Structurally dependent use of can
In subordinate clauses of purpose
so
that
smb can/could do smth
that
E.g. I’ll leave the newspaper on the table so that he can/could see it at once.
I left the newspaper on the table that he could see it at once.
Remember the set-phrase:
One can’t but do something Ничего другого не остается, как...
E.g. I can’t but ask him about it. Мне ничего другого не остается, как попросить его об этом. They couldn’t but refuse him. Им ничего не оставалось, как отказать ему.
? ? ?
What meanings can be expressed by the two variants can/could (subjunctive)? What is the difference between the variants? Give examples.
What meanings of the verb can are conveyed only by interrogative sentences? negative sentences? affirmative sentences?
What form of the verb can has sometimes the meaning of reproach?
MAY
Forms
Present: may (may not, mayn’t)
E.g. They who lose today may win tomorrow.
Past: might (might not, mightn’t)
E.g. She said they might leave on Sunday.
Subjunctive: might (might not, mightn’t)
E.g. a) implying more uncertainty than may: You might have seen him there, if you’d come. b) a more polite form than may: Might I take part in the competition too? c) expressing unreality: I wish I might come too.
Usage
Table 4
Meaning |
Type of the sentence |
The form of the infinitive |
Examples
|
Possibility due to circumstances |
Affirmative |
Usually non-perfect After might (subjunctive) the perfect infinitive indicates that the action was not carried out. |
You may order a taxi by phone. You might have ordered a taxi by phone, why didn’t you? |
a)Supposi-tion, implying uncertainty = perhaps, maybe Note: may well (not) = be very likely (not) |
Affirmative Negative |
a)Non-perfect to express simultaneousness with the moment of speaking or with the action of the verb in the main clause.
b)Perfect to express priority to the moment of speaking or to the action of the verb in the main clause |
a)You may/might be right. He may/might not be sleeping now. I said that he might not be sleeping. She may well refuse to do it because she is in a bad mood. b) He may/might have forgotten your request. I thought he might have forgotten your request. |
Reproach, implying irritation or annoyance (only the subjunctive form might is used in this meaning) |
Affirmative |
simultaneousness with the moment of speaking or with the action of the verb in the main clause. b)Perfect to express priority to the moment of speaking or to the action of the verb in the main clause. |
You might be more polite. Ты мог бы быть и повежливее. She thought he might be more polite. You might have come earlier. He said that I might have come earlier. |
Table 5
Meaning |
Type of sentence |
Examples |
Permission |
Affirmative |
You may take the book. |
Asking for permission |
Interrogative |
May/might I use your phone? |
Prohibition (not common) |
Negative |
You may not smoke in here. (More common are the forms: must not, cannot) |
Wish |
Affirmative |
May you have a very happy married life ! |