To be (to)

Модальный глагол to be употребляется в двух формах – the Present и Past Indefinite и всегда с частицей to:

We are to meet on Friday. – Мы встретимся (должны встретиться) в пятницу.

We were to meet yesterday. – Мы должны были встретиться вчера.

To be может выражать:

1. Предварительную договоренность, планируемое действие:

Mary and John are to marry in June. – Мери и Джон поженятся в июле.

He was to come and see me last week. – Он должен был навестить меня на прошлой неделе.

2. Приказы, распоряжения:

The Principal says that I am to arrange the meeting. – Директор говорит, что я должен организовать встречу.

Should, ought (to)

Модальные глаголы should и ought имеют только одну форму, которая употребляется в настоящем времени и не изменяется в косвенной речи.

Глаголы should и ought практически имеют одно и то же значение и различаются лишь тем, что ought употребляется с частицей to, а should – без нее.

Они могут выражать:

1. Совет или рекомендацию (следует, должен):

You ought to be more attentive. – Вы должны быть более внимательны.

You shouldn't go to bed so late. – Вам не следует ложиться спать так поздно.

2. Недоумение, удивление, возмущение. В этом случае should придает эмоциональную окраску высказыванию, не выражая модальности:

Why should I go there? – С какой стати мне туда идти?

How should I know? – Откуда мне знать?

Need

Модальный глагол need имеет только одну форму. Он употребляется преимущественно в отрицательных предложениях и выражает ненужность совершения действия:

You needn't come so early. – Вам незачем приходить так рано.

Need может употребляться и как смысловой глагол со значением "нуждаться в чем-либо":

He needs a long rest. – Ему нужен продолжительный отдых.

Упражнение 1. Поставьте вместо точек: can (not)/could (not), be able (to):

1. … you show me that umbrella, please? 2. At the end of the month the Post office will send us a bill which we … (not to pay) as you are talking on the telephone for hours every day. 3. When I was a child I … understand adults. 4. When I first went to England I … neither read nor speak English. 5. I know the town well so I … advise you where to go. 6. … I speak to Mr. Green, please? – He is out at the moment. … you ring back later? 7. At the age of five I … read but I … write. 8. I lost my key yesterday … open the door. 9. When the Sun rises we … to continue our way. 10. … you show me the way to the station? 11. Excuse me, how … I get to the nearest supermarket? 12. The boy was very tired but he … reach the opposite shore of the river. 13. If you don't help me I … fix this shelf on the wall. 14. What … help people live through a difficult time?

Упражнение 2. Поставьте вместо точек один из следующих модальных глаголов: must, have to, be to, need в отрицательной или утвердительной форме:

1. You … explain anything. I know everything. 2. Tom … get up early yesterday. 3. You … send for the doctor. 4. I … finish the work yesterday, but I didn't have enough time. 5. My friend is ill and I … visit him today. 6. I … make a report so I … go to the library this week. 7. The car … be parked on the pavement. 8. The students … do the whole exercise. Ten sentences are enough. 9. I … go shopping today. There is enough food in the house.

Упражнение 3. Употребите may/might или be allowed to:

1. You … find this book at any library.

2. … I speak to you for a moment?

3. … I see your passport, please?

4. I … never be able to see you again.

5. You ought to buy it now; prices … go up.

6. When he was a child he … do exactly as he liked.

7. Warning: No part of this book … be reproduced without the publisher's permission.

8. The teacher said to the students that they … find this book at the library.

9. He has refused but he … change his mind if you ask him again.

10. She … not … to drive since the accident.

11. … I come in? – Please do.

12. It … rain, you'd better take an umbrella.

13. He said that it … rain.

14. He … not believe you.

Упражнение 4. Дополните предложения, употребляя модальные глаголы или их эквиваленты:

1. … you remember the address? – I … not even remember the street. 2. The sick man had a restless night, but he … sleep for an hour or two. 3. He was very strong, he … ski all day and dance all night. 4. When they buy a car, they … visit their friends more often. 5. You … ring the bell, I have the key. 6. You … drink this: it is a poison. 7. The buses are all full, I … get a taxi. 8. What were your instructions about phoning, Bill? – I … phone him at 6.00. 9. That hat doesn't suit you, you … buy another one. 10. Tom was often late and his father told him that he … wake up earlier. 11. The policeman told the driver that he … drive more carefully. 12. The woman is looking ill. She … see a doctor.