podgornaya n v modal verbs english grammar practice

Н. В. Подгорная

Практическая грамматика:

МОДАЛЬНЫЕ ГЛАГОЛЫ
English Grammar Practice:

MODAL VERBS
Учебное пособие для студентов специальности
«Современные иностранные языки»
учреждений, обеспечивающих получение высшего образования

4-е издание, стереотипное

Минск
Лексис
2015


УДК 811.111'367(075.8)
ББК 81.2Англ-923
П44

П одгорная, Н. В.
П44
Практическая грамматика: Модальные глаголы = English Grammar Practice: Modal Verbs :
Уч. пособие / H. В. Подгорная. — 4-е изд. — М инск: Лексис, 2015. — 168 с.
ISBN 978-985-6932-55-0.
Данное пособие состоит из 10 разделов. Каждый раздел включает вводную часть - объяснение формы, значения
и употребления одного из модальных глаголов, и практическую часть, представляющую собой систему первичных и

вторичных упражнений. Предлагаемая система упражнений направлена на развитие и закрепление грамматических
знаний, умений и навыков.
Пособие предназначено для студентов второго курса лингвистических университетов и факультетов иностранных
языков.
УДК 811.111'367(075.8)
ББК 81.2Англ-923

ISBN 978-985-6932-55-0

© П одгорная Н. В., 2012
© О ф орм ление. О О О «Л ексис», 2012


3
ВВЕДЕНИЕ
Данное учебное пособие подготовлено в соответствии с программными требованиями по дис­
циплине "Практическая грамматика английского языка" и предназначено для студентов второго
курса лингвистических университетов и факультетов иностранных языков других учебных заве­
дений, в которых английский язык изучается как основная специальность.
В лингвистической науке, пожалуй, нет другой категории, о языковой природе и составе частных
значений которой высказывалось бы столько противоречивых точек зрения, как о категории
модальности. Большинством авторов в ее состав включаются значения, самые разнородные
по своей сущности, функциональному назначению и принадлежности к уровням языковой
структуры, так что при этом категория модальности лишается какой-либо определенности,
а толкование значений отдельных модальных глаголов приобретает многоплановость.
Цель пособия - помочь студентам эффективно усвоить не только правила, основанные на
функциональных особенностях различных модальных глаголов, но и сформировать устойчивые
практические навыки их употребления.
Пособие состоит из 10 разделов: The Modal Verb Can / Could; The Modal Verb May / Might;
The Modal Verb Must; The Modal Verb Have to / Have Got to; The Modal Verb Need; The Modal

Verb Be to; The Modal Verb Should / Ought to; The Modal Verb Shall; The Modal Verb Will / Would;
The Modal Verb Dare.
Каждый раздел пособия включает вводную часть (For Study) - объяснение формы,
значения и употребления одного из модальных глаголов и практическую часть, пред­
ставляющую собой комплекс упражнений, которые делятся на первичные (PRACTICE
ACTIVITIES) и вторичные (COMPARED ТО...), тем самым, обеспечивая повторение преды­
дущего раздела.
Упражнения разделов MISCELLANEOUS PRACTICE предназначены, главным образом,
для аудиторного повторения предыдущего блока материала или контролируемой ра­
боты студентов.
К пособию прилагаются таблицы, в которых систематизируются все значения опре­
деленного модального глагола по его основным признакам, а также комментарий,
который поможет студенту правильно выбрать его форму и определить значение.
Языковой материал упражнений отобран из современных аутентичных источников,
приведенных в списке использованной литературы. Предлагаемая система упражнений
направлена на развитие и закрепление грамматических знаний, умений и навыков
студентов, а именно: дифференциацию значений модальных глаголов и овладение
особенностями их употребления в различных речевых ситуациях, а также на соотнесение
их лексических эквивалентов в английском и русском языках. Предпочтение отдавалось
упражнениям с ситуативной направленностью, позволяющим студенту активно исполь­
зовать изучаемые грамматические структуры в речи.
Автор будет признателен всем, кто сочтет возможным высказать свои предложения по
улучшению содержания и структуры данного пособия.


4

English Grammar Practice

M O D A L V ER B S

Modal verbs, unlike other verbs, do not denote actions or states, but only show the attitude of
the speaker towards the action expressed by the infinitive in combination with which they form
compound verbal modal predicates.

Compound verbal modal predicate = modal verb + infinitive
Thus they may show that the action (or state, or process) is viewed by the speaker as possible,
obligatory, doubtful, certain, advisable, etc. Modal verbs occur with the infinitive.
There are 12 modal verbs in English. They are:

can
could

may
might

must

have (got) to
need

be to
should/ought to

shall
will

dare

Ten of them (except for be to and have (got) to) lack some features characteristic of other verbs,
that is:

1. most modal verbs have only one form, they have no aspect, voice and mood with the exception
of can, may, will;
2. they do not take - s in the third person singular;
3. they have no non-finite forms: no infinitives and participles;
4. they are followed (except for ought to, have to) by a bare infinitive (the infinitive without the
marker
5. they need no auxiliary to build the interrogative and negative forms.

to);

Forms of the Infinitive
Active

Passive

as part of a compound verbal modal predicate
NON-PERFECT
COMMON

to refer the action to the present or future

(to) do

(to) be done

NON-PERFECT
CONTINUOUS

to refer the action in progress to the present

(to) be doing

-

PERFECT
COMMON

to refer the action to the past
Note:
1. The action was not carried out:
- with the modal verbs: ought to. should,
might. could.
2. The planned action was not carried out:
- with the modal verb: to be to.

(to) have done

(to) have
been done

PERFECT
CONTINUOUS

to denote an action that started in the past and
continued over a period of time

(to) have been
doing

-

Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

Teaching Unit 1

5

THE M ODAL VERB CAN/COULD

For Study
The modal verb can is used both in the Indicative Mood and in the Subjunctive Mood. It has two forms
in the Indicative Mood: can- Present Indefinite and could- Past Indefinite. In the Subjunctive Mood
this modal verb has the form could. The Indicative Mood presupposes the speaker's attitude towards
the action as true to fact, as real. In the Subjunctive Mood the modal meaning may be considered as
contrary to reality.
When used in the Indicative Mood the modal verb can is followed by the non-perfect infinitive and
expresses time reference by itself.
Compare: She can play the piano (present time reference). / Она умеет играть на пианино.
She could play the piano (past time reference). / Она умела играть на пианино.
In the Indicative Mood the modal verb can performs two functions:
a) it expresses the attitude of the speaker towards the action or state, denoted by the infinitive,
which follows it;
b) it expresses time reference.
In the Subjunctive Mood the modal verb can expresses only the attitude of the speaker. Time reference
is denoted by the form of the infinitive which follows it:
Compare: Could you open the door for me, please? (present time reference)./В ы бы не могли
открыть мне дверь?
We could go to a concert tonight (present or future time reference). /М ы бы могли
сходить на концерт сегодня вечером.

Не could have been fired (past time reference). / Возможно, его уволили.
Can has the following meanings:
1. Ability (physical, mental), capability.
Can is used to describe an ability (a lack of ability) or capability and occurs in all kinds of sentences. It
is the Indicative Mood form which is followed by the non-perfect infinitive. However, if it is necessary
to stress that the action refers to the future, will be able to is used.
1. Present time reference:
She can speak two foreign languages. /Она говорит на двух иностранных языках.
Can you write with your left hand?/ Вы можете писать левой рукой?
I can't promise you anything. / Я ничего не могу вам обещать.
2. Past time reference:
Mozart could play the piano at the age of five. / Моцарт умел играть на пианино
в пять лет.
Could the boy read before he went to school?/ Мальчик умел читать, перед
тем, как идти в школу?
After what had happened I couldn't trust him. /После того, что случилось, я не
могла доверять ему.


6

English Grammar Practice

3.

Future time reference:
He will be able to write to us from Portugal. / Он сможет написать нам
из Португалии.
I will be able to earn my own living soon. / Скоро я смогу себе сам
зарабатывать на жизнь.

NOTE 1:

To describe the successful completion of a specific action or to talk about a specific
achievement (particularly if it is difficult, requiring some effort or involves overcoming
some difficulty) was (were) able to, managed or succeeded (in...ing) are used:
He has now recovered from his injury and is able to drive again.
Jenny was able to leave the hospital only six hours after the baby was born.
How many documents were you able to sign?
I managed to find a really nice dress in the sale.
Do you think she'll manage to get a visa?
After six months climbing, we succeeded in getting to the top of the mountain.
However, to describe general ability in the past or a specific action not successfully
completed, both could and was/were able are used:
She could / was able to read when she was four.
We couldn't / weren't able to get tickets for the match yesterday.
Can or could are commonly used when we are talking about specific occasions with
verbs of sense perception (feel, hear, see, smell, taste) and verbs of mental activity
(believe, decide, remember, understand):
She could hear a noise coming from the dining-room.
I can't decide where to go for my holidays.

2. Possibility due to circumstances.
In this meaning can is found in all kinds of sentences. It is used in its Indicative Mood form and is
followed by the non-perfect infinitive.
Anybody can make a mistake. / Любой человек может ошибаться.
I couldn't go to the theatre yesterday because I was busy. / Я не мог пойти вчера
в театр, так как я был занят.
Can I buy this book at any book store?/ Эту книгу можно купить в любом
магазине?

3. Permission.
Can is used in its Indicative Mood form to give permission only in affirmative sentences or in reported
speech (in accordance with the rules of the sequence of tenses):
You can go now if you want to. /В ы можете идти, если хотите.
Не said that I could use his car. / Он сказал что я могу взять его машину.
Could in the Subjunctive Mood is not used to give permission as it suggests respect, so it is more
natural in asking for permission than in giving it.


Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

7

4. Request.
Can is used in its Indicative Mood form to ask for permission or to request people to do things
in interrogative sentences and reported questions (in accordance with the rules of the sequence of
tenses):
Can I have some more cake?/ Можно мне взять еще кусочек пирога?
Can you put the children to bed?/Ты бы не могла уложить детей спать?
Do you think I can go now? Можно мне уже идти?
Не asked те if he could use my car. /О н спросил меня, может ли он взять мою
машину.
It is also possible to use could in the Subjunctive Mood combined with the non-perfect infinitive
to sound more polite, more formal or less definite:
Could I ask you something if you are not too busy? / Можно мне у тебя что-то
спросить, если ты не занята?
Could you lend те your dictionary until tomorrow?/ Ты бы не могла одолжить
мне свой словарь до завтра?
Do you think you could help me for a few minutes? /Ты бы не могла мне помочь
несколько минут?

N0TE2: Very polite ways of asking permission and requesting:
Could you possibly do me a favour?
Do you think you could help me with a problem I've got?
I was wondering if you could lend me some money for a few days.
You couldn't possibly lend me 20 pounds, could you?
Could I possibly interrupt you?
Do you think I could speak to you f o r a few minutes?
I was wondering if I could ask you for a favour.
I couldn't possibly have another day to finish that work, could I?
Can't or couldn't can be used where the answer is expected to be 'no', or where permission has been
refused before:
Can't/Couldn't we stay just a little bit longer? Please?
5. Prohibition
In this meaning can is found only with the negative form of the modal verb can, as it may be understood
as the negation of permission (not to be allowed to...). It is used in its Indicative Mood form and
corresponds to the Russian нельзя; не надо:
You can't cross the street here. / Здесь нельзя переходить улицу.
You can't touch the exhibits in a museum. /Нельзя трогать экспонаты в музее.
She said that we couldn't stay there. /О на сказала, что нам здесь нельзя
оставаться.


8

English Grammar Practice

6. Unreality.
This meaning is found with the Subjunctive Mood form of can in clauses of unreal condition in which
the time reference is expressed by the infinitive:

It could be quite frightening if you were alone in our big old house. / Вам было бы
страшно, если бы Вы остались одни в нашем большом старом доме.
You could have seen his face if it had not been so dark. / Ты бы смогла увидеть
его лицо, если бы не было так темно.
7. Surprise, astonishment.
In this meaning can is found only in interrogative sentences (in general questions). Could in its
Subjunctive Mood form is also used in this way implying more uncertainty. Besides, sentences of
this kind are often emotionally coloured and so their application is rather restricted. In Russian both
variants, with can and could, are rendered in the same way: неужели; может ли быть, чтобы;
возможно ли, чтобы.
Depending on the time reference, can /could in this meaning are used in combination with different
forms of the infinitive:
Can / Could he really be at work?/Неужели он все еще на работе?
Can /Could she be telling lies?/ Может ли быть, что она говорит неправду?
Can/Could he have said it?/Неужели он это сказал?
Can /Could she have been waiting for us so long?/Может ли быть, что она нас
так долго ждет ?
The Russian negative questions of the type — неужели он(а) не...are expressed in English in different
ways:
a) by complex sentences:
Can / Could it be that she hasn't read this bоок?/Неужели она не прочитала эту
книгу?
Is it possible that she hasn't read this book?/ Неужели она не прочитала эту
книгу?
b) by different lexical means:
Can / Could you have misunderstood what I said? (negative prefixes)/Неужели
ты не понял, что я сказала?
Can / Could nobody have stopped him? (negative pronouns) / Неужели никто не
остановил его?
Саn / Could she have never come to see you ? (negative adverb) / Неужели она

никогда не приезжала к тебе?
8. Incredulity, improbability.
In this meaning can is found only in negative sentences, which are often emotionally coloured. Could
in its Subjunctive Mood form is also used in this way making the statement less categorical. Depending
on the time reference, in this meaning can/could are also used with different forms of the infinitive. In


Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

9

Russian both variants, with can and could, are rendered in the same way: не может быть, чтобы;
невероятно, чтобы.
They can't/couldn't be married. (= I am sure they are not married) / He может
быть, чтобы они были женаты.
She can't/couldn't be sleeping now. (= I am certain she isn't sleeping now) / Вряд
ли она сейчас спит.
Не can't/couldn't have got into an accident. (= I am sure he didn't get into an
accident)/Н е может быть, чтобы он попал в аварию.
She can't/couldn't have been travelling for so long. (= I am sure she hasn't been
travelling for so long)/Невероятно, чтобы она так долго путешествовала.
The Russian negative sentences of the type не может быть, чтобы он(а) не... are expressed in
English in different ways:
a) by complex sentences:
It can't/couldn't be that she hasn't read this book./Н е может быть, чтобы она
не прочитала эту книгу.
It isn't possible that she hasn't read this book. / He может быть, чтобы она не
прочитала эту книгу.
b) by negative prefixes:
She can't/couldn't be unaware of the circumstances. / He может быть, чтобы

она не осознавала обстоятельства.
You can't/couldn't have misunderstood what I said. /Н е может быть, чтобы
ты не понял, что я сказала.
They can't/couldn't have been inattentive. /Н е может быть, чтобы они были
не внимательны.
9. Supposition implying uncertainty, doubt.
The use of could in affirmative sentences may also acquire the meaning of supposition implying
uncertainty, doubt. It is the form of the Subjunctive Mood. In Russian this meaning is generally
rendered by means of the modal words возможно and может быть. In English it may also be
rendered by means of the modal words maybe, perhaps, possibly, it's possible. The time reference is
indicated by the form of the infinitive:
'Where is Sarah?' 'She could be at Joe's place'. /Возможно, она гостит у Джо.
I don't know where she works. She could do odd jobs. /Может быть, она
подрабатывает.
I don't know where Tim is. He could be working. / Возможно, он работает.
Jim was the last who came home, so he could have left the door open, /...может
быть, он оставил дверь открытой.
Не could have been studying for two hours already. / Возможно, он занимается
уже два часа.


10

English Grammar Practice

10. Criticism (reproach)
Only could in its Subjunctive Mood form can be used to criticise people for not doing things. The time
reference is shown by the form of the infinitive:
You could ask me before you borrow ту car. / Ты мог бы спрашивать моего
разрешения каждый раз, когда берешь мою машину. (present time reference)

You could have told me you were getting married. / Ты могла бы сказать мне,
что выходишь замуж. (past time reference)
11. Emotional colouring.
Сап/could followed by different forms of the infinitive are found in special questions where they are
used to express puzzlement, impatience etc.
What can/could he m ean?/И что, собственно, он имеет ввиду?
What can /could he be doing?/ И что это он может делать?
Where can/could he have gone to?/ И куда бы это он мог уйти?
How can /could you have been away for such a long time? / И как это ты могла
отсутствовать так долго все это время?
Note the following set phrases with can:
a) Cannot (can't) help doing smth. — He могу не делать что-либо.
She's a selfish woman but somehow you can't help liking her. / Она эгоистичная
женщина, но, так или иначе, ее нельзя не любить.
Excuse те- I couldn't help overhearing what you said. /Извините, я не мог не
подслушать ваш разговор.
b) Cannot (can't) but do smth. — Мне ничего другого не остается, как...
I can't but wonder what I should do next. /М не ничего другого не остается, как
гадать, что делать дальше.
They couldn't but refuse him. /И м ничего другого не оставалось, как отказать
ему.


11

Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD____________________

PRACTICE ACTIVITIES
Complete the following chart containing the sentences with the modal verb can/
could. Identify its meaning and the synonymous expression as in the model. Then

translate the sentences into Russian.

Ex. 1

1.

Modal Verb Can / Could

Use (Meaning)

Synonymous
Expression

1speak three languages but can't spell in any of
them.

Inability (lack of
ability)

I am unable to spell
in any of them.

2.

Drinks in restaurants can be very expensive.

3.

Could you stop the car, please, for a moment?

4.

What is not done today, can be done tomorrow.

5.

You can't live other people's lives for them.

6.

A policeman arrived and told him he couldn't park
there.

7.

You and I are in charge of a great business; we
cannot leave our great responsibilities to others.

8.

Helen can read well, even though she's only three.

9.

Can I help you with your luggage?

10. There was nothing he could do about it at the
moment.
11. Jim says that we can borrow his house as long as
we leave it clean and tidy.

12.

No, you can't have another chocolate.

13. That's a question nobody can answer.
14. You can find everything necessary in this store.

Choose a suitable form of can, could, be able to or managed to (or negative forms) to
complete these sentences. If two answers are possible write them both and underline
the more likely one. (see Note 1)

Ex. 2

Model:
1.
2.

A good 1500-metre runner can run the race in under four minutes.
The fire spread quickly but every one was able to escape.
Peter has a computer that__________ fit into his jacket pocket.
Did you buy any fresh fish in the market? - No, I __________ get any.


12

English Grammar Practice

3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

It took a long time, but in the end Tony
save enough to buy his own hi-fi.
When she screams, yo u __________ hear her all over the house.
Until y o u ________ repay some of your present debt, we cannot lend you any more
money.
When I was younger, I
______ speak Italian much better than I_
now.
He
_______ draw or paint at all when he was a boy, but now he's a famous artist.
After weeks of training, I __________ swim a length of the baths underwater.
I'm sorry, you're in my light. I __________ see what I'm doing.

It was a huge hall and we were at the back, so we __________hear very well.
He had hurt his leg, so h e __________ walk very well.
She wasn't at home when I phoned but I __________ contact her at her office.
I looked very carefully and I __________ see a figure in the distance.
The boy fell into the river but fortunately w e__________ rescue him.
She tried to think of other things but sh e __________ put that awful memory out of
her mind.
The manager of the shop was a bit reluctant but in the end I __________ get a refund.
It was really annoying; I_
get on to any of the websites you recommended.
Although Stephanie is deaf and mute sh e __________ communicate with the aid of a
special computer.
They finish the new motorway next month so we _________ get to the coast much
more quickly.
Most of the big hotels were full, but we _ _____ find a room in one of those small
guesthouses near the station.
When I was younger I was hopeless at sports. I __________ throw or kick a ball properly.
Would you speak more slowly? I __________ follow what you are saying.

Respond to the following statements using the prompts in the brackets and the modal
verb can/could to express possibility.

Ex. 3

1.

This hotel has a number of facilities, (play billiards in the evenings)
You can play billiards in the evenings.
2. It's not far from here. ( get there in a few minutes)
3. He was always at home at 8 o'clock. (visit him in the evenings after 8 o'clock)

4. Few people want to live in that place. (buy a house very cheaply there)
5. That store used to have all sorts of things on sale. (find everything necessary there)
6. He will gladly answer your questions. (phone him at home any time)
7. They accept all kinds of payment. (pay by credit card here)
8. That travel agency offered you a number of places to go. (even visit Africa)
9. I choose this restaurant to have my birthday party. (even taste a lobster here)
10. I recommend you this service station. (have your car serviced cheaply here)


Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

13

Ask permission in these situations. Then answer according to the model. Be careful
how you use the pronouns my, you, your and we in your answers. (see Note 2)

Ex. 4
You want...
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

...another drink.

Can I have another drink?
Yes, you can have another drink.
Sorry. but you can't have another drink as we are closing.
...to leave your books with me. (be particularly polite)
...to call your brother from my phone.
...to talk to me about your job application. (be particularly polite)
...to park your car on my drive. (I've already refused once)
...to ask me exactly what my job is.
...to pick some of the apples off the tree in my garden. (I've already refused once)
...to come with me to my summer house. (I've already refused once)
...to have the last piece of my birthday cake. (be particularly polite)

Ask permission in these situations, using polite and tentative ways (see Note 2). Then
answer according to the model.

Ex. 5
1.

Mr. Wilson asks his boss if he can leave the office an hour earlier than usual.
Could I possibly leave the office an hour earlier than usual?
Yes, you can leave the office an hour earlier as there isn't much work to do today.
No, you can't leave the office earlier as I need your help.
2. Stephen asks his guitar teacher to lend him his guitar for the evening.
3. Mr Wilson wants his neighbour to help him carry a cupboard upstairs.
4. You ask someone to move his car, as it's blocking the entrance to your garage.
5. Julie and two of her friends ask their teacher for permission to leave early.
6. Mrs Wilson would like Julie to do some shopping for her, if she has time.
7. You ask a stranger next to you in a train if you can look at his newspaper.
8. You ask your host for permission to use his phone.
9. You ask someone you hardly know for a lift into town.

10. You are checking out of a hotel, and want to pay your bill.

Make up sentences with the modal verb can to denote rules and regulations which
forbid things.

Ex. 6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

park here (The sign forbids it). You can't park here.
buy drinks after closing time (The law forbids it).
come late to work (The regulations forbid it).
sit on the grass there (The regulations forbid it).
vote for more than one candidate (The law forbids it).


14

English Grammar Practice

6.
7.
8.

turn right here (The sign forbids it).
smoke on the airplane (The regulations forbid it).

enter this door if you are not a member of the staff (The regulations forbid it).

Translate into English.

Ex. 7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.

8.
9.

10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

У детей богатое воображение. Они могут легко придумывать разные истории.
Ты можешь взять словарь. Мне он больше не нужен.
Нет, малыш, зимой мороженое на улице кушать нельзя.
Вы не могли бы продиктовать мне эту стр а н и ц у?

Этот диск можно купить в любом магазине.
Он не мог показать нам проект, так как он еще не был готов.
В комнате темно, я не могу найти свои вещи.
Он сказал, что мы можем идти.
Я могу вернуться автобусом.
Я умел плавать, когда мне было пять лет. Папа научил меня.
Если ты не скажешь мне, в чем проблема, я не смогу тебе помочь.
Мы не смогли ей дозвониться, так как у нее был отключен телефон но к счастью,
мы смогли послать ей сообщение.
Он все время кушает в ресторанах, потому что не умеет готовить.
Не могли бы вы выслать мне каталог с вашей продукцией?
Джейн смогла выписаться из больницы только через шесть дней после того, как
родился ребенок.
Вы не могли бы привести свой пример? Нельзя давать примеры только из учебника.

Read the following sentences, then identify the use (meaning) of the modal verb can/
could.

Ех. 8

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

You could have told me about the sale of those shoes!
She could have paid by credit card but she preferred to use cash.
Where can/could that noise be coming from?
He always wears smart suits. He could be a businessman.
She could learn much more quickly if she paid attention.
Lora can't have fixed the computer; it's still not working properly.
The rash could be a symptom of something more serious.
Can /could he have told nobody about his promotion?
The contract could have reached the office yesterday.
Who can/could have broken my camera?


15

Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

Which of these things could you have done if you had lived a hundred years ago?
Which things couldn't you have done? Make up six sentences like this one.

Ex. 9

Model:

A hundred years ago I could have ridden a horse, but I couldn't have flown
in an aeroplane.

flown in an aeroplane
listened to Beethoven
played computer games

ridden a horse

gone to the cinema
listened to The Beatles
read Ernest Hemingway
traveled by train

learnt English
played chess
read Shakespeare
watched television

You have a friend who is very careless, but lucky. Nothing serious happened in the
following situations, but what could have happened? Make up sentences as shown
in the model.

Ex. 10

Model
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8.
9.

10.

She left her luggage unattended on a platform.
Someone could have stolen it if she hadn't picked it up in time.
She left the house and forgot to close the kitchen window.
She left her purse in a shop.
She left the house and forgot to turn off the iron.
She drove the car after taking four sleeping pills.
She left her umbrella in a restaurant.
She wore high heeled shoes on the icy pavement.
She ran outside without a coat on a very cold day.
She jumped into a lake although she couldn't swim.
She climbed up a high tree to rescue a cat.
She parked her car in a no-parking zone.

Rephrase the sections in bold using the modal verb can/could in the meaning of
surprise (astonishment) or incredulity (improbability).

Ex. 11

Model:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

She looks so young. I don't believe she's already thirty.

She can't/ couldn't be thirty yet.
It's still quite early. It's hardly possible that it is ten o'clock.
She doesn't look at all like Liz. Is it possible that she is her sister?
He's been very ill lately. I doubt that he has already recovered.
This house has been on sale recently. Do you believe that it has been sold out so soon?
If you live near Coventry, I don't believe you are very far from Birmingham.
He looks very pleased. Is it possible that he is getting married?
She moved away from this place 2 years ago. I refuse to believe that she disliked her
house.


16

English Grammar Practice

8.
9.

My friend's house has been burgled recently. Is it possible that nobody saw a burglar?
She comes home pretty late every evening. Do you believe that she is working
somewhere else?
10. Kate has recently been fired. I don't believe that she has been coming late to work all
this time.

Change the following sentences, making them negative in meaning. Use different
means of expressing negation with the infinitive.

Ex. 12
Model:

He can't/couldn't have understood everything you said.
He can't/couldn't have misunderstood everything you said.

Can/could you have heard about her promotion?
They can't/couldn't be aware of his presence here.
Can/could the manager have given the instructions to his subordinate?
She can't/couldn't be experienced in dealing with children.
Can/could he have told them the truth?
She can't/couldn't have dominated the interview.
Can/could there be such a high rate of employment?
Can/could he have achieved a lot in his career?
The boss can't/couldn't have dismissed him for coming late.
Can/could he be capable of stealing a big sum of money?
She can't/couldn't have encouraged her children to go swimming.
12. Can/could you have applied for the job in this company?

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Rephrase the sentences using the modal verb could in the meaning of supposition

implying uncertainty, doubt.

Ex. 13

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Do you know the person talking to Susan? - Perhaps, it is her manager.
I wonder where Andrew is. It is possible that he is working in the garage.
Perhaps, you left your wallet on the bus I suppose.
Maybe, the flight has been delayed.
Possibly, he has been doing research on his own.
Perhaps, he is taking a shower now.
It is possible that the explosion has been caused by a gas leak.
Why did nobody answer the letter? - Maybe, you have forgotten to post it.
It is possible that they have been arguing for years.
Possibly, she goes to Mexico every summer, but am not sure.


Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

17

Respond to the following sentences expressing criticism as shown in the model. Use
the correct form of the infinitive.

Ex. 14
Model:

Tom got into an accident two days ago and you knew about it
You could have told me about the accident.

1.
2.

Liz did all the preparations for the party by herself and you didn't help her.
Samantha goes out to her dancing class late in the evening and you don't accompany
her.
3. Adam drives very fast and you don't warn him.
4. Lucy misses her classes at University regularly and you don't want to talk to her about it.
5. John took his father's money without asking for permission and you didn't tell him
anything when you discovered that.
6. Bill broke his leg when climbing and you didn't even call him.
7. Mary stayed away from home for two days and you didn't pay any attention to it.
8. Bob broke your window when playing football and you didn't let his parents know
about it.
9. Ann failed her exams three times and you didn't talk to her teachers.
10. Daniel receives anonymous phone calls every day and you are not doing anything
about it.

Respond to the following sentences expressing emotional colouring as shown in the
model. Use the correct form of the infinitive.

Ex. 15
Model:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

My sister isn't at home at such a late hour.
Where can / could she have gone to?
That woman is looking for something in the park.
The baby has been crying for half an hour.
My brother is at home but doesn't answer the phone.
My friends went skiing without telling me about it.
My dog has been barking all night.
My neighbours packed their things and left their house unattended.
My father came home dirty and tired last night.
The cat is walking with a broken leg.
The kids are not playing in the yard.
The ambulance has just parked in front of our house.


18

English Grammar Practice

Some of these sentences contain errors. Find and correct them.

Ex. 16

1.
2.

Why did you walk all the way from the station? You could phone for a lift.
I loved staying with my grandparents when I was a child. They let me read all the books
in the house and told me I was able to go to bed as late as I wanted.
3. This carpet was priced at 500$, but I was able to get a discount because of this little
mark in the corner.
4. I wasn't able to buy apricots, but I bought peaches instead.
5. As soon as she opened the door I was able to see from her face that something terrible
had happened.
6. I've no idea where my brother is living now. He could have been at the North Pole for
all I know.
7. Could she take the bag full of money? By all means it's a good idea she told the police
about its loss.
8. Why did I listen to you? I could go there by air instead of having this long journey by
train.
9. Agnes left a couple of minutes ago and if you had come earlier you could have caught her.
10. How could you trusted this man who has already caused so much trouble to your family
by just his presence here?

Use the modal verb can in the correct form followed by the appropriate infinitive and
identify its meaning.

Ex. 17

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

He__________ (recite) long poems when he was six.
You__________ (not/take) the books out of the reading hall.
If you had met him in the street you__________(pass) him without taking notice.
He hated himself for his behaviour, but__________ (do) nothing to alter it.
__________ I (come) in for a moment?
You__________ (not/do it). I don't believe it.
I wonder where she is. She__________ (not/stay) at her friend's all this time.
I __________ (help) him but I didn't know he needed help.
Such problems__________ (solve) easily.

He__________ (see) that everything in the house was in full order.
How__________ she (work) in the garden now? It is already dark.
Of course, there were many things I __________(answer) to this. But I kept silent.
I simply__________ (not/refuse). They would have been hurt.
He wasn't old. He__________ (not/be) more than forty.
__________you (work) all this time without any break?
She__________ (not/forget) what had happened the day before. It's hardly possible.
The man was very impolite. How__________you (talk) to him for so long?
I am not sure but h e__________(join) his friends and__________ (go) to the country
with them.


Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.

19

I __________ (not/bear) the heat here.
Now that the exams are over we__________ (have) a good rest.
She is tall for her age already. And she_______ __ (grow) even taller.
Is there anything the matter with him? He looks so upset! H e __________ (fail) the
exam.
There__________ (not/be) anything wrong with the tea. I refuse to believe that.
What__________ he (do) all this time? He has been gone for twenty minutes.
He__________ (not/see) me. I came when he had gone.
How __________you (make) such a mistake as to suppose that I was younger than
you?
Surely you__________ (do) it before. What have you been doing all the morning?
Say what you like, but you__________ (not/do) all this work by yourself. I don't believe
you.
__________ he still (sleep)? It seems to me they simply don't want us to see him.
She has a university education and__________ (make) a career for herself if she hadn't
married.
You__________ (not/forget). I don't believe you.
I would be very much obliged to you if you__________ (lend) me your dictionary for a
couple of days.
I don't believe him, he__________ (not/drive) her to the airport, as his car had broken
down the day before.

Rephrase each of the sentences in such a way that it is as similar in meaning as
possible to the sentence printed before it.

Ex. 18

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

It's hardly likely that this is the place we are supposed to meet.
This__________________________ __________ we are supposed to meet.
You are not allowed to change your money here; you'll have to go to a bank.
You__________________________ your money here; you'll have to go to a bank.
She was able to recognise the voices with a reasonable amount of accuracy.
She________________________ the voices with a reasonable amount of accuracy.
If she had shown her ID, she would have been able to get in.
She____________________________________________ ,if she had shown her ID.
The guide was unable to give us an answer.
The guide_______________________________________________ us an answer.
It was possible to get flights much cheaper last year.
You ___________________________________________ much cheaper last year.
Will you be so kind as to give me the key to my room, please?
_______________________ I have the key to my room, please?
Is it possible that the flight to Milan has been delayed?
________________ the flight to Milan______________ delayed?


20

English Grammar Practice

9.

It can happen that they will make you pay if your luggage is overweight.
They________________________ pay if your luggage is overweight.
10. I wonder how she managed to learn so many foreign languages.
How___________________ so many foreign languages?
11. It's unbelievable that he has been refused a visa to the USA.
He__________________________________ a visa to the USA.
12. I am so curious where she has taken the money to go on such an expensive cruise.
_________ she______________ the money to go on such an expensive cruise?

Make up situations of your own using the following patterns:

Ex. 19
1.

не может быть, чтобы он...
Hе can't/couldn't be that foolish.
He can't/couldn't be moving into a new house.
He can't/couldn't have given up his job.
He can't/couldn't have been working abroad.

2.

неужели он...
Can/Could he be your brother?
Can/Could he be working so late?
Can/Could he have proposed to her?
Can/Could he have been looking for us?

3.

и что (где, как, почему...) это он...
What can/could he mean?
Where can/could he be working?
How can/could he have done it?
What can/could he have been doing there?

4.

не могу не...
I can't help thinking she has made such a mistake.
I couldn't help seeing that she was unhappy.

5.

мне ничего не остается как...
I cannot but ask him for help.
I could not but put him up for the night.


Teaching Unit 1. THE MODAL VERB CAN/COULD

21

Translate the following sentences into English using can in all of its possible meanings.

Ex. 20
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

Он сильный человек и сможет преодолеть все трудности.
Она может говорить о театре часами. Она очень любит театр.
Она может петь прекрасно, но сегодня она не в состоянии, так как у нее болит
горло.
Доктор, вы можете прописать мне что-нибудь от головной боли?
Весь день была оттепель, но вечером подморозило, и мы могли пойти на каток.
По дороге домой молодой человек не смог разглядеть города, в котором ему

предстояло работать, так как уже наступили сумерки и к, тому же, лил сильный
дождь.
Не может быть, чтобы она повесила трубку. Нас кто-то разъединил.
Спросите его, нельзя ли мне поговорить с ним.
Не может быть, чтобы он не согласился с ними.
Неужели она расстроилась из-за такого пустяка?
Не может быть, чтобы она отказалась помочь вам. Это на нее не похоже.
Если бы не ваш зонтик, я могла бы вся промокнуть. Дождь лил как из ведра.
Неужели они ждут нас у другого выхода?
Не может быть, чтобы я неправильно вас понял.
И кто бы мог подумать, что эта команда займет первое место?
Ты мог бы перевести этот текст?
Уже темнеет. И где бы это она могла быть?
А как щенки? Можно мне посмотреть на них?
Ты могла бы, по крайней мере, сказать, что не согласна с ними. Теперь мне придется
все им объяснять самому.
Льюис пристально смотрел на письмо. «И откуда оно могло придти?»
Когда я увидел его, я не мог не засмеяться.
Нам остается только надеяться, что он выполнит свое обещание.
Ты мог бы и присмотреть за бабушкой в мое отсутствие. Ты же знаешь, что она не
может обходиться без помощи.


22

English Grammar Practice

Teaching Unit 2

THE M ODAL VERB MAY/MIGHT

For Study
The modal verb may has the following forms in the Indicative Mood: may - for the Present and might
for the Past. The form might is used in two ways:
a) in its Past Indefinite tense form, mainly in reported speech in accordance with the rules of the
sequence of tenses:
He told me that I might take his car.
b) in the Subjunctive Mood:
It might be true.
He might have fallen ill if he hadn't taken the pills.
May has the following meanings:
1. Permission.
May is used in its Indicative Mood form to give permission in affirmative sentences where it is rather
formal. In an informal style can is more common. In this meaning may is combined only with the
non-perfect infinitive.
The manager is in his office now. So you may see him. /...Вы можете его увидеть.
May I borrow your car?-Yes, of course, you may. /Можно мне одолжить у тебя
машину? — Конечно, можно.
2. Request.
May (Indicative Mood form) and Might (Subjunctive Mood form) in this meaning are found in
interrogative sentences. They are more formal than can and could. Might is very polite and formal;
it is not common, and is mostly used in indirect question structures. In this meaning may/might is
combined only with the non-perfect infinitive.
May I turn the TV on? (I ask my father)./Можно мне включить телевизор?
I wonder if I might have a little more cheese? (More natural than Might I have... ?)/
Можно мне немного сыра?
May I is used when the speaker is fairly confident that permission will be given. I wonder / I was
wondering if I might is used when the speaker is less confident or wants to sound particularly polite:
I was wondering if I might take a day off work. / Могу ли я обратиться к Вам
с просьбой взять выходной?

Teaching Unit 2. THE MODAL VERB MAY/MIGHT

23

3. Prohibition.
May in its Indicative Mood form is used in negative sentences to forbid things. In this meaning it is
combined only with the non-perfect infinitive.
Students may not use the staff car park. / Студентам нельзя пользоваться
парковкой для персонала.
Не said I might not enter the room until he says so. /О н сказал, что мне нельзя
входить в комнату, пока он не разрешит.
4. Possibility of the fact (factual possibility):
May (Indicative Mood form) in this meaning occurs only in affirmative sentences and is followed only
by the non-perfect infinitive.
You may order a taxi by telephone. /М ож но заказать такси по телефону.
The form might is used in its Past Indefinite tense form in accordance with the rules of the sequence
of tenses.
They said you might order a taxi by telephone. / Они сказали, что такси можно
заказать по телефону.
May can be used to talk about typical occurrences - things that can happen in certain situations. This
is common in scientific and academic language. Might in its Past Indefinite tense form is only used in
this way to talk about the past.
Children of divorced parents may have difficulty in forming stable relationships
themselves./Дет и родителей в разводе могут иметь проблему
формирования устойчивых взаимоотношений.
In those days, a man might be hanged for stealing a sheep. / В прежние времена
человека могли казнить за кражу овцы.

N O T E 1 : May is used to talk about the chances that something will happen or is happening
(=lt's possible that...) while can is used to talk about a more general or theoretical kind
of possibility (=It's possible to...).
Compare: The roads may be improved. (It's possible that the roads will be improved) /
Возможно, дороги усовершенствуют.
The roads can be improved. (It is possible for the roads to be improved)/Дороги
можно усовершенствовать.


24

English Grammar Practice

5. Unreality.
Might in its Subjunctive Mood form can have a conditional meaning (= would perhaps). The time
reference is indicated by the form of the infinitive:
If you went to bed for an hour, you might feel better. / ...тебе бы стало лучше.
If she hadn't been so bad-tempered, I might have married her. /...я бы женился
на ней.
You are so careless. You might have broken the vase. / Ты чуть было не разбил
вазу.
6. Criticism (reproach).
In this meaning might is used in its Subjunctive Mood form followed by the non-perfect or perfect
infinitive. The structure is used only in affirmative sentences:
You might ask me every time before you borrow my car. / Ты мог бы спрашивать
моего разрешения каждый раз, когда берешь мою машину. (But every time
you borrow my car you don't ask me).
She might have told me she was going to stay out all night. / Она могла бы
сказать мне, что будет отсутствовать всю ночь. (But she didn't tell me
about her intention to stay out all night).

7. Supposition implying uncertainty, doubt:
In Russian this meaning is generally rendered by means of the modal words возможно and может
быть.
In English this meaning may also be rendered by means of the modal words maybe, perhaps, possibly
and it's possible.
In the meaning of supposition implying uncertainty, doubt the verb may occurs in affirmative and
negative sentences.
She may phone us sometime today. /М ож ет быть, она нам сегодня еще
позвонит.
Не may not want to stay at home tonight. /О н, возможно, не захочет сегодня
вечером оставаться дома.
In this meaning may can be followed by different forms of the infinitive depending on the time
reference:
She may be at the supermarket. / Может быть, она в супермаркете.
Tim may come over today. / Возможно, Тим сегодня к нам зайдет.
I never see him about now. For all I know, he may be writing a book. / Все, что я
знаю, он, возможно, пишет книгу.
Polly is very late. She may have missed her train. /Возможно, она опоздала на поезд.
Не may have been waiting for us for an hour. / Возможно, он ждет нас уже
целый час.