Why Modal Verbs Feel So Strange
In English, modal verbs are fixed — they never change form, never add -s, and are always followed by a bare infinitive.
В английском модальные глаголы не изменяются, никогда не получают -s, и всегда стоят перед инфинитивом без to.
The Golden Rules
- No -s in third person: She can (not cans)
- No infinitive with to: I must go (not to go)
- Questions by inversion: Can you help? (not Do you can?)
CAN — умею / могу
| Use | Example | Перевод | |-----|---------|---------| | Ability | I can speak three languages. | Я умею говорить на трёх языках. | | Permission | You can leave early today. | Сегодня можешь уйти пораньше. | | Request | Can you help me? | Ты можешь мне помочь? |
COULD — мог / умел / мог бы
| Use | Example | Перевод | |-----|---------|---------| | Past ability | I could run fast as a child. | В детстве я умел быстро бегать. | | Polite request | Could you open the window? | Не могли бы вы открыть окно? | | Suggestion | We could try a different approach. | Мы могли бы попробовать другой подход. |
Could is more polite and tentative than Can. Could более вежливо и осторожно, чем Can.
SHOULD — следует / должен
| Use | Example | Перевод | |-----|---------|---------| | Advice | You should see a doctor. | Тебе следует обратиться к врачу. | | Expectation | The package should arrive tomorrow. | Посылка должна прийти завтра. | | Recommendation | You should try this restaurant. | Тебе стоит попробовать этот ресторан. |
Should is advice. Must is obligation.
MUST — должен / обязан
| Use | Example | Перевод | |-----|---------|---------| | Strong obligation | You must wear a seatbelt. | Ты обязан пристегнуть ремень. | | Logical deduction | She must be brilliant. | Она, должно быть, блестяща. |
Must not vs Do not have to
You must not smoke here. = Forbidden. Запрещено. You do not have to come. = Not necessary. Необязательно.
MIGHT — может быть / возможно
| Use | Example | Перевод | |-----|---------|---------| | Weak possibility | It might rain later. | Позже, возможно, будет дождь. | | Tentative suggestion | We might go to the cinema. | Мы, возможно, пойдём в кино. |
Quick Comparison
| Modal | Strength | Main use | |-------|----------|----------| | Must | Very strong | Obligation / deduction | | Should | Medium | Advice / expectation | | Can | Medium | Ability / permission | | Could | Weaker | Polite request / past ability | | Might | Weakest | Weak possibility |
Common Mistakes
Wrong: She cans speak English. Right: She can speak English.
Wrong: You must to go now. Right: You must go now.
Wrong: Do you can help me? Right: Can you help me?
Quick Test
- You look tired. You ___ go to bed early. (should / must not)
- I ___ swim when I was five. (can / could)
- Take an umbrella — it ___ rain. (might / should)
- You ___ park here — it is illegal. (must not / do not have to)
Answers: 1. should · 2. could · 3. might · 4. must not
Practice This in EnglishSpark
Modal verbs appear in every level from A2 upwards. The B1 course covers all five in depth. Unit 1 is completely free.
Модальные глаголы встречаются на каждом уровне начиная с A2. Юнит 1 бесплатно.