In English we use should / shouldn't /ought to / oughtn't to give advice. We use should / ought to to say something is a good thing to do and shouldn't / oughtn't to say something is a bad thing to do.
Example sentences :
Note : To ask for advice we can say: What should I do?
In English, "can" is a modal verb and only has a present, past and conditional form. It can also be used with a future meaning.
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Note : Can is not used to talk about specific possibilities.
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In English, could is used to talk about past ability/ permission/ possibility.
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"Be able to" can be used in the present, past, future, present perfect and as a gerund or infinitive.
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Note : be able to in the present and past is more formal than can or could.
In English we use might or may to say something in the future is possible, but not decided.
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To make questions with might we usually use Do you think...?
Example questions :
In English we can also use might in short answers.
Example short answers :
In English we use have to + infinitive to say something is necessary or obligatory. We normally use have to for a general obligation from an outside source, such as work or the law.
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In English we use don't have to + infinitive to say something is not necessary or obligatory. It means you can if you want to, but it's not necessary.
Example sentences :
To make questions we use do/does.
Example questions :
Form : ( Must + infinitive without to )
In English we use must + infinitive to talk about rules and obligations. We normally use must when the speaker imposes the obligation, such as a teacher to students, or even to yourself.
Form : ( Mustn't + infinitive without to )
In English we use mustn't + infinitive to say something is prohibited.
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Note : You can often use can't or be + not allowed to instead of mustn't.
Example sentences :
Note : Mustn't and don't have to have completely different meanings.
Mustn't Vs Don't Have To
Note : Have to is a normal verb and exists in all tenses whereas must is a modal verb and its only forms are must and mustn't.
You can also use have to and must for strong recommendations.
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In English we use must when we are sure something is true.
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In English we use may or might when we think something is possibly true.
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In English we use can't when we are sure something is impossible.
Examples sentences :
Note : In this context, the opposite of must is can't, NOT mustn't!
In the past, can't, could, may, might and must for probability change to can't have, could have, may have, might have and must have + past participle (Verb 3).
In the past, should and ought to change to should have and ought to have + past participle (Verb 3).
Note : the form of "must" for obligation and "can" are exceptions.
Must for obligation changes to had to + infinitive
Can changes to could or was able to
Modal example sentences | |
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Umm, it must be that one with the white fence. | Хмм, это должен быть вот этот с белым забором. |
The burglar might like it. | Возможно налётчику это бы понравилось. |
Why can French restaurants serve bugs, but Chinese ones can't? | Почему во французском ресторане могут подавать жуков, а в китайском - нет? |
They should be back any time. | Они могут вернуться в любой момент. |
That's better, we can get some thighs. | Вот это лучше, можем купить несколько бедрышек. |
I think they should be more understanding. | Я думаю, что им следует быть более понимающими. |
Okay, can I have it with some barbecued scorpions on the side? | Ладно, я могу заказать её с запечёнными скорпионами на гарнир? |
Um, I'm going to finish at 5, we can meet at 17:30 if you like. | Хм, я собираюсь закончить в 5, мы можем встретиться в 17:30, если хочешь. |
Okay, can you tell me what it is, then? | Ладно, тогда скажи мне, о чем? |
Yes, but don't touch it, it must be very hot. | Да, только не трогай его, он наверняка горячий. |
Yeah, we should add some salt. | Да, надо добавить немного соли. |
I said it was a mistake, I was terribly sorry, what else could I say? | Я сказала, что ошиблась и мне очень жаль, а что еще я могла сказать? |
I've got my oyster card, can I use it to buy a ticket? | У меня есть транспортная карта Oyster, я могу использовать ее для покупки билета? |
You can buy me a beer for giving you my turn. | Ты можешь купить мне бутылочку пиво за то, что я уступил тебе очередь. |
I have to go home and check on Pogo first. | Мне сначала нужно сходить домой и проведать Пого. |
Okay, I can make an appointment for you at 1 o'clock. | Ладно, я могу встретиться с Вами в 13 часов. |
Haven't decided yet, but you can call me when you finish. | Ещё пока не решили, но ты можешь мне позвонить, как закончишь. |
As you might know, you should always keep an eye on your stuff at pubs. | Как ты знаешь, тебе следует всегда присматривать за своими вещами в пабах. |
I'm already scared, can you please stop with that evil thing? | Я уже напугана, не мог бы ты прекратить все эти разговоры про дьявола? |
Of course, but I can only peel the potatoes with a peeler. | Конечно, но я могу.чистить их только картофелечисткой. |