Modals: introduction

The modal verbs are a group of auxiliary verbs (can, could, may, might, must, ought, need, shall, should, will, would, dare) that we can use with other verbs to say what is possible, permitted, necessary, advisable, etc.

The phrasal modals are a group of verb phrases (be able to, be allowed to, be supposed to, have to, have got to, be to) that can be used instead ofmodals.

TASK Read and translate the following text.

Underline all modal verbs and phrasal modals in the text.

Superstitions are beliefs that some things can't be explained by reason and that there are certain objects or actions that bring good or bad luck. Most superstitions are old and people usually have no idea where they came from. We may be told, for example, that we should never open an umbrella indoors because that will bring bad luck. We aren't told why or what kind of bad thing might happen tous, but few of us are going to try to find out. We just don't open one until we are outside.

Everyone knows that thirteen is an unlucky number. Other things that can bring bad luck include breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder or spilling salt. At least when you spill salt, you can avoid the bad luck by immediately throwing some of the salt over your left shoulder with your right hand. Unfortunately, the man sitting behind you at that moment will suddenly get a shower of salt all over him. He must have done something earlier that brought him bad luck. He may have opened an umbrella indoors.

If you ask people why you shouldn’t walk under a ladder, they usually say that it's because something might fall on your head. It could be a hammer, a brick, a piece of wood, paint or water. It is interesting that the superstition is explained in terms of such ordinary things. The origin of the superstition is much darker and more scary. According to the Oxford Guide to British and American Culture, 'this idea may have developed out of the practice in medieval times according to which criminals would be hung from ladders. That explanation makes the superstition much easier to understand.

More confusing are those superstitions that seem to have different meanings for different people. Some people will tell you that it is bad luck if a black cat walks in front of you. Others will say that seeing a black cat is supposed to be lucky. Other tokens of good luck are a rabbit's foot (not lucky for the rabbit, obviously), a special coin, a four-leaf clover and a horseshoe. If you hang the horseshoe over your front door to bring luck to your house, you must be careful to have the open end pointing upwards. If you hang it the other way, your good luck will just drop out through the gap. You can also wish for good luck by crossing your fingers. You don't have to cross all of them, only the middle finger over the index finger. With your fingers like this, however, it may be hard to nail that horseshoe over your door.

There are special phrases that people use to bring luck. There's 'Good luck', of course. Another expression is 'Touch wood' or 'Knock on wood'. This is usually heard when people talk about their good luck or when they are hoping that they will be able to get or do something they want. By using the expression, the speaker tries to avoid having any bad luck that might be caused by talking about having good luck. If there isn't anything wooden to touch, some people will tap themselves on the head as they say 'Touch wood'. However, acting as if you have a wooden head, touching it with your fingers crossed and saying 'Knock on wood' all at once won't necessarily increase your luck. People will just think you're very superstitious or possibly crazy.

Modals 1. The modals always have the same form. We should wait for David. He maycome soon. (not -He mays come soon.) 2. We use modals before the base forms of other verbs without particle to. Ican wait for him. You must leave. (NOT l can waitingfor him. You must to leave.) The exception is the modal verb ought which is always followed by to: You ought togo home, (not You ought go home.) 3. We do not use auxiliaries do, does, did with modals in questions or negatives. Will I work? Can you play the piano? (not Do you can play the piano?) She might notwant it. I couldn't swim very fast, (not / didn't could swim very fast. ) 4. We don't put two modals together before a verb. We can winthis game and we will win it! (not We will can win this game!)     Phrasal modals Phrasal modals are verb phrases beginning with be or have which can be used instead of modals. They are always used with particle to before the notional verb. Most old people are able to look after themselves. (= They canlook after themselves.) However, we have to make sure that they can cope. (= We mustORWe shouldmake sure….) Others: be allowed to (can/may), be supposed to (should), have got to (must). We always use phrasal modals instead of modals in the following structures: · after a modal We will be able towin this game! They maybe going to increase tuition next year. · where an infinitive or a gerund is needed, He seems to be able to do everything I hope to be allowed tostay. in the perfect and continuous forms. I love being able tosit outside in the sun. • I hate having torepeat everything. • They have had towait for hours. • They haven't been allowed toleave the building. She is having topay extra. • We aren't being allowed totake the test early.

EX 1. Add to where necessary. If no to is necessary, write 0.

1. I have to go downtown tomorrow.

2. Tom mustsee his dentist.

3. Could you please open the window?

4. May I borrow your pen?

5. A good book can be a friend for life.

6. I ought go to the post office this afternoon.

7. Jimmy is yawning and rubbing his eyes. He must be sleepy.

8. I have got go to the post office this afternoon.

9. Shouldn't you save a little money for a rainy day?

10. Poor Edward. He has go to the hospital for an operation.

11. Alex! Stop! You must not run into the street when there's traffic!

Ex 2. Correct the errors.

1. Can you help me, please?

2. I must studying for an exam tomorrow.

3. We couldn't went to the party last night.

4. I am have to improve my English as soon as possible.

5. You shouldn't to spend all your free time at the computer.

6. My mother can't speaking English, but she can speaks several other language.

Modals can be used with different types of Infinitives

Дата добавления: 2015-10-26