can / could / be able to и разрешение через can / may.
После модального - инфинитив без to и без -s: She can swim (не cans, не can to swim).
| Значение | Настоящее | Прошлое |
|---|---|---|
| умение | can swim | could swim / was able to |
| разрешение | can / may (I) go | could / was allowed to |
must / have to / should - и коварная разница mustn't vs don't have to.
| Глагол | Смысл | Пример |
|---|---|---|
| must | обязанность (часто внутренняя) | I must call my mum. |
| have to | обязанность (внешняя, правило) | I have to wear a uniform. |
| should / ought to | совет, рекомендация | You should rest. |
| mustn't | запрет (нельзя!) | You mustn't smoke here. |
| don't have to | не обязательно (можно не) | You don't have to come. |
Насколько говорящий уверен: от «точно» до «невозможно».
| Уверенность | Модальный | Пример |
|---|---|---|
| точно да (99%) | must | He's not answering - he must be asleep. |
| возможно (50%) | may / might / could | She might be at work. |
| точно нет | can't | That can't be true! |
Та же уверенность, но о прошлом: модальный + have + V3.
| Уверенность | Форма | Пример |
|---|---|---|
| точно было | must have + V3 | The ground is wet - it must have rained. |
| возможно было | may / might / could have + V3 | He might have forgotten. |
| точно не было | can't / couldn't have + V3 | She can't have seen us - it was dark. |
Критика прошлого поступка - своего или чужого.
| Форма | Смысл | Пример |
|---|---|---|
| should have + V3 | надо было (но не сделал) | You should have told me! |
| shouldn't have + V3 | не надо было (но сделал) | I shouldn't have eaten so much. |
| could have + V3 | мог бы (но не сделал) | You could have helped. |
Регистр вежливости - от прямого к мягкому.
| Функция | Формы |
|---|---|
| просьба | Can / Could / Would you…? (Could/Would - вежливее) |
| разрешение спросить | Can / May I…? (May - формальнее) |
| предложение | Shall I…? / Would you like…? |
| совет / предупреждение | You should… / You'd better… |
Шесть частых промахов с модальными.
Умение, обязанность и дедукция закрыты. Дальше - пассивный залог.