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.
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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.
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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.
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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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You could have brought the book directly! | Тебе надо было взять с собой сразу всю книгу! |
I think the chicken must be ready by now. | Думаю, курица должна быть уже готова. |
Umm, yeah, I think we should consider living in Angel, too. | Ну да, я думаю, нам надо найти жилье в Энджел. |
I have to go home and check on Pogo first. | Мне сначала нужно сходить домой и проведать Пого. |
Sorry... Beary! Come here, my boy, seems we have to wait a while. | Извини... Беарчик! Иди сюда, мой мальчик, кажется, нам надо немного подождать. |
Can I have wine instead of beer? | Можно я закажу вино вместо пива? |
I think they should be more understanding. | Я думаю, что им следует быть более понимающими. |
The burglar might like it. | Возможно налётчику это бы понравилось. |
Sorry to interrupt your story, but I really have to go now! | Прости, что прерываю тебя, но мне действительно нужно идти сейчас! |
Umm, I guess it must be in zone-2... | Думаю, он должен быть в зоне-2... |
You are going to ask me if I can take Bear out. | Ты собираешься спросить, не смогу ли я выгулять Беара. |
Yes darling, we just live in the house next door, you can come anytime! | Да, дорогой, мы живем в доме рядом, можете приходить в любое время! |
It must be very difficult for your mum. | Твоей маме, должно быть, очень трудно. |
It doesn't matter for me, you can get the one you like best. | Мне все равно, можешь купить, какой тебе больше нравится. |
It's not easy, but not impossible, in the end, you can get it. | Это не просто, но не невозможно, в конце концов его можно получить. |
Umm, we can raise it just a little bit, like 50%. | Хм, мы можем поднять оплату совсем немного, скажем, на 50%. |
How can you be so sure? | Как ты можешь быть так уверен? |
But we should tell them to clean up the mess. | Но нам нужно сказать, чтобы они здесь сделали уборку. |
You know what, I can't see any cutlery in the drawer! | Знаешь что, не вижу в ящике столовых приборов! |
I can't find my bra, can you see it? | Я не могу найти свой бюстгалтер, ты его видишь? |