Grammar: Modal verbs (can, may and their equivalents).
Modal verbs are used to show the speaker’s attitude towards the action. We use them with other verbs. Modal verbs are not “complete” verbs. We don’t use “to”-infinitives after modals: You mustn’t phone now. It’s late.
Modal verb
Equivalent
Present
Past
Future
can
to be able to ... may to be allowed to...
сan
am/is/are able to may am/is/are allowed to
Сould
was/were able to might was/were allowed to
will be able to - will be allowed to
In its first meaning “can” expresses:
1.Mental,phisycal,circumstantial ability
2.Permission можете + инф.
3.Request
4.Prohibition нельзя + инф.
We use may/ might:
. to ask permission/ to give permission (можно)
to talk about possible happenings in the Future (возможно, может быть)
to talk about possible plans (могу ,возможно)
reproach (мог бы)
We also use can/could to ask or refuse permission. Can I make myself a cup of tea? Could is more politelythan can: Could I make a phone call, please. Ex.6.Analyse the meaning of the verb “may”. Translate the sentences into Russian. 1.I said to Mrs. Micawber :” May I ask what you and Mr. Micawber intend to do, now that Mr. Micawber is out of his difficulties? Have you settled yet?” 2. He said I might come to him any day I liked. 3.I asked if I might bring my wife down next Saturday.4. If he walks from the station, he may arrive in the course of the next half-hour.5. It was some special occasion. I don’t remember what. It may have been my birthday.6. He may not have learned the news, that’s why he looks as if nothing had happened. 7.
Ex.7. Explain the meaning of "can" (ability, permission, request, prohibition, possible action) in the following sentences. 1. She is unwell, she can't leave her room. 2. Can I smoke here, Mrs. Right? 3. The teacher said they could all go home. 4. A policeman arrived and told him he couldn't park there. 5. My son is not in town; but he'll be here before long. - Can I give him any message? 6. We can discuss it now. 7. I could never understand what made her behave as she did. 8. If you are tired you can lie on the sofa for a bit. 9."Life," the old man said, "can only be understood when you are old. Now I see all the mistakes I could have avoided.” 10. We are in charge of this great business. We cannot leave our responsibility to others. 11. He was surprised that she could paint so well. 12. She is not married though she could marry anybody she chose.
Ex.8.Fill in the spaces with "will be able to" or "will not (won't) be able to". 1. When her arm is better, she ... play the piano again. 2. I'm sorry, but I ...come to your birthday party next week. 3. He ... eat everything when the doctor allows him. 4. My sister ...go out to dances until she is seventeen. 5. Why do you sit at the back of the class if you can't hear well? You ... hear better if you sit in the front. 6. I'm too busy to have a holiday this year, but I hope I ... have a long holiday next year. 7. The train leaves at five o'clock tomorrow morning. We ... catch it if we don't get up very early. 8. He was working very hard before he fell ill. He ...work so hard when he comes out of hospital. 9. Perhaps one day we ... travel to the Moon.
