting in a crowded bus. There is an old lady standing. Offer her your seat.

20. You are at an interview. You want to smoke a cigarette. What do you ask first?

21. You are in a car with a friend who is driving. He is going to park the car but there is a No Parking sign. You see the sign and say:

22. It is very hot in the room. The window is shut. Suggest opening the window.

23. You don’t think it would be a good idea for Jill and Sam to get married.

24. You’ve got a pound note but you need some change. Ask someone to help you.

25. Prohibit your child to waste money on candies.

Exercise 14. Report what he said / asked (Section 4).

1. ‘You should look for a new job no.’ → He said …

2. ‘You can borrow my guitar.’ →

3. ‘The baby is crying. You must have woken her’ →

4. ‘May I leave earlier today?’ →

5. ‘You must collect more data.’ →

6. ‘That can’t be true.’ →

7. ‘She has to study a lot.’ →

8. ‘I can show you the way.’ →

9. ‘You mustn’t be late for work.’ →

10. ‘He may be still sleeping.’ →

11. ‘Shall I carry this bag for you?’ →

12. ‘You should have tried to do it.’ →

13. ‘You needn’t translate the sentences.’ →

14. ‘We are to meet at ten.’ →

15. ‘I may be wrong.’ →

Exercise 15. Translate the following sentences into English (Section 5).

1. Я умею говорить по-английски.

2. Когда ему было 4 года, он уже умел читать.

3. Она смогла убедить его переехать в другой отель.

4. Он не смог отказаться от этого предложения.

5. Я уже несколько дней не могу дозвониться до родителей.

6. Я думаю, что по окончании этих курсов я смогу водить машину.

7. Иногда он может исчезнуть на несколько дней, мы все уже привыкли к этому.

8. Не волнуйся, сегодня он может опоздать.

9. Возможно, он не выполнит это задание. Оно слишком трудное.

10.Я уверен, что он справится с этим заданием.

11. Я уверен, что он справился с этим заданием.

12. Возможно, он не справился с этим заданием.

13. Я уверен, что он не справился с этим заданием.

14. Он мог бы справиться с этим заданием, если бы постарался.

15. Он все равно не справился бы с эти заданием.

16. Возможно, он сейчас обедает.

17. Не может быть, чтобы он обедал. Сейчас еще слишком рано.

18. Я уверен, что в то время он обедал.

19. Не может быть, чтобы они обедали полтора часа.

20. Возможно ли то, что они сейчас обедают,

21.Позвольте задать вам вопрос.

22. Ты можешь мне помочь?

23. Вы можете позвонить в любое время.

24. Если нужно, звони мне в любое время.

25. Нельзя задавать ему этот вопрос.

26. Можете не звонить ему. Я сделаю это сам.

27. Позвоните мне, пожалуйста, в 10 утра.

28. Не могли бы Вы позвонить мне в 10 утра?

29.Тебе следует сначала позвонить, меня может не быть дома.

30. Обязательно позвони мне. Я буду ждать твоего звонка.

31. Следует ли мне позвонить и напомнить о нашей встрече?

32. Тебе нужно было позвонить и напомнить мне о нашей встрече.

33. Могу ли я Вам помочь? – Да, конечно.

34. Не хотите ли еще чаю?

35.Джон ждет тебя уже два часа. Мог бы постараться прийти

пораньше.

36. Мне обязательно нужно хорошо подготовиться к этому тесту.

37. Давай пойдем ложиться спать. Завтра нам нужно встать

пораньше.

38. Завтра мы встречаемся у входа в метро.

39.Хочешь я встречу тебя у метро?

40. Я зря ждал его у метро. Он приехал на автобусе.

41. Он приехал на пол часа раньше, мне не пришлось ждать его.

42. Где мне тебя ждать?

43. Тебе придется подождать меня, если я буду опаздывать.

44. Мы могли бы подождать его у входа в метро.

45. Можно и подождать немножко. Мы ведь не торопимся.

Exercise 16. Correct the following sentences if necessary.

1. Could you help me lift this box? – Of course, I could.

2. Although he was exhausted, he could finish the race.

3. The bus can be late tonight because there’s a lot of traffic.

4. Let’s wait two more minutes. She must come soon.

5. A: You mustn’t clean the floor.

B: Oh, have you done it already?

6. May you give me a lift to work tomorrow?

7. Sylvia can’t mean what she said.

8. A: Where is Colin?

B: I’m not sure. He must be in the study.

9. May these flowerы be from your fiancé?

10.Will we go for a walk this afternoon?

Exercise 17. Choose the correct variant.

1. A: Can / Might I have a biscuit, Mum?

B: Of course. Help yourself.

2. A: Could I use your pen?

B: Of course you could / can.

3. A: Where’s Jane?

B: I’m not sure. She may / must have gone shopping.

4. A: I didn’t know Rachel was in the choir/

B: Oh yes. She may / can sing beautifully.

5. A: Shall I cook dinner tonight?

B: No you mustn’t / needn’t. We’re going to a restaurant.

6 A: It’s Sally’s birthday on Wednesday.

B: I know I have to / must remember to buy her a present.

7. Although it was dark, he could / was able to find his way in the woods.

8. A: Shall / Must we have a barbecue next weekend?

B: Yes, if the weather’s fine.

9. A: She has a huge house and an expensive car.

B: Yes, she could / must be very rich.

10. Shall / Will you answer the phone, please?

11. A: I’m certain she’s looking for a new job.

B: She can’t / mustn’t. She’s found a good job.

12. You shouldn’t / needn’t have been so rude to him. It sounded very

offensive.

13. A: Can / Shall I have a milkshake, please?

B: Yes, of course. What flavour would you like?

14. A: I saw Tina in town last night.

B: You could / can’t have seen her. She’s on holiday in Spain.

15. Lizzie might / could spell her name before she was three.

16. A: Did you phone Alan yesterday?

B: No, I needn’t have / didn’t need to. He came round to see me.

17. John can’t be working / work in the library now. I saw him leave an

hour ago.

18. It must have happened / happen like this.

19. Who may / can this present be from?

20. Can / Will I help you, ma’am?

Exercise 18. Choose the correct answer.

1. Shall I make you a cup of tea?

a. Yes, please.

b. No, you won’t.

2. Would you help me please? My car won’t start?

a. I’d be happy to.

b. Yes, I would.

3. Could you open the door for me, please?

a. Yes, I could.

b. Of course.

4. Can you do the washing up for me, please?

a. No, I may not.

b. No problem.

5. We could go for a walk this afternoon.

a. That’s a nice idea.

b. No, we might not.

6. Could I sit down for a minute, please?

a. Yes, of course.

b. No, you couldn’t.

7. Can I get you anything, madam?

a. No, you can’t.

b. No, thank you. I’m just looking.

8. Can I go and play football now, please?

a. Not at all.

b. Yes, if you like.

9. Shall I pick you up from work this evening?

a. Yes, please.

b. No, you won’t.

Exercise 19.