Modal verbs (can, could, may, might). Meaning and use.

Can expresses:

1. Mental, physical, circumstantial ability (Можливість) Can you lift the box?

2. Permission можете + инф. (Дозвіл) You can go now.

3. Request (Вопрос) Can you do me a favour?

4. Prohibition нельзя + инф. (Запрет) You can’t cross the street here.

1. We use could|couldn’t to describe general ability in the past. But if we mean that someone managed to do smth in the particular situation, you have to use: Was|were able to do smth. Was|were able to = managed «смог», «удалось»

The nagative couldn’t is possible in all situations.

2. We use could (do) in a number ways:

• ♥It is a past of can, expressing general ability in the past. (ми могли б)

• ♥Sometimes we use could to speak about possible future actions. In this case it has a present or a future meaning.

3. ♥The past of could is could have. We use could have to say that we had the ability to do smth but didn’t do it.

4. ♥We often use can + verb in place of the simple present with the verbs of perception.

I can see a bird = I see.

MAY

We use may|might:

1. To ask a permission|to give a permission.

2. To talk about possible happenings in the future (возможно, может быть).

3. I may go to Italy.

4. To talk about possible plans.

5. Reproach (only might) (мог бы) Докір.

Uncertainty, supposition implying strong doubt. Невизначеність, припущення має на увазі сильний сумнів.!!!

Shall is never a purely modal verb. It always combines its modal meaning with the function of an auxiliary expressing futurity. Поэднує модальність і вираження майбутнього часу.

It expresses determination on the part of the speaker, i. e. compulsion or order, threat or warning, promise. Він висловлює рішучість з боку мовця, обов'язок або порядок, погрозу або попередження, обіцянку.

1. ♥Shall expresses volition (волевой акт) with the first person subject in formal style. We shall uphold the wishes of the people. — Мы поддержим желания народа.

2. ♥ In interrogative sentences shall is used with the first and third persons to inquire after the wish of the person addressed. щоб дізнатися про бажання людини. Shall he go there? (Do you want him to go there?) — Идти ему туда?

It is also used for making suggestions about shared activities.

What shall we do this evening? Shall we go to the theatre?

3. Compulsion (принуждение) or strict order. In this meaning it is always used with the 2nd and 3rd person and has a strong stress.

By God, you shall do nothing of the sort.- Клянусь богом, вы этого не сделаете.

4. Threat (угроза) or warning. "You shall never see me again!" - Вы никогда меня больше не увидите!

5. Promise. It is also used with the second and third persons and with a weak stress. You shall not be punished. - Тебя не накажут.

Will. Will is hardly ever a purely modal verb. It generally combines its modal meaning with the function of an auxiliary expressing futurity. Поєднує в собі модальне значення з функцією допоміжного виражає майбуття. The modal verb will expresses volition, intention on the part of the speaker, or insistence. Виражає волю, намір з боку мовця, або намагання.

Tell Mr. Osborne it is a cowardly letter, sir, a cowardly letter — I will not answer it. (Thackeray) Скажите мистеру Осборну, что это трусливое письмо, сэр, трусливое; я на него не отвечу.

♥The modal verb will is used in polite requests. Ввічливі прохання.

Will you have a cup of tea?Will you give me a piece of bread, for I am very hungry?

♥Persistence referring to the present or to the future. Стійке посилання на сьогодення або майбутнє. "Don't tell me." "But I will tell you," repeated Sikes. (Dickens) «He говорите мне про это». «А я все равно скажу», — повторил Сайке.

♥It is also used in speaking about lifeless things when the speaker is annoyed at something and speaks about a thing or a phenomenon of nature as if it possessed a will of its own. Він також використовується кажучи про неживі речі, коли спікер роздратований на щось і говорить про речі або явища природи, які ніби мають власну волю It's no use trying to open the door, it will not open. Нечего стараться открыть эту дверь — она все равно не откроется.

Need. Need expresses necessity. It is mostly used in negative and interrogative sentences. You needn't be in such a fright. Take my arm. (Shaw) He надо так бояться. Возьмите меня под руку.

N o t e . —When need is used in the meaning of 'to be in want of' it is treated as a normal verb. He needs a new pair of shoes.

Need has only one tense form — the Present. In the same way, need is used as a normal and as an anomalous verb.

One need to be careful. (Zandvoort)

He did not need to be told twice. (Zandvoort)

Why need he bother us? (Kruisinga)

I am here. You needn't be afraid. (Greene)

I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen's happiness. (Wilde)

Need is used both with the Indefinite and with the Perfect Infinitive.

I suppose I needn't have made that observation. (Pinero)

Пожалуй, не к чему мне было делать такое замечание.

Dare. Dare means 'to have the courage (or impertinence) to do something'. «мати мужність (чи нахабства) зробити щось".

In the negative it denotes the lack of courage to do something. У негативі воно позначає відсутність мужності, щоб зробити щось. "How dare you ask the little Kelveys into the courtyard".

Dare has two forms — dare for the Present and dared for the Past.

Did he dare to strike me when I was down? (E. Bronte)

He did not dare to meet his uncle.(Kruisinga)

Dare is mostly used in interrogative and negative sentences.

However, we often come across I dare say which has become a stock phrase and acquired a new meaning 'I suppose'. Dare is used only with the Indefinite Infinitive.

Would. Would was originally the past tense of will.  Would has preserved those of will. Thus it expresses volition, persistence referring to the past. Висловлює волю, наполегливість, посилаючись на минуле.

1.Volition. In this meaning it is mostly used in negative sentences. She was going away and would not say where she was going. (Dreiser) Она уезжала и не хотела сказать, куда едет.

2.Persistence. Стійкість. I asked him not to bang the door, but he would do it. Я просил его не хлопать дверью, а он все продолжал хлопать.