English is a very polite language. That is worth at least the fact that everyone turns to each other on "you". When communicating, it is important to choose the correct forms, because although many forms have the same translation into Russian, in English they are perceived with varying degrees of politeness and formality. The expression of permission in English is a prime example of this.

There are several ways to express permission in English:

In this article, we'll talk about modal verbs. Colloquially, we can ask permission, give permission or forbid... Let's take a look at which modal verbs express each of these functions and what are the features of their use.

Asking for permission: can, could, may, might

To ask permission in English we have big choice means: modal verbs can, may, could, might.

Might- the most formal option, the rest differ in the level of politeness. Could and may- more polite forms than can... Although questions with these verbs will be translated into Russian in the same way ( May I...? , May I...?), in English, the choice of the correct form, depending on the communication situation, plays an important role. If you don't know the person very well, then to ask permission, use may or might... If you want to ask a friend politely, then use could . Can I...? - less formal and polite, but versatile option.

Mum, can I go for a walk? - Mom, can I go for a walk?
Jane, could I take a look at your report? "Jane, can I take a look at your report?"
Excuse me, may I use your pen? - I beg your pardon, can I use your pen?
Might I ask you a question, Mister Jones? - May I ask you a question, Mr. Jones?

Please note that these questions are usually not answered simply "yes" or "no" since it's not easy general issues, they pass a specific modal function. To answer briefly, they usually say "Sure", "Of course", "Certainly", "Why not?" or "I" m afraid not ".

While we're on the subject of asking permission, let's digress from modal verbs for a moment and look at a few more expressions:

Is it OK if I ...?- May I...? ()

Is it all right if I…?- Can I ...? / Is it okay if I ...?

Do you mind if I ...?- Do you mind if I ...?

If you need to ask a polite question, use would to build it. Do not forget that after would should verb in the second form (V2):

Would you mind if I V2 ...? - Do you mind if I ...?
Would it be OK / all right if I V2 ...? - Do you mind if I ...?

Giving permission: can, may.

In order to give permission, not used modal verbs could and might. They can be found only in questions, but to answer, that is, to give permission is permissible only with the help modal verbs can and may. They are very easy to use, since they do not change in gender and number and are translated as "can":

You may smoke in this room. - You can smoke in this room.
Now when you have finished doing your hometask you can go for a walk. - Now that you've finished doing homework, you can go for a walk.

The main difference between can and may- what can is used mainly in informal communication and may - more formal and polite option:

You can borrow my pencil if yours is broken. - You can take my pencil if yours is broken.
You may ask the questions at the end of my presentation. - You can ask your questions at the end of my presentation.

Refusing permission: can "t, may not, mustn" t

To deny, deny permission, or deny something, there are three options: can "t, may not and mustn "t . Could not used in this function.

The most "strong" refusal, when not just refusing, but rather forbidding:

You musn "t eat ice-cream, you have sore throat. - You can't eat ice cream, you have a sore throat.
Students mustn "t cheat at the exam. - Students are not allowed to cheat on the exam.

And, of course, can, which is used in everyday communication in most situations:

Could I pay in cash? - I "m sorry, but you can" t pay in cash.
- Can I pay in cash? - Sorry, you cannot pay in cash.

Can I drive? - You can "t, I" ll drive myself.
- Can I drive the car? - No, you can’t, I’ll lead.

When talking about permission, verbs are also used. We will talk about their use in the next article.

Why do we need modal verbs in English? Which modal verbs should and shouldn't be memorized? How to build phrases with modal verbs correctly? You will find answers and many examples of English sentences with modal verbs in this article.

What is a modal verb?

Modal verbs unusual in that they are never used on their own. A modal verb is always used in conjunction with another - a semantic verb. It is the semantic verb that shows what action is being discussed. And the role of the modal verb is to show the speaker's attitude to this action.

The easiest way to understand the purpose of modal verbs is with examples. Take a look at the proposal:

I play football.
I'm play soccer.

Now, let's add the modal verbs can, must, may to this sentence and watch how the meaning changes:

I can play football.
I can play football.

I must play football.
I have to play football.

I may play football.
I am allowed to play football.

All three sentences have the same semantic verb - play (to play). But look how different in meaning we got the sentences using different modal verbs.

Thus, modal verbs should be used when it comes to:

• possibility / impossibility to perform an action;
• presence / absence of the need to perform an action;
• advice / order / recommendation to take action;
• assessing the likelihood of performing an action.

This is not a complete list of what modal verbs are used for in English. Next, we will take a closer look at 10 basic English modal verbs, what meanings they have and how to apply them correctly. Let's start with the three most common modal verbs.

Three MAIN modal verbs.

For most situations it will be enough to know 3 modal verbs - can, must and may... These are the most commonly used modal verbs in the English language. The verb can is generally one of the ten most used English words and no conversation is complete without him. The main meanings of these verbs are shown in the table:

Examples of using:

He can swim fast.
He can swim fast.

I must be strong.
I must be strong.

You may call me tomorrow.
You can call me tomorrow.

She may be right.
She may be right.

In fact, each of these modal verbs has many meanings. Here is the most common translation of them. You can get acquainted in detail with all the meanings of the "big three" verbs by following the links:

But in order to use modal verbs in your speech, it is not enough to know their translation. It is also necessary to learn how to correctly construct sentences with modal verbs.

Modal verbs in English: RULES of use.

Modal verbs in English behave differently from most ordinary verbs. To correctly build sentences with modal verbs, you need to know a few rules. Here are the basic rules for using modal verbs:

1. As already mentioned, a modal verb is always paired with a semantic verb.

Moreover, the semantic verb is always taken in an indefinite form and the particle to is not placed in front of it. The combination of a modal and a semantic verb is called a modal predicate. In an affirmative sentence, the modal predicate is put in the place of the usual predicate, that is, immediately after the subject.

Right:

I can speak Spanish.
I can speak Spanish.

You must help me.
You have to help me.

Not right:

I can to speak Spanish. You must to help me.

2. Modal verbs do not change by person. The ending "-s" in the third person is not appended to them.

Right:

She can speak English.
She can speak English.

He must help me.
He has to help me.

Not right:

She cans speak English.
He musts help me.

3. Modal verbs do not form future tense.

If a sentence containing a modal verb refers to the future tense, then this is usually clear from the context.

For example:

You must pass your exam later.
You have to take the exam later.

I can go for a walk only tomorrow.
I can only go for a walk tomorrow.

4. Of all modal verbs of English language only two have past tense forms. These forms are shown in the table:

1 form (present)	2 form (past tense)
can	could
may	might

To get a question from an affirmative sentence, you just need to take out the modal verb not the first place.

You can drive. - Can you drive?
Can you drive a car?

I must go. - Must I go?
I have to go?

6. Negative sentences are also formed without the auxiliary verb to do.

Just a negative particle not is placed immediately after the modal verb. At the same time, with the modal verb can, the not particle is written together - cannot. The negative form of modal verbs in English is often shortened:

In the negative form, many modal verbs acquire the meaning of a prohibition. Moreover, the severity of the prohibition depends on which modal verb is used:

may not - milder form - "not allowed"

cannot - the mildest possible prohibition - "you can't", "not desirable"

Examples:

You must not smoke in this room!
You are not allowed to smoke in this room!

Children may not go for a walk without parents.
Children cannot go for a walk without their parents.

You cannot call her. Wait 15 minutes.
Don't call her, wait 15 minutes.

There is an exception to the last two rules. The modal have to requires the auxiliary do in interrogative and negative sentences.

Probably, it will not be superfluous to remind that modal verbs have to and ought to require after them to particles. This is also an exception to the rule common to all modal verbs of the English language.

How often do you have to work on Sunday?
How often should you work on Saturdays?

Modal Verbs in English - Complete List.

The three most common modal verbs aren't enough for you? It's time to dig deeper! Let's consider in order all the main modal verbs of the English language.

Modal verb can (could)

In affirmative sentences, it is used to say about physical / mental ability or ability to do something.

She can play piano.
She can play the piano.

In interrogative sentences, expresses a request:

Can you repeat your questions?
Could you repeat your questions?

In negative sentences, the modal verb can, in addition to the obvious meaning "cannot / cannot / cannot" sometimes has a prohibition value.

You can "t lift this bag.
You cannot lift this bag. (as it is too heavy)

You can "t drive so fast.
You can't go that fast. (you are forbidden)

The modal verb can has a past tense form - could. In addition to the past tense itself, could is used in interrogative sentences to express a polite request.

I could play the violin.
I knew how to play the violin. (past tense)

Could you pass me pepper?
Could you give me the pepper? (polite request)

Modal verb may (might)

If you look in the dictionary, you will find that the modal verb may is translated in the same way as the verb can - can / can / can / can... But, there is a difference between may and can and it is significant. Unlike the verb can, the modal verb may expresses not a physical or mental ability, but permission to perform an action received from someone.

She may do what she want.
She can do whatever she wants. (She's allowed to do what she wants)

The second meaning of the modal verb may is that it allows make a guess(maybe I will, maybe I will).

I may visit you tomorrow.
I may visit you tomorrow.

In such sentences, may can be replaced with might. The use of might instead of may speaks not of the past tense, as one might think, but of the speaker's less confidence in the proposed assumption.

Modal verb must

We use this modal verb to say that action must be performed... That is, when it comes to a sense of duty.

We must help our parents.
We must help our parents.

The modal verb must can also be used to make a guess... In this sense, it is similar to the modal verb may. Using must instead of may indicates that the speaker is more confident in what he is saying.

She must be student.
She must be a student.

Modal verb have to

The verb have to is similar in meaning to the modal verb must. He also speaks of duty, necessity, or obligation. The modal verbs must and have to differ in that:

• have to expresses a duty related to external circumstances;
• must expresses a duty associated with an inner need, a sense of duty or the personal opinion of the speaker.

Examples of sentences with modal the verb have to:

You have to work more.
You have to work harder.

The modal verb should

The modal verb should can be used to:
1. Give advice

You are ill. You should go to the clinic.
Are you ill. You need to go to the clinic.

2. Report a duty or duty. In this sense, the modal verbs should and must are similar, but should sounds softer or with a tinge of doubt that the action will be taken.

Your company should send us a report today.
Your company should send us a report today.

3. Speak about the expected action or the action possible with a high probability.

It is night now. He should be at home.
It's night now. He should be at home.

Modal verb ought to

Just like must, the modal ought to communicates that an action must be performed. However, a ought to offer sounds less harsh than a must, and contains a tinge of friendly recommendation or advice.

Modal verb need

Unlike other modal verbs in English, the verb need can perform the function of not only a modal, but also a semantic verb.

The semantic verb need is translated as to need... Use the semantic verb need when you go to say that you need something.

I need a good car.
I need a good car.

As a modal verb, need is only used in the negative form "need not" and is similar in meaning to "must not". The difference between the modal verbs need not and must not is as follows:

• must not speaks of a strict prohibition on taking an action;
• need not indicates that the action is optional.

For example:

You need not account to me.
You don't have to report to me.

The modal verb shall

This modal verb has several meanings. It can express:

• Promise
• warning
• threat

For example:

He shall do his work.
She will do her job. (Promise)

Don "t give her my book. She shall lose it.
Don't give her my book. She will lose her. (warning)

The modal verb will (would)

The main meaning of the modal verb will in English is to express consent to perform an action.

I will pay off my debts.
I will pay my debts.

Will has other meanings as well.

Synonyms for modal verbs.

Some modal verbs in English have synonyms. Synonyms for modal verbs are phrases that have the same meaning as a modal verb, but at the same time conjugate and form tenses according to general rules.

Remember, modal verbs cannot be used in the future tense. Therefore, in the future tense, the modal verb is replaced by the corresponding synonym. For example:

You will be able to understand Chinese.
You will be able to understand Chinese.

Modal Verbs in English - Answer Exercises.

If you've read this far, you probably already know a lot about modal verbs. Now is the time to solidify your knowledge with a few hands-on exercises. You can find more exercises at this link.

THE EXERCISE 1. Put desired verb instead of ellipsis. To check the correct answer, click the "Correct answer" button.

EXERCISE 2. Translate the sentences into English.

THE EXERCISE 3. Correct the error in English sentences.

Modals are verbs that characterize duties, opportunities, desires and the need for action. They directly convey the speaker's attitude to what is happening.
Despite the fact that modal verbs are strong and do not need to use an auxiliary verb, when constructing interrogative and negative sentences, they cannot be used on their own without a semantic verb:

I cannot fly. - I can not fly.
You may go. - You can go.

In English, modal verbs are used independently only when they constitute a short answer, or the meaning of the statement is clear from the previous context in which semantic (weak) verbs are used:

- Can you read this?
- I can.

Most people cannot run as fast as animals, but some can.

In English for expression opportunities / impossibilities or ability / disability to do anything two modal verbs are most commonly used - can and may.

They do not change in faces and numbers, as evidenced by the lack of an ending -s- in the present simple tense, do not have all the usual forms for weak verbs (for example, the ending -ing) and do not require the help of an auxiliary verb do / does / did.

Can vs. May

Can and may have meaning in Russian be able / able to / resolve... It should be noted right away that in most cases they are not interchangeable. The image for the illustration of the article says:

Do as you may if you can’t do as you could.

In this aphorism, three modal verbs are used at once and all three will have different shades of meaning. The sentence itself is translated as follows:

Do as you are allowed, if you are forbidden to do as you could.

There are certain criteria when choosing a particular verb.

Can has two forms in English - the form of the present and the form of the past could, which will also be used in the subjunctive mood.
However, in English it is possible to use a modal verb can in the future tense. In this case, it will be replaced by a verb equivalent in meaning to be able to do smth.

I can read English.- Present Simple
He thought he could do it alone.- Past Simple
I wish I could see it.
He told me he could have seen it earlier.- Perfect

She will be able to finish the painting in Summer.- Future

May used in English in the form of present tense and past might, which can also be found in subjunctive sentences.

May I come in?- Present Simple
They might come yesterday.- Past Simple
He might be at home.- Subjunctive mood (subjunctive mood)

Consuming Can and May

Modal verb can has a wider range of uses than the verb may.

1. For expression ability or ability to do something use can:

I can swim. Can you?

2. Can also used to refer to possibilities(theoretical or according to some rules):

You can find it in any dictionary.
Russian Railways can chage the fares seasonally.- Russian Railways may change tariffs depending on the season.

3. When banned used for something cannot (can’t)... You can also meet prohibitions with may, but they will sound too “soft”:

You cannot talk too loud in the library.“You can't speak loudly in the library.
You may not talk loudly in the library.- It is not allowed to speak loudly in the library.

4. Request can be expressed through can or could... The latter in this case will have emphatically polite:

Can you pass me some butter?
Could you pass me some butter?

5. When expression of surprise in interrogative sentences or reproach a modal verb is often used in the narrative can... Its shape could will reflect the extreme degree of the state:

How can you be so rude?- How can you be so rude?
You could tell me in the end.- In the end, you could tell me!

6. Cannot (can’t) used to refer to strong distrust:

She can't work there.- She can't work there.
They couldn’t have done it.“They just couldn't do it.

Please note that in almost all uses could, the verb underlines exaggerated attitude the speaker to the events taking place.

In situations where you ask permission to do something can be used both modal verbs... Offers with may at the same time they will sound more formally:

You can come in.- You can come in.
You may came in.- Come in. / You can come in.

Modal verbs may / might embody character the speaker's uncertainty in relation to the events described. As with could past form might transfers high degree of uncertainty:

Somebody's calling. It may be Mary.- Someone is calling. Perhaps this is just Mary.
It may rain. Take an umbrella.- It can start raining. Take the umbrella.

Modal verb may most often used for especially courteous treatment:

May I sit down?- Can I sit down? / Let me sit down?
Can I sit down? will rather translate as "Can I sit down?"

Often might used when expressing reproach... The proposal sounds especially sharp:

You might have told me beforehand.- I could have warned in advance.

In this article, we started a big, important topic on modal verbs and covered two of them. In future publications, we will definitely try to highlight the remaining representatives of this category.

We wish you to be able to master this grammatical material! May success be with you!

Victoria Tetkina

InformationI

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

1) they require after themselves the infinitive of a semantic verb without the particle "to": I can do this;

2) form interrogative and negative forms 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" - only the present tense form. Modal verbs do not form complex verb forms;

4) do not change either by persons or by numbers: He can speak English;

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

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with the 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 ... not 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 an action expressed by the infinitive. “Can” is translated into Russian by the forms of the verbs “to be able” and “to be able”:

In the meaning of the verb "can", as well as in place of its missing forms, the combination "to be able" + the 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 sentences according to this model and check 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 can 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 (the 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" + the 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 a necessity or a moral obligation. The verb "must" is translated into Russian by the words "must", "must", "must":

I must get up early every day. I have 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 the obligation arising from external conditions, and is often translated into Russian by the verb "must".

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

Yesterday I had to wait for the tram 10 minutes.

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. is to give a talk 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 make my own homework today.

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

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

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

7. I have to answer a lot of emails 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 could not 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 sample sentences and check a friend

(I) had to ... (I) shall have to …

1. I had to get up early.

2. You will have to do it 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 give a talk?

7. Did he have to do this work?

8. Do we have to go there?

(I) did not have to ... (I) shall not have to ...

9. I did not have to write to him.

10. We will not need to call them.

11. They will not have to go there.

12. They didn't have to go to the station.

Do not obey the general rules by which other verbs operate. They are not used separately and have no independent meaning. Modal verbs "can", "could", "must", "may" express the speaker's attitude to the main action. What does it mean? Some verbs express the degree of possibility, others - the obligation. The particle "-to" is not used after modal verbs, except for the verbs "to be able to" and "manage to". Examples:

I can swim. (I can swim).

She must obey her parents. (She must obey her parents.)

Who could see my cat? (Who could see my cat?).

Workers are not able to finish this building. (The workers are unable to complete the construction of this building).

She managed to find her mobile phone immidiately when we went away. (She was able to find her mobile phone, right after we left).

Rules for using modal verbs

As mentioned above, modal verbs exist according to their own rules. But they are not difficult to remember, since the list of such verbs is small:

To be able to - I can;

Manage to - I can;

Can / could - I can, could;

Must - must;

May - maybe.

As you can see, some of them have synonymous meaning. There is a widespread misconception that the modal verbs "can", "could", "must" and "may" vary by person, number, and time. In fact, this is not the case. That is, we do not add any endings to these verbs and do not change them. An exception is the verb "manage" - we can put it in the past tense by adding - "managed". And also, the verb "to be able to" - here the auxiliary verb "to be" changes according to the general rules.

The verbs "to be able to" and "manage to"

The verb "to be able to" is translated as "to be able, able, to be able". For example:

These people are able to do the work in time. (These people are able to meet the deadline.)

The verb changes as follows:

The meaning of the verb "manage to" is "I can". It changes according to the following scheme:

In short, nothing complicated. The main thing is to understand these simple rules.

The verbs "can" and "could"

The next rule is more difficult, but not much. The modal verbs "can" and "could" are translated as "I can, I can," they have a common meaning. While "manage to" and "to be able to" are used mainly in special cases. Although, only mostly. Basically, the verbs "can", "could", "managed", "be able to" follow similar rules.

* It is worth paying attention. There is no future tense form. Therefore, it is appropriate to use an analogue - "manage to" or "to be able to".

The verbs "must" and "may"

Next moment. The verbs "can", "could", "must", "may" have separate forms in different tenses. This makes them easier to use. The verb "must" has the sharpest degree of should. For example:

You must go home now, it won "t be discussed!

If you want to use a milder degree of obligation, to give advice or recommendation, then the verb "should" should be used. For example:

You shouldn "t eat so much sweet, if you wont to be fit. (You shouldn't eat so much sweet if you want to be slim.)

The verb "may" translates to "can" and, usually. used in polite requests. For example:

I "m sorry, may I take your pen for a minute?"

The verb "must" has no tenses other than the present. Therefore, we substitute similar ones in value. In this case, it is appropriate to use to "-" must, must ".

The main thing is to understand everything. In fact, nothing complicated.

Using modal verbs in negative and interrogative sentences

The word order in English sentences is strictly fixed. This means that, regardless of the context, in an affirmative sentence, the subject will come first, then the predicate, then the additional members of the sentence. In a negative sentence, everything is the same. Only after the predicate does "not" appear. This word order is called direct. The word order in the interrogative sentence is called reverse. Here, at the beginning of the sentence, there is the predicate, then the subject, then the additional members of the sentence. In the case of modal verbs "can", "could", "may" and others, everything is according to the rules. They function as auxiliary. For example:

I can not (can "t) swim. (I can not swim).

She must not (mustn "t) do it, if she doesn" t wont. (She shouldn't do this if she doesn't want to.)

They will not (won "t) be able to cook the dinner without the light.

Can you help me with the dinner? (Can you help me with dinner?)

Shall I go with her? (Should I go with her?)

May I go for a walk, I "m tired. (Can I go for a walk, I'm tired.).

In special interrogative sentences, interrogative words appear at the beginning of a sentence:

Who can speak English? (Who can speak English?).

Examples of the use of modal verbs

Let's look at a few short dialogues:

1). - I want to be a dentist in a future.

So, you should study hard in the school.

I want to become a dentist in the future.

Then you have to study hard at school.

2). - You must be gentle with your younger sister.

I will try, but she is too noisy.

You should be gentle with your little sister.

I'll try, but she's very noisy.

3). - What abilities do have?

I can play guitar and piano.

What can you do?

I can play guitar and piano.

Practical part

Try to translate the following sentences into English. When doing this, use modal verbs:

1). Can I open the window?

2). My parents should pay more attention to each other.

3). She couldn't have decorated this room better.

4). I was happy and able to do absolutely everything!

5). Were you able to find the keys?

2) My paretnts should put more attention to each other.

3) She wasn "t able to decorate this room better.

4) I was happy and able to do absolutely everything!

5) Did you manage to find the keys?