- •General characteristics of modal verbs can (could)
- •May (might)
- •May/Might in the sense of supposition or uncertainty is not used in questions, instead other means are used: Is it likely ...?Do you think ...?:
- •Remember set-expressions:
- •Must expressing probability is not used with reference to the future, instead probably, evidently or to be likely are used:
- •Must expressing probability is not used in negative and interrogative sentences, the verb to fail or negative words (nobody, never) or negative prefixes (dis-, mis-, un- etc.) are used:
- •Must may be used for emphasis, in this case it isn’t translated into Russian.
- •Have to (have got to)
- •Have to replaces must to express past necessity or obligation or to express future obligation which makes it more precise:
- •Have to can be used together with the modal verb may:
- •Remember set-expressions:
- •The difference between the two forms of need in negative sentences with the reference to the past is as follows:
- •Ought to
- •The modal verb should can be used to express emotional colouring in questions like:
- •Will (would)
- •Remember set-expressions:
- •To venture, to have the courage or impudence
- •Remember set-expressions:
Must expressing probability is not used with reference to the future, instead probably, evidently or to be likely are used:
He will probably feel lonely.
Must expressing probability is not used in negative and interrogative sentences, the verb to fail or negative words (nobody, never) or negative prefixes (dis-, mis-, un- etc.) are used:
The letter must have never reached them. She must fail to recognise you.
Must may be used for emphasis, in this case it isn’t translated into Russian.
Just when we were ready to go on holiday, the child must catch measles.
Have to (have got to)
CONCRETE |
IMPERATIVE |
SUPPOSITIONAL |
Have to + Indefinite Infinitive She has to prepare a lot before she starts work. I have to work long hours.
Have to + Indefinite Infinitive You don’t have to stay in here with me, if it bothers you.
|
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NOTE:
Have to replaces must to express past necessity or obligation or to express future obligation which makes it more precise:
We had to do that again.
You’ll have to take a taxi if you mean to catch the train.
Have to can be used together with the modal verb may:
We may have to wait long here.
BE TO
CONCRETE |
IMPERATIVE |
SUPPOSITIONAL |
Be to + Indefinite Infinitive I am to go down in my car and pick up the parcels. When am I to come? Be to + Perfect Infinitive She was to have graduated in June, but unfortunately fell ill.
Be to + Indefinite Infinitive Passive Where are the postal oreders to be cashed? They are not to be trusted.
Be to + Indefinite Infinitive I didn’t know at that time that she was to be my wife.
|
Be to + Indefinite Infinitive You are to stay here until I return.
Be to + Indefinite Infinitive You are not to smoke in this room.
|
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NOTE:
Remember set-expressions:
Who’s to blame? What’s to be done? It’s to be hoped.
What am I to do? What is to become of me? Where am I to go?
NEED
CONCRETE |
IMPERATIVE |
SUPPOSITIONAL |
Need + Indefinite Infinitive Need I answer this question?
Need + Indefinite Infinitive The teacher needn’t explain such simple things. Need + Perfect Infinitive You needn’t have paid for this.
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Need + Indefinite Infinitive Shall I go there? – No, you needn’t. |
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NOTE:
The modal verb need may be either defective or regular. The regular form is used mainly when the following infinitive denotes habitual action and it occurs in all types of sentences. The defective form is more common when one particular occasion is referred to and it is basically restricted to negative and interrogative sentences.
You needn’t do it just now. You don’t need to say it every time you see him.
Need I show you my pass now? Do I need to show you my pass every time?