Use of Modal Verbs Can (Could) and May (Might). Modal verbs must, have to, may, might: rules of use

In English, they differ from other verbs in that they are not used independently and do not denote a specific action or
state, they reflect its modality, that is, the speaker’s attitude towards it. Together, the modal verb and the infinitive of the meaningful verb form a compound modal predicate.

I can swim. I can swim.

The speaker can evaluate the action as possible, necessary, permitted, requested, prohibited, ordered, unlikely, very probable, etc.

Can or May?

The use of the verbs can and may in modern English is often confusing. Once upon a time, according to the strict rules of English grammar
can expressed physical or mental ability, A
may – permission and approval. It was considered incorrect to use can in the meaning of permission.

Today the rules of language are not so defined. Already from the second half of the 19th century
can used in informal speech to express permission. IN
formal and official in communication situations the verb should be used may to request permission.

For example, in a conversation with a restaurant waiter it would be more advantageous to sound

May I have more salt, please?

As for prohibitions/denials , then use may not extremely NOT recommended. This applies to all styles.

Use may in such cases, although formally acceptable, it sounds unnatural. Educated people are more likely to say
"Can't I?" rather than “Mayn’t I?” or “May I not?” And even according to the strict rules of English grammar, the question “Why mayn’t I go to the disco?” sounds
wrong, one might say "Not
in English".

When is what used? Can or could, may or might?

CAN is used:

1. When expressing capabilities or possibilities
do something. (Indefinite Infinitive)

I can swim. You can play. / I can swim. You can play.

2. When do something.

I cannot swim. He cannot see / I can't swim. He can't see.

3. When the possibility that an action could have been denied
come true in reality. (Perfect Infinitive)

You cannot have done it. / It can’t be that you did this.

COULD is used:

1. When expression capabilities or abilities
in past . (Indefinite Infinitive)

They could swim. / They didn't know how to swim.

2. When expression denial of possibility or ability
taking any action in past .

She couldn't swim. / She didn't know how to swim.

3. When consumed indirect speech , depending from a verb in the past tense . (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)

I said that you couldn't have done that. / I said you couldn't do it.

4. In the main part of conditional sentences.

In conditional sentences of the second type and third type (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive).

If he tried, he could do

If he had tried, he could have done it. / If he tried, he could do it.

MAY is used:

1. To express permission for any action (Indefinite Infinitive)

You may go home now. / Now you can go home.

2. To express an assumption: relating to the present and future (Indefinite Infinitive) or to the past (Perfect Infinitive)

It may rain today. / It might rain today.

She may have returned to Moscow. / She may have returned to Moscow.

MIGHT is used:

1. When using indirect speech depending on the verb in the past tense.

to express permission (Indefinite Infinitive) or express assumption (Indefinite Infinitive and Perfect Infinitive)

She said that he might take her cellphone. / She said he could take her phone.

He said that she might know their address. / He said that she might know their address.

2. In the main part of conditional sentences: in conditional sentences of the second (Indefinite Infinitive) and third type (Perfect Infinitive)

Using the phrase to BE ABLE TO

As you probably already noticed when considering the verb can , it has only two forms, these are - can and could , i.e. when expressed in the present or past tense. But how can we convey the meaning of this modal verb in other tenses?
forms? For this it has a synonym expressed by the combination "to be able to" . This phrase, like the verb can, denotes ability, skill.

I can swim = I am able to swim - I can (able) to swim.

BUT it wouldn't be that simple! When using this phrase it is necessary
consider the difference between a modal verb can and the expression itself
to be able to.

The point is that if we use to be able to in the present or past tense as a direct replacement can or could, then the very meaning of the entire sentence changes! In such a case, the combination shows that a person can or cannot do something in a particular case in question, at a certain point in time. Let's try to figure it out using an example, say, with the same verb swim. Let's say I can swim. And this morning, while going down the stairs, I twisted my leg, and that’s why today I can’t swim. But the fact that I twisted my leg did not change my ability to swim.

I can swim. But I’m not able to swim today. / I can swim. But today I am not able to swim.

What about other temporary forms? For example, how we will do something in the future.

I will be able to go to you tomorrow. / I can come see you tomorrow.

To give denial , particle is used not
by joining.

I am not able to... I will not (won’t) be able to... I was not (wasn’t) able to... etc.

It is necessary to remember

— With all personal pronouns, the modal verb does not change.

I,WE,YOU,THEY,HE,SHE,IT - can (cannot/can’t), could (couldn’t) - verb “ability” (do, play, see, come..)

— Between the modal verb and the verb “ability”
absent TO!

Statement of a question

In an interrogative sentence, the first place comes
, followed by 2.Modal verb, then 3.Agent and finally 4.Action verb.

(1)When (2)can (3)you (4)get home? / When can you come home?

Will you be able to give me your book? – Can you give me your book? (As you can see, in the case of the phrase be able to, the formulation of the question remains unchanged, as with a regular verb.)

Modal verbs are a new concept for Russian speakers and, starting to study them, you should clarify for yourself what type of words they are and how they differ from ordinary verbs:

This is a small group of words that do not denote an action, but only the possibility, admissibility, likelihood or necessity of performing some action

Action:
She writes poems. — She writes poems.

Probability of action:
She can write poems. — She can write poems.

1. Modal verbs express not action, but the possibility of action
   • The modal verb comes before the semantic verb and, together with it, forms a complex verbal predicate. He must work a lot if he wants to become a good specialist. —
2. He must work hard if he wants to become a good specialist
   • The verb after the modal is always in the infinitive form, but in most cases without the infinitive particle -to You may take my laptop. —
3. You can borrow my laptop.
   • They do not need negative and interrogative sentence types in the auxiliary verb. Negation and question are constructed using the modal words themselves May I take your copybook? —?
     Can I borrow your notebook Yes, you may.-
   • Yes you can I can't translate these expressions into English
4. In the Present Simple tense in the third person they do not have the typical ending -s.
   • She must make a choice. -
   • She must make a choice

What to choose - may or can?

The topic of modal verbs cannot be called difficult, but among them there are pairs of words with the “identical” translation into Russian. Such pairs of words, of course, have certain semantic connotations in the English language, which determine their use. Today we will look at one of these difficult pairs of verbs:
may-can — be able

Use can or may very often a difficulty for beginners, although their translation seems to be no different. However, I think that after studying this table, you will realize that there are clear differences between them that are not so difficult to remember. Why is it so important to deal with this? Because exactly can And may are among the most frequently used in the English language.

The modal verb can expresses mental or physical ability. Indicates that the actor has the strength to perform the action

• I can read in Russian, Bulgarian and French. — I can read Russian, Bulgarian and French
• I can work 10 hours a day, but I am very tried at the end of the working day. - I can work 10 hours a day, but I am very tired at the end of the working day

The modal verb may expresses someone's approval or permission to perform an action. Indicates that the subject has been given the opportunity to do something

• He may use this desk when he prepares his homework. — He can use this table when he does his homework
• Granny, you got a letter. May I read it to you? — Grandma, you received a letter. Can I read it to you?

Using can and may in informal speech

What was said above is an “unbreakable” rule of use can And may in standard English. But what we see in informal, spoken English is somewhat different - a modal verb can displaces may out of use.

So, asking permission, the child does not use may as it should:

Mom, can I play in the yard? — Mom, can I play in the yard?
Yes, you can. — Yes.

At the same time, even adults, knowing the rules and semantic subtleties of these words, still neglect them, considering the modal verb may too prim. Having talked about this phenomenon in modern spoken English, I in no way encourage you to speak the same way - on the contrary, my advice would still be to use these words correctly in appropriate situations.

Video: What's the difference between Can and May?

Use of verbs can And may is often problematic in modern English. It is sometimes difficult to immediately say which sentence will be correct: “May we expect you tomorrow?” or “Can we expect you tomorrow?”

Once upon a time, according to the strict rules of English grammar can expressed physical or mental ability, A may– permission And OK. It was considered wrong to use can in the meaning of permission. There was a verb for this may:
- May I accompany you to the concert, Miss Smith
- Why of course you may, honey.

And this young lady could ask about her dancing abilities like this:
- Can you do the tango?

And get, for example, such a positive answer:
- Why of course I can, Miss Smith.

Today the rules of language are not so defined. Already from the second half of the 19th century can used in informal speech to express permission. For example, you might hear the following:
Can I go to the party? -Can I go for the evening?

And these days, can also used in informal context for expressing permission. Primary school teachers often hear
Can I go to the garden?

and his parents are being persecuted
Can I have a doll?

Children repeat what they hear from adults, and the latter, as can be seen, are increasingly moving away from may, which sometimes sounds too prim.
Linguist Weichman also separates these verbs, noting that the question with may“sounds more polite.”
Therefore, we can conclude that only in formal and official communication situations should this verb be used to request permission. For example, in a conversation with a restaurant waiter it would be more advantageous to sound
May I have more salt, please?

than
Can I have more salt, please?

And if you knock on the door, it’s better to ask
May I come in?

As for prohibitions, then use may not highly not recommended. This applies to all styles.
You can't go to the disco.

Use may in such cases, although formally acceptable, it sounds unnatural. Educated people are more likely to say “Can’t I?” rather than “Mayn’t I?” or “May I not?” And even according to the strict rules of English grammar, the question “Why mayn’t I go to the disco?” sounds wrong, you can say “not in English” So, in the near future, the verb may not, most likely, will become archaic, if it hasn’t already.

Now let's return to the question asked at the beginning of the article. Which option would be correct: “Can or may we see you tomorrow?” First you need to understand what the speaker means: ability or permission. To do this, you can replace the verb, for example, with its equivalent:
Are we allowed to see you tomorrow?

It is immediately clear that the resolution value is not appropriate.
But the ability in this case is also not implied:
Are we mentally able to see you tomorrow?

If you think about it a little, you come to the conclusion that in this case the best option would be might:
Might we see you tomorrow?

For the difference in the use of may and might, see.

Meanwhile, “Are you coming tomorrow?” may also be suitable in this case. But if you had to choose between can And may, then it is still advisable to give preference to the first:
Can we see you tomorrow?

So, in an informal setting, the use can instead of may allowed and widely used in speech, while in formal style it is recommended to use may.

InformationI

Modal verbs do not denote the action itself, but indicate the speaker’s attitude towards it. The main features of modal verbs are that they:

1) require after themselves the infinitive of the semantic verb without the particle “to”: I can do this;

2) form an interrogative and a negative form without an auxiliary verb: Can you help me? – No, I cannot (I can’t);

3) the verbs “can” and “may” have only present and past tense forms, the verb “must” has only the present tense form. Modal verbs do not form complex verb forms;

4) do not change either by person or by number: He can speak English;

5) do not have impersonal forms (infinitive, gerund, participle).

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with verbs "can», « may», « must"and check your friend

1. All the students… go home because there will be no meeting after classes.

2. He can help you as he is not busy now.

3. My son... skate well.

5. I am sorry, I... leave. At 5 o'clock I shall have a lecture.

6. When must you come to the lessons? We must come to the lessons at 8.

7. I… don’t go to the club today. I have no time.

8. There are children in this room. You must not smoke here.

9. ...I open the window? Yes, you….

10. You are free and may go home.

InformationII

The verb "can" (past tense "could") expresses the physical or mental ability to perform the action expressed by the infinitive. “Can” is translated into Russian by forms of the verbs “to be able” and “to be able to”:

In the meaning of the verb “can”, as well as in place of its missing forms, the combination “to be able” + an infinitive with the particle “to” can be used:

I shall be able to come to see you tomorrow.

I can come to you tomorrow.

I was able (= could) to do this.

I was able to do it.

I am able (= can) to do this.

I can do it.

Exercise 1

Complete the sentences according to this model and check with your friend:

Model: I can’t help you now, but I’ll be able to do it tomorrow.

1. I cannot come today, but….

2. They can’t swim now, but they’ll be able to do it next month.

3. I can’t talk to her tonight, but….

4. You can’t take my book today, but you’ll be able to do it tomorrow.

5. She can’t cook dinner today, but….

6. I can’t lend you any money this month, but I’ll be able to do it next month.

7. He can’t go to the country this Sunday, but….

8. We can’t help you with the text today, but we’ll be able to do it tomorrow.

Exercise 2

Translate these sentences into English and check your friend

1. I couldn't help you yesterday.

2. Can you believe this story?

3. He will be able to come to the meeting tomorrow.

4. She will be able to see you tomorrow.

6. They could go to the country last month.

7. You can help us tomorrow.

8. Can your sister play the piano?

9. What languages ​​can you speak?

10. He will be able to finish the work tomorrow.

InformationIII

The verb may (past tense might only for indirect speech) expresses:

1) resolution:

May I come in? Can I come in?

2) possibility or assumption:

It may rain today. Maybe it will rain today.

In the meaning of the verb “may”, as well as in place of its missing forms, the combination “to be allowed” + an infinitive with the particle “to” can be used.

He was allowed to stay here. He was allowed to stay here.

Exercise 1

Use the modal verb "may"at the specified time and check your friend

1. The students (may) leave the room in half an hour. (Future Indefinite).

2. She was allowed to play the piano yesterday.

3. You (may) look some words up in the dictionary at the examination. (Future Indefinite).

4. You will be allowed to stay away from classes tomorrow.

5. She (may) swim in the morning. (Past Indefinite).

6. We were allowed to go to the theater yesterday.

8. Ann is still weak. She will not be allowed to go out tomorrow.

9. You (may) use my dictionary in an hour. (Future Indefinite).

10. Shall I be allowed to bring my friend with me tomorrow?

InformationIV

The verb "must" expresses necessity or moral obligation. The verb “must” is translated into Russian with the words “should”, “need”, “must”:

I must get up early every day. I need to get up early every day.

The verb "must" has no past tense.

To express the past tense, its equivalents “to have to...” and “to be to...” are used. To express the future tense, only the equivalent “to have to...” is used.

The verb “to have” followed by the infinitive of another verb with the particle “to” expresses an obligation arising from external conditions, and is often translated into Russian by the verb “have to”.

I had to wait for the tram for 10 minutes yesterday.

Yesterday I had to wait 10 minutes for the tram.

The verb “to be to...” means an obligation arising from a preliminary agreement or plan.

Mister N. is to make a report at the next me ting.

Mr. N has to make a report at the next meeting.

Exercise 1

Translate the following sentences into Russian and check your friend

1. She had to ask for directions to the station.

2. The students will have to stay after their classes.

3. I have to do my homework today.

4. We were to meet at the station at 6.

5. You will have to repeat the lecture material before the exam.

6. When are we to visit the laboratories of the Institute?

7. I will have to answer a lot of letters tomorrow.

8. You will have to leave at 6 to catch the train.

9. Mom has to cook dinner after work.

10. The girl had to take care of her younger sisters and brothers.

11. I was supposed to arrive by the ten o'clock train, but I couldn't get a ticket for it.

12. We shall have to speak to him about it.

13. We must be with him no later than 8 o’clock.

14. He was to leave last night.

Exercise 2

Translate the following sentences using examples and check with your friend

(I) had to... (I) shall have to …

1. I had to get up early.

2. You will have to do this today.

3. We shall have to meet them.

4. He had to come at 8 o'clock.

Did (you) have to? … Will (you) have to? ...

5. Did you have to wait for a long time?

6. Will I have to make a report?

7. Did he have to do this work?

8. Do we have to go there?

(I) didn't have to... (I) shall not have to…

9. I didn’t have to write to him.

10. We won't need to call them.

11. They will not have to go there.

12. They shouldn't have gone to the station.

There is a whole category of words in English that can safely be called special, different from other groups of vocabulary. These words are modal verbs: Can, Could, Must, May, Might, Should, Need, Have to. Although they are not used as independent lexical units, since they express only the necessity, ability or possibility of performing an action, their role in the language is incredibly large. What are these words and when are they used?

Can

Can is rightfully considered the most common word in the modal group. Thanks to him, we can report that we know/can do something or are capable of something.

Can is used to indicate:

• intellectual or physical real ability to accomplish something;
• requests, permission, prohibition;
• doubts, mistrust, surprise.

But it is necessary to remember that the modal verb can itself does not denote an action, therefore it must be followed by another verb that directly indicates the execution of the process. This rule applies to all other words discussed below.

Could

Must

The modal verb must denotes obligation, namely:

• an obligation or a certain duty due to personal beliefs, principles, traditions;
• advice, recommendation or order;
• probability/supposition of the action taking place.

Must is used not only in the present tense, but also in the future. It is important to remember that in all cases its shape does not change.

May

The modal verb may indicates the possibility of performing an action or the assumption of such a possibility. In the general sense, it is translated as you can/can/can, etc. May is used when it is necessary to express:

• the objective possibility of performing an action that is not prevented by anything or anyone;
• formal request or permission;
• an assumption caused by doubt.

Might

Might is the past tense form of May. Also used to indicate the possibility/request/suggestion of performing an action. One of the special meanings of the word Might is an expression of slight condemnation or disapproval. It is interesting that although the modal verb might is considered a past tense form, it is used to denote the execution of a process both in the present and in the future.

The modal verb should is similar in meaning to Must, but is not as strict. Thus, Should is used when the task is to express an obligation or duty, stylistically weakened to a recommendation or advice. Should is also used to denote reproach or regret due to the fact that the desired action was not previously performed or can no longer be performed.

Need

The modal verb need should be used to express a need or urgent need to carry out an action. Accordingly, if Need is present in a negative construction, it denotes the lack of need/permission to do something. Need is also found in interrogative constructions - here it indicates doubts about the advisability of carrying out the process in question.

The main distinctive feature of Have to is that it denotes the obligation to perform actions due to specific circumstances. Based on this, the modal verb have to is recommended to be used only when it is necessary to indicate the compulsion of actions due to the current situation, and not personal desires. Have to can be used in all tenses, but each has its own form: present - Have to or Has to, past - Had to, future - Will have to.

Without a doubt, without modal verbs it is impossible to construct competent and stylistically neat speech. Therefore, when choosing methods of learning English that you can familiarize yourself with, be sure to include the study of this category of vocabulary in the chosen method. Moreover, now you have a useful theoretical basis that will help you successfully cope with the task.