Modal verbs in English: what it is and what they "eat"?

verb in the English language - the part of speech is very unusual.Let's start with the fact that this language distinguishes 4 types of verbs - meaning, the subsidiary, phrasal and modal.In this article we will talk just about them.So, modal verbs in the English language - not the most difficult subject.But what are they?First of all, this kind of verbs does not obey the basic rules of change and education forms the common, meaningful verbs.They indicate the need or desire to perform this action.

What characterizes modal verbs in the English language?

  • not used without semantic verbs.
  • not vary in individuals.
  • not vary in numbers.
  • not have infinitive.
  • Some of modal verbs do not have a form of past and future time, so instead they use similar meaning verbs.
  • When constructing negative and interrogative sentence, as a rule, do not use the auxiliary verb.

At first glance, all this seems complicated - understood English, modal verbs, verbs table, which plunges the person into a panic ... In fact, things are not so bad.And you will see for yourself.

basic modal verbs English

Can

Indicates the physical ability to perform some action.In the past and future tense instead can used was able and will be able respectively.This word also has the shape of could , but it is rarely used in the past tense.This form is used in polite requests and appeals.It can also be used as an expression of doubt as to the possibility of an action.Note that could communicating use is still preferable to can .Drawing an analogy with the Russian, can - is crony treatment that allowed only the closest relatives of people.And even then, you do not become rough contact to your best friend?That can used anywhere does not need.The British differ exaggerated politeness, courtesy and respect for other people's personal space.If you ask at the store the bread, using a can , you just do not answer, and it's in the best case.At worst - you will hear from the meticulous British what you uncultured people.

example :

  • I will be able to help you.- I can help you.
  • Maybe he could bring me my favourite tea.- I do not know, maybe it still will bring me my favorite tea.

As to the form could , it also represents an opportunity to do something in the past and translates subjunctive.

  • Could he give us his car for a week?- Could he give us his car for a week?

Must

This verb has only shape now.Last time in the future instead of must put another modal verb - have to .Note that it has a form of all-time and is used with an auxiliary verb.Indicates hard ought, but in the negative - a strict ban on committing any act.

example :

  • You must not drink so much juice!- You should not drink so much juice!
  • You must help your mother around the house.- You have to help my mother with the housework.

Have to

Like the previous verb, have to indicates the action that people must do, regardless of the external environment and their desire.It's a tough imperative, which is well illustrated by the phrase "Die Another Day, but do it."Recall that this is the verb form of all time and is used in conjunction with an auxiliary verb in the construction of denial and issue.The rest of the modal verbs in the English language is used without an auxiliary verb.

example :

  • We have to write this work because it is our graduate test.- We need to write this work, as this is our final qualifying test.
  • We will have to go to our granny soon, but she never expects us.- We will soon have to go to her grandmother, but she never let us wait.
  • You have to go for a long walk to the doctor with your dog.- You should go pogullyat with a dog for a long time and then go to the doctor.

Should

This verb denotes a softer dolzhestvovanie is imperative in the form of advice.Furthermore, it can be used to express the perceived need to do something.

example :

  • I will not be silent.Not only we think he should not come home in the morning.- I will not be silent.Not only do we think that he should not come home in the morning.

May

as the past tense form is used might , which indicates the likelihood of weak action.In addition, it can be used as a polite request or permission to do something.

What will help to learn English?

In any case, what will help you to learn English well - tests.Modal verbs is well absorbed when using the test form of knowledge control.However, the subtleties of the use of verbs may learn only in the language environment.But in any case, if you learn one modal verbs in the English language, that knowledge will stay with you for life.Also, do not underestimate the influence of the environment.Once in the language environment, a person begins to make significant progress in the language.Why so?The thing is necessary.In a desperate situation people mobilized, collected, and training is faster.