Monda L Verbs

.., .., ..
: .., .., ..

must, can
u may. : .

.
.

.
,

must, can, may.
CONTENTS
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Grammar notes.
Must
Can.
May.
Must Cant.
Can (could) - May (might).
Mixed exercises.
Literature
GRAMMAR NOTES
DEFINITION
Modal verbs are a specific group of verbs. They are used to show the speakers attitude
towards the action. We use them with other verbs. Modal verbs are incomplete. They
lack some tense-forms, the passive voice and have some other peculiarities:
1. We dont use them with to infinitives:
to open, to talk.
2. We dont use the to infinitives after modals:
You mustnt phone now. Its late.
3. Their form cant be changed.
The boss can see you now.
Many of modal verbs have equivalents or modal verb phrases, which can substitute
them when it is necessary:
must to have to;
can to be able;
may to be allowed
In their first use modal verbs have basic meanings which are given in the dictionaries:
can / could ability
I can lift 25 kg / I can type.
may / might permission
You may leave early;
must total obligation
You must be quiet.
etc.
The second use of modal verbs is to express degrees of certainty or uncertainty (doubt),
or supposition.
Well examine the modal verbs MUST, CAN/COULD, MAY/MIGHT in their
second meaning.
How modal verbs may, might, must, can, could are used
Verb
may
Might
Must
Meaning
(1) polite request
(2) formal
permission
(3) less than 50%
certainty
(1) less than 50%
certainty
Present/Future
May I borrow your pen?
You may leave the room.
Past
Wheres John? He may be at the

library.
Wheres John? He might be at the
library.
He may have been

at the library
He might have
been at the library.
(2) polite request

(rare)
(1) strong necessity
Might I borrow your pen?

I must go to class today. Mari
isnt in class
I had to go to class
yesterday
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Can
Could
(2) prohibition
(negative)
You must not open that door,
(3) 95% certainty
She must be sick (present only)
(1) ability /
possibility
I can run fast
(2) informal
permission
(3) informal
polite
request
(4) impossibility
(negative) /near
certainty-98%
(1) possibility
You can use my car

tomorrow
Can I borrow your
pen?
(2) polite request
Could I borrow you pen?

Could you help me?
I need help in math. You could
talk to your teacher.
Wheres John? He could be at
home.
(3) suggestion
(4) less than 50%
certainty
(5) impossibility
That cant be true!
Mary must have

been sick
yesterday.
I could run fast
when I was a child,
but now I cant.
That cant have

been true!
I could run fast
when I was a child.
That couldnt be true!

(negative only)
You could have

talked to your
teacher
He could have
been at home.
That couldnt have
been true!
Expression of degree of certainty with the help of modal verbs must, may, might,
could
Why isnt John in class? 100%
sere: He is sick.
95% sure: He must be sick.
Less than 50% sure: He may
be sick. He might be sick. He
could be sick.
,
, ,
- .
-,
. ,
John is sick, .
, .
100%.
MUST
Why isnt John in class?
(a) He must be sick. (Usually
he isnt in class every day, but ,

4
when I saw him last night, he

wasnt feeling well. So my
best guess is that he is sick
today. I cant think of another
possibility).
Why isnt John in class?
(b) He may be sick.
(c) He might be sick.
(d) He could be sick. (I dont
rally know. He may be at
home).
100%. () :
( ), .
, .
,
.
MAY, MIGHT, COULD
1- .
(b), (), (d) :
, .
.
Present Simple: modals + not

100% sure: Sam isnt hungry.
99% sure: Sam couldnt be hungry.
Sam cant be hungry.
95% sure: Sam must not be hungry.
50% sure: Sam may not be hungry.
Sam might not be hungry.
Modal Perfects
May
+ have + Past Participle (-ed) (Active)
Might
+ have + Past Participle (-ed) (Active)
Must (not)+ have + been + Past Participle (Passive)
Could
+ have + been + Present Participle (-ing) (Continuous)
Lets analyze the following situation.
My friend is stout. He is a security. Hes got some problem at work. The administration
of the firm decided to fire him.
- Why do you think they were worried about his weight?
- I dont know. They might have been afraid that he wouldnt be able to protect them
because of his weight. They may have thought that he would have a heart attack if he
had to run after someone
- Why do you think they hired him in the first place?
- He must not have been heavy when he first started working there.
- I think he had worked there for quite a while. They must have liked him or they
wouldnt have kept him.
- He must have been doing a good job. He knew that he was overweight and that there
was a policy against it.
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- He could have tried to lose weight. He could have gone diet. He could have
exercised.
Short statements or answers = Modal + have.
Modal + have been (When the main verb is to be or the
passive is used).
Possibility in the Past One of many. We do not know if it happened or not.
May or Might (Not) Have + Past Participle
They might have been afraid that he wouldnt be able to protect them because of his
weight. (Its a possibility. We dont know.) He might have been thinking they would
change the rules.
(Continuous) (Had he been warned about his weight? I dont know. He might have
been. = He might have been warned about his weight.)
Probability in the Past We are almost sure. We are making an assumption or a
deduction from the facts we have.
Must (Not) Have + Past Participle

They must have liked him. We are not 100 percent sure, but we are making a strong
guess or an assumption from what we know of the facts. (Did they like him? They must
have. + They must have liked him) (Was he well-liked? He must have been. = He must
have been well-liked.)
Possibility in the Past that Did Not Happen One of many possibilities, but we
know it did not happen.
Could Have + Past Participle

He could have tried to lose weight. He could have gone on a diet.
Could have is frequently used when there was a possibility but we know it did not
happen.
Here we know or we are assuming that he did not try. Could have is also sometimes
used by native speakers like might just to mean a post possibility. However, may / might
cannot be used for a possibility if we know it did not happen.
He didnt even try to lose weight. He couldnt have been too worried about his
job. Could not have means impossibility. We may be sure of this or it may be an
assumption.
MUST
In its second use must denotes probability or supposition bordering on assurance,
almost a conviction. In this meaning it is used in affirmative sentences only.
,
He must +
infinitive
do
be doing
have done
have been doing
-Present
-Past
He must be at home at this hour.

He must be writing about his travels.
He must have taken a lot of photos while he was on the islands.
He must have been developing the project for many years.
In negative sentences and sentences referring to the future supposition is expressed by

means of the modal words "evidently", "probably" or modal phase "to have to do
something"
Evidently, she didn't know my address.
She will probably come tomorrow.
She is not likely to come so late.
She won't have to do in again.
COMPARE THE FOLLOWING PATTERNS:
Time of the action Necessity
Present
Must wait

Must be waiting
Must know

Past
Had to wait
.
.
Had to know
. .
Future
Near certainty
Must be waiting
, .
Must know
,
Must + have been waiting
, .
Must + have waited
, .
Must + have known
, .
Shall/will have to wait

() .
Shall/will have to know
( ) .
The modal must can have two different meanings in the present: obligation (also
expressed by have to or have got to) and probability or supposition.
She was fired. She must be very upset. (Probability)

Although the present forms of these words are the same, the past forms are different and
often cause confusion.
Present
Past
Probability, supposition She must be very upset She must have been very upset.
(She lost her job. We can guess
she was upset.)
Exercises
Exercise 1. What means of expressing modality are used in Russian and English in
corresponding situations?
1. .
2. ( ,
),
.
3. ,
. (
.)
4. , ,
.
5. , , .
1. He must know about it.

2. She must have asked him about it.
3. Evidently (surely, most, probably) she
didnt ask him about it. (She must have
failed to ask him about it.)
4. He must have misunderstood you.
5. He must still be waiting for you.
Exercise 2. Translate from Russian into English using the chart above as a cue.
1. , , .
2. , . .
3. . , , .
4. , , .
5. , , .
6. , , .
7. . .
8. . , .
9. , .
10. , , , .
11. .
12. , .
13. , , .
Exercise 3. Analyze the explanation given in brackets.
1. He must have gone there at once. (I am sure that he went there at once.)
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2. He must be working in the library now. (I am sure he is working in the library now.)
3. He must have read this book. (I am sure he has read this book.)
4. He must have been reading this book for a long time now. (I am sure he has been
reading this book for a long time now.)
4. He must have dropped off to sleep. (He has just dropped off to sleep).
Exercise 4. Analyze the sentences and translate them.
1. You must be a fool to think so.
2. The work must have been carried out in secret for quite long time.
3. The question must have been solved before we began discussing the problem.
4. You must have spent all the money on unnecessary things.
5. You must have taken a taxi if you wanted to catch that train.
6. You must have told your mother about what happened.
7. But she must have seen him!
8. Oh, John, think how she must be suffering!
9. Is she waiting? She must have been waiting for an hour.
10. Oh, Auntie, he answered, you must have talked like that.
Exercise 5. Change the sentences according to the model using must.
Model: Probably I left my textbook in the classroom.
I must have left my textbook in the classroom.
1. Probably I left my bag in the canteen.
2. Probably you left your umbrella in the bus.
3. Probably Mary forgot to call me.
4. Probably mother took my umbrella.
5. Probably I have seen you before: your face is familiar to me.
6. Probably you left your exercise book at school.
7. Evidently she has left the town.
8. Probably Mike has gone to the teachers room.
9. Probably Tom and Nick are playing football.
10. Probably Helen has got a bad mark.
11. Evidently they have solved the problem.
12. Evidently the pupils have finished writing their composition.
13. Obviously he forgot to warn them.
14. Evidently the meeting was cancelled.
15. Evidently he forgot to send them a telegram.
16. Evidently there was something wrong with the tape- recorder.
Exercise 6. Change the sentences using the modal verb must.
1. You have been absent very long: I am sure you feel hungry.
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2. Where are the children? - They are at the river with Nick. I am sure they are having a
very good time.
3. He has probably worked very hard to finish his book.
4. She is a very experienced doctor. I am sure she has been working at this hospital for
at least fifteen years.
5. Look! Helens windows are open. I feel sure she is at home.
6. The Smiths have always been great football fans. I am sure they are at the stadium
watching the football match.
7. Probably they have changed the school program. My granddaughter knows a great
deal more than I did when I was her age.
8. It is probably a very difficult rule.
9. I am sure it is pleasant to spend summer in such a picturesque place.
10. You have probably read books of this author before.
11. I feel sure they are preparing a surprise for us.
12. These old legends were probably composed about a thousand years ago.
13. It is probably nine oclock now.
14. He is very old. I think he is nearly eighty.
15. It is probably high time to go now.
16. I am almost sure they had this book in the library.
17. Probably he recognized you by your photo in the papers.
18. He is sure to be in at this time.
19. Of course she is trying to help you.
20. She is certain to be waiting for you at home.
21. Probably he was already ill.
22. There is little doubt that the first experiment failed.
23. I am sure she is fond of the child.
24. They are sure to have taken the wrong turning.
25. Probably he was taken there by car.
Exercise 7. Translate into English using must.
1. , .
2. , .
3. , .
4. , .
5. , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , .
9. , .
10. , .
11. , .
12. , .
13. -, .
14. , - .
10
15. , .
16. , .
17. , .
18. , .
Exercise 8. Open the brackets.
1. He knows mathematics much better than he did last year. He must (to work) a lot in
summer.
2. Your mathematics is very poor. You must (to work- negative) at it last summer.
3. Where is Peter? - Oh, he must (to read) in the library. He is getting ready for a very
difficult examination.
4. You must (to study) English for several years already. You language is very good.
5. Oh, look how white and clean everything is! It must (to snow) at night.
6. Oh, you are all in snow, you look like a snowman. It must (to snow) heavily.
7. Look, what huge snowdrifts there are everywhere, and the path is covered with kneedeep snow. It must (to snow) for several hours already.
8. You look fresh! You must (to have) a good sleep at night.
9. You look very tired. You must (to have - negative) a good sleep at night.
Exercise 9. Analyze the sentences with the modal verb must. Translate them into
Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
I must be ill.
He must have finished the work.
She must have come home by now.
It must have been raining since the morning.
He must have been here since the morning.
He must have known it all along.
He must have been writing a letter at that moment.
They must be eating in the dining room. Why didnt you ask Jim about it?
He must have talked to them about our problem in the morning.
Exercise 10. Translate into English.

1. , .
2. , , .
3. , , .
4. , .
5. , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , , .
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Exercise 11. Answer the questions, the given example will show you what to do.
Example: Alice always gets the best grades in the class. Why?
Response: She must have studied hard./ She must be intelligent.
1. (...) is yawning. Why?
2. (...) is sneezing and coughing. Why?
3. (...) is wearing a wedding ring. Why?
4. (...) is shivering and has goose bumps. Why?
5. (...) s stomach is growling. Why?
6. (...) is scratching his arm. Why?
7. (...) is going to get married in five minutes. His/her hands are shaking. Why?
8. (...) has already had two glasses of water, but now he/she wants another. Why?
9. (...) is smiling. Why?
10. (...) is crying. Why?
11. You just picked up a telephone receiver, but there is no dial tone. Why?
12. There is a restaurant in town that is always packed (full). Why?
13. I am in my car. I am trying to start it, but the engine wont turn over. I left my lights
on all day. Whats wrong?
14. Every night there is a long line of people waiting to get into (a particular movie) I
wonder why?
15. Dont look at your watch. What time is it?
Exercise 12. Finish the sentences. Use the phrases given below.
be about ten
be crazy
be rich
miss them
be very proud
be at a meeting
feel terrible
very much
fit Jimmy
have the wrong number
like green
1. A: Have you noticed that Professor Adams wears something green every day?
B: I know. He must like green.
2 A: Eds just bought his wife a diamond necklace with matching earrings.
B: Thats expensive! He _________ .
A: He is.
3. A: Look at the man standing outside the window on the fifteenth floor of the
building.
4. B: He _____ .
5. A: I agree. Only a nut would do something like that.
6. A: Wheres Ms. Adams? Shes not in her office.
B: I dont know. She ____ .
7. A: If you see her, would you tell her Im looking for her?
B: Certainly, Mr. Trench.
8. A: Hello?
B: Hello. May I speak to Ron?
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9. A: Im sorry. You ____ . Theres no one here by that name.

A: Ive heard that your daughter recently graduated from law school and that your
son has got a scholarship to the state university. You ____ .
10. B: We are.
11. A: Youre coughing and sneezing, blowing your nose, and running a fever. You ___
B: I do.
12. A: This winter jacket is still in good shape, but Tommy has outgrown it. Do
you
think it would fit one of your sons?
B: Well, its probably too small for Johnny, too, but it ____ .
13. A: How long has it been since you last saw your family?
B: Over a year.
14. A: You ____ .
B: I do.
15. A: How old is their daughter now?
B: Hmmm. I think she was born around the same time our daughter was born.
She___ .
Exercise 13. Translate the sentences into English using must.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
, .
, .
, .
, .
, .
, .
, , , .
, .
, , , ,
.
Exercise 14. Translate into Russian.

1. You must be dying with curiosity. Take a peep.
2. I must have dozed off unexpectedly because I woke to hear someone knocking. The
light was still on, it was daylight.
3. Therefore since there are no fingerprints on the ABC, it must have been carefully
wiped.
4. Mor drew in a deep breath and smiled down at the dry earth below him. I must be
mad, he thought.
5. And the railway guide was - where? - It was in the right place. Seems as though
he must have been looking up the trains to London.
13
Exercise 15. Analyze the sentences in which must expresses supposition.

1. Somebody must know her.
2. Somebody must be waiting there.
3. Somebody must have known her.
4. Somebody must have done it.
5. Somebody must have been waiting there.
6. He must have failed to get in touch with her.
7. He must have misunderstood you.
8. He must be unaware of that.
9. He must never have guessed the truth.
10. No one must have told him about it.
1. . - , ,
- .
2. ? - .
? - , , (be out to lunch)
.
3. ? - , . .
4. ? - , . - , , ,
.
5. ? - , , ,
.
6. . , , , , .
.
7. , - , .
8. ? ,
. , , , .
9. ? - , .
10. , .
11. , , .
12. (to come and see), - ,
.
13. . (to
have a good nights sleep).
1. He must have taken it.
2. He must be trying to find the lost stamp.
3. You must have tried to find the lost stamp.
4. She must be the youngest child in this group.
5. If you want to become a good football player, you must be an all-round athlete.
14
6. He must have read the letter many times.

7. They must be talking about us.
8. Start reading this text again. You must have forgotten to read it aloud at home.
Exercise 18. Translate the following negative sentences into English.
Model:
1) , ,
.
2) , ,
.
She must have given him no

opportunity to object.
She must be taking no trouble to
do it right.
1. , .
2. , .
3. , .
4. , .
5. , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , .
9. , .
10. , , .
Exercise 19. Practice the following according to the model.
Model: A: The door is open (leave)
B: Peter must have left it open.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The teapot is in pieces! (drop)

The plates are all clean! (wash up)
The library books have disappeared! (take back to the library)
How shiny the furniture looks! (polish)
There are some sandwiches on the kitchen table! (make)
The steps are unusually clean! (sweep)
There are no biscuits left! (eat)
The car is in a terrible state! (drive into a wall)
Exercise 20. Open the brackets using the correct from of the infinitive. Translate
the sentences into Russian.
1. George must (be) pleased that he has passed his examination.
2. I found this baby bird at the foot of the tree. It must (fall) from a nest.
3. During the storm the captain was on the bridge the whole time. He must (be)
exhausted afterwards.
4. If Fred left here at four oclock, he must (be) home by now.
15
5. Look, theres a tree right across the road! So there is. It must (be) blown down by the
gale last night.
6. I sat on a seat in the park and now my coat is covered with green stripes. The paint
must (be) wet.
7. As soon as I switched on my new electric cooker there was an explosion. There must
(be) something wrong with it.
8. I dont know at what time I went to bed last night, but it was late. It must (be) after
midnight.
9. Look, the streets are wet; it must (rain) now.
10. He promised to come at six, but he didnt. He must (forget) his promise.
11. I didnt hear the telephone. I must (be) asleep.
12. He must (be) very careless if he makes such mistakes.
13. The baby woke up when she went into the bedroom. She must (make) noise.
14. The taxi - driver got to the airport in half an hour. He must (drive) very fast.
15. He never got the letter. It must (send) to the wrong address.
Exercise 21. Translate these sentences into English. Use must in the meaning of
supposition.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
? - , , , .
? - , , .
, , .
? - , .
? - , , .
, ? - , 300 , .
? . - , . ,
.
8. , ? - , , .
.
9. ? - (), .
. , .
10. , .
Exercise 22. Combine the verb must with the proper form of the infinitive in
brackets.
1. Look! People are hurrying along the street with collars and umbrellas up. It must (to
rain) hard.
2. Peggotty enclosed the half - guinea in the letter; I was afraid she must (to have) a
world of trouble to get it out of Mr Barkins box. (Ch. D.)
3. You must (to follow) my advice. There is no other way out for you.
4. He saw an old woman sleeping soundly in Green Park. A shower was falling all the
time, she must (to get) drenched to the skin. (J.L.)
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5. The hotels must (to do) a tremendous business, old Jolyon thought. A few years
ago there had been none of these big hotels. Then he thought of his son.... It Jo
were only with him. The boy must (to be) forty by now. (GIsw.)
6. She must (to be) angry with you. She does not even look in your direction.
7. She must (to get) angry with me. She left without saying good-bye.
8. Mary must (to be) ill, otherwise she would have come.
9. Mary must (to fall) ill. She looked so pale and tired last night.
Exercise 23. Translate the following sentences into English.
1.
2.
3.
4.
, , .
, , .
, , ; .
, , , ,
.
5. , , , .
6. , , , .
7. , ,
.
8. : , , .
9. , , , . .
10. , , , 5 .
Exercise 24. Translate into English, using the modal verb must where possible. Use
probably to denote near certainty in other cases.
, . , . , . -
He must know the language quite well.

Probably, he didnt know about it.
Probably, he will come tomorrow.
1. , . .
2. , . .
3. -, . .
4. , .
5. , .
6. , , -.
7. , . .
8. , . .
9. , . .
10. -, .
11. , , .
12. . . .
17
Exercise 25. Paraphrase the sentence using the verb must.

1. I am sure he has got all he needed. Did you see how triumphant he was?
2. The boy was evidently reading something funny. He was smiling all the time.
3. They have most likely not realized what opportunity they were losing.
4. I shant bother you any longer; no doubt you are tired of my talking.
5. I see something is eating him. He is like on tenterhooks.
6. It was clear the family were expecting some guests: mother was bustling about the
house tidying up the rooms.
7. She was obviously upset by something. I never saw her so unbalanced.
8. He surely did not find out the real reason for their silence.
1. He must have missed my last words.
2. She must be the smartest child in her school. Her talent is fantastic!
3. He must be trying to find the leak.
4. He must have turned over the page.
5. She must be thinking we are English.
6. Where are they? Its time to start. They must have forgotten our address.
7. My sister has got a sore throat. She must have eaten a lot of ice-cream.
8. Why are you so dirty? You must have fallen down in the yard.
Exercise 27. In the following statements of near certainty change the form of the
infinitive to refer to the past.
Model: They must know him.
They must have known him.
They must be waiting for you.
They must have been waiting for you.
, .
, .
, .
, .
1. It must be raining.
2 She must be pleased about it.
3. She must be really fond of you
4. They must be always trying to help him.
5. She must know nothing about it.
6. She must be out shopping.
7. This must be the prettiest garden in the village.
8. She must be the best mother Ive ever known.
9. Somebody must be trying to get you on the phone.
10. The children must be at school now.
Exercise 28. Paraphrase the following sentences using must + infinitive to express
near certainty. Use the indefinite infinitive when speaking about the present, the
perfect infinitive when speaking about the past.
18
Model: Of course, he is somewhere here. - He must be somewhere here.

Certainly, she knew that something was wrong. - She must have known that
something was wrong.
1. Probably, he recognized you. He saw your programme on TV last night.
2. He is sure to solve the problem in a day or two.
3. Of course, she is trying to help you. And you dont understand that.
4. She is certain to be waiting for you at the appointed place and time.
5. Probably, he was already ill.
6. Here is little doubt that their son was injured in that accident.
7. No doubt, she knew what she was about to do.
8. Im sure she is very found of her cat.
9. They are sure to have made that awful mistake.
10. Probably, he was taken to the nearest hospital.
Exercise 29. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. Theres no one there. Hes taken his hat and coat. He must have gone out.
2. And where is her son? Hes in there. He must be amusing himself, said Rosalia
with a laugh.
3. A very nice woman, he said when she had left us. And a head on her shoulders.
She must have been very pretty as a girl.
4. How old is MCola?. He must be over fifty.
5. Somebody important must have been arriving from Europe by air, for there was a
policeman pacing the pavements every 20 yards along the road.
6. I couldnt imagine what he must be thinking of me.
7. Walter Luke didnt say much tonight, did he? He must have had something in his
mind. His experiment, I suppose.
8. Now well go in and have something to eat. You must be starving.
9. We found his car in the garage. It was empty of petrol. He must have gone off last
night in somebody elses car.
10. I went to the restaurant at which he habitually dined, but found he had not been there
for a long time, and thought he must have gone away.
11. You must have been misled by an accidental resemblance.
12. He glanced sideways at Christine. How she must have suffered because of him!
13. I was tickled at the confusion he must be experiencing when he compared his ideal
picture of the prima donna with the ruthless reality.
Exercise 30. Finish the sentences using the necessary form of must. Open the
brackets. Dramatize the dialogues.
Model:
A: Paula fell asleep in class this morning.

B: She (stay up). She must have stayed up too late last night.
19
1. A: Jim is eating everything in the salad but the onions. Hes pushed all of the onions
over to the side of his plate with his fork.
B: He (like) ______ onions.
2. A: George had to give a speech in front of 500 people.
B: Whew! Thats a big audience. He (be) ____ nervous.
A: He was, but nobody could tell.
3. A: What time is it?
B: Well, we came at seven, and Im sure weve been here for at least an hour. So it
(be) _____ around eight oclock.
4. A: My favorite magazine doesnt come in the mail any more. I wonder why.
B: Did your subscription run out?
A: Thats probably the problem. I (forget) ____ to renew it.
5. A: I met Maries husband at the reception and we said hello to each other, but when I
asked him a question in English, he just smiled and nodded.
B: He (speak) ___ must English.
6. A: Wheres Dorothy? Ive been looking all over for her.
B: I saw her about ten minutes ago in the living room. Have you looked there?
A: Yes, Ive looked everywhere. She (leave) ______ .
7. A: Listen. Do you hear a noise downstairs?
B: No, I dont hear a thing.
A: You dont? Then something (be) ____ wrong with your ears.
8. A: You have a black eye! What happened?
B: I walked into a door.
A: Ouch! That (hurt) ____ .
B: It did.
9. A: Who is your teacher?
B: I think his name is Mr. Rock, or something like that.
A: Mr. Rock? Oh, you (mean) _____ Mr. Stone.
10. A: I grew up in a small town.
B: That (be) ____ dull.
A: It wasnt at all. You cant imagine the fun we had.
11. A: Why are you here so early?
B: Sam told me that the party started at seven oclock.
A: No, it doesnt start until eight oclock. You (misunderstand) ____ .
Exercise 31. Translate these sentences into English.
1. , , .
2. , , .
3. , , .
4. , , .
5. , , , .
6. , , , .
7. , , .
8. , , .
20
9. , , .
10. , , .
11. , .
12. , , .
13. , , .
14. , , .
15. , , 17 .
16. , .
17. , , .
18. , , .
19. , , .
20. , .
21
C A N
In the second way we use can to express strong doubt or astonishment
Can he know it? ?
Can he be working now? ?
Can he have been waiting for us all this time?
?
We can express strong doubt about negative statements
" ", " ", " , "

,

He can't +
infinitive
do
be doing
have done
have been doing
Present
Past
Oh! cried Fleur: "You can't have done it!" ,

!
She can't be still waiting. , .
Model:
1. He didn't notice you.
a) Can/could he have failed to notice you?
b) He can't have failed to notice you.
,
2. He doesn't like it here.
Can he dislike it here? ? He can't dislike it here.
, .
3. We didn't see him do it.
Can nobody see him do it? ? Nobody can have
seen him do it. ,
4. He didn't see your letter.
Can he have never got my letter? ,
.
The past of could (do) is could have (done).
We use could have (done) to say that we had the ability or opportunity to do something
but did not do it.
We didn't go out last night. We could have gone to the cinema but we decided to
stay at home. , .
Why did you stay at a hotel in New York? You could have stayed with Linda.
.
22
We use could to ask about possible future actions. In this case it has a present or future
meaning:
What shall we do this evening?
We could go to the cinema. .
When you go to New York, you could stay with Linda.
.
Compare the usage of: could have (done):
I'm so tired. I could sleep for a week. (now)
I was so tired. I could have slept for a week. (past)
Most often, we use could have (done) for things which were possible but did not
happen:
Why did you stay at a hotel when you went to New York? You could have stayed
with Barbara. (=you had the opportunity to stay with her but you didn't).
Jack fell off a ladder yesterday but he's all right. He's lucky he could have hurt
himself badly (but he didn't hurt himself).
The situation was bad but it could have been worse.
Sometimes could means "would be able to ":
We could go away if we had enough money. (=we would be able to go away).
I don't know how you work so hard. I couldn't do it.
Could have (done) = would have been able to (do):
Why didn't Liz apply for the job? She could have got it.
We could have gone away if we'd had enough money.
The trip was cancelled last week. Paul couldn't have gone anyway because he was
ill. (=he wouldn't have been able to go)
You did very well to pass the exam. I'm sure I couldn't have passed it. (=I wouldn't
have been able to pass it if I had taken it).
Exercises
He could have translated the text (but (
).
he didnt want to).
, ( )
He cant have asked you about it.
.
He cant have failed to ask you about , ( )
it. It cant be he didnt ask you about it. .
Can he have asked you about it?
()
Can it be that he didnt ask you about ?
it? Can he have failed to ask you about ()
?
it?
23
I suppose he could ask her this question ,

now.
.
Exercise 2. Translate from Russian into English using the chart as a cue.
1. , .
2. , .
3. ?
4. , .
5. , .
6. ?
7. ?
8. .
9. ?
10. , .
11. ?
12. , , , . - ,
.
13. , ? - , ,
. ?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Can he be doing it? (Is it possible that he is doing it now?)

Can he have done it? (Is it possible that he has done/ did it?)
He cannot have done it. (It is impossible that he has done it.)
Can he have been doing it for so long a time? (Is it possible that he has been doing
it for so long a time?
5. He could do it. (He was capable of doing it - with reference to the past.)
6. He could do it if he tried. (It would be possible for him to do it if he tried.)
7. He could have done it if he had tried. (It would have been possible for him to do it if
he had tried.)
Exercise 4. Express strong doubt about these negative statements.
Model: He didnt notice you.
Can he have failed to notice you? - ?
He cant have failed to notice you. - ...
He doesnt like it here.
Can he dislike it here? He cant dislike it here.
1. You didnt understand me.
2. She didnt like the play.
3. They dont trust him.
4. They didnt notice the mistake.
24
5. They didnt receive the telegram in time.

6. They didnt realize the importance of the event.
7. She didnt see you.
8. He doesnt see in the distance.
Exercise 5. Express your doubt or disbelief. Use the sentences as a dialogue.
Model:
- He phoned me yesterday.
a) - Can he have phoned you yesterday?
b) - He cant have phoned you yesterday.
1. He brought me his essay that afternoon.

2. I have already heard this story repeated twice.
3. He is studying in the library now.
4. She will have translated this article by tomorrow.
5. It is still raining.
6. It has been raining since morning.
7. He injured his knee badly during the match.
8. He knows about it only too well.
9. She has broken her promise.
10. We were kept waiting at the door.
1. I have to take my youngest to the kindergarten otherwise I could explain it to you
now.
2. She could read her texts fluently and expressively if she had such a teacher as her
best friend Ann.
3. Of course, I could have taken the short cut across the birch grove, but I did not want
to go to the park.
4. Its only ten to five, I think we could do it if we ran all the way.
5. You could have done it quite well if you had only tried.
6. How can I describe it to you? You could try.
1. . .
2. .
.
3. , . .
4. , . .
5. , .
6. , -?
7. ,
.
25
8. , ,
.
9. , , .
10. , .
Exercise 8. Form requests in the perfect tense using the following word
combinations. Translate the sentences.
Model: to leave the child with its grandparents
request: Can (could) you leave the child....
You couldnt have left the child....
to help somebody with ones work; to do something directly; to wait a minute; to take
somebodys picture; to take the child out walking; to have cream with ones tea; into a
shop for some face-cream; to discuss the subject with ones friends.
Exercise 9. Express strong doubt about the statements made in the following
sentence (give two variants in each case).
Model
He knows the language quite well.
a) Can (could) he know the language quite well?
b) He cant (couldnt) know the language quite well.
He is waiting for someone.
a) Can (could) he be waiting for someone?
b) He cant (couldnt) be waiting for someone.
1. He understands every word you say.
2. She is really fond of the child.
3. They know how to get there.
4. She is crying.
5. She is looking for somebody.
6. She is always interfering and criticizing every single thing we do.
7. They are always fighting.
8. But they are very fond of each other.
9. She is trying so hard to please everybody.
10. Children like to play here.
11. He is telling the truth.
Exercise 10. Translate the sentences into Russian. Pay attention to the modal verb
can/cant, could/couldnt.
1. I simply could not have refused: they were waiting for us to come.
2. He was not old. He couldnt have been more than forty.
3. Oh! she cried in surprise, its impossible! You cant have done it!
26
4. A little bit of boiled fish couldnt have hurt you, you know.
5. You could have helped me with the translation of this article, but you didnt want.
6. I am sorry I couldnt come in time. If you came in time we could do it better.
7. Can she have been waiting for us all this time?
Exercise 11. Say that those events could not happen. The given example will help
you.
Model: Yesterday I saw Pete in the assembly-hall.
You cant have seen Pete in the assembly-hall yesterday.
1. Boris was in the canteen five minutes ago.
2. Robert took two bags with him.
3. That was Ann who plugged in the tape-recorder.
4. Nick has been doing the recording for two hours already.
5. It was Mary who rewound the tape.
6. The teacher let me take the tape home.
7. The teacher permitted us to use the dictionary.
8. Nick got up at seven and did morning exercises.
9. It was Kate who entered the room.
10. There were a lot of pupils in the library yesterday.
11. It was John who broke the radio-set.
Exercise 12. Say that these events cannot happen. Use the modal verb cant.
Model: This old bracelet was found in Africa.
This old bracelet cant have been found in Africa.
1. I saw Ann in the library yesterday.
2. This tower was built in the 9th century.
3. This book was written by a very good writer.
4. This film was made by a well-known director.
5. This play was written by a very clever playwright.
6. This film has been shot in a fortnight.
7. This book was translated into Russian in the 18th century.
8. This castle was built in the 15th century.
9. This picture was painted by an Italian artist.
10. This refrigerator was produced ten years ago.
11. This car was built twenty years ago.
12. These photographs were taken in the north.
13. This tape-recording was done last week.
14. James was given an excellent mark in history.
15. Ann was given an excellent mark for her geometry test.
16. This house was built at the beginning of this century.
27
Exercise 13. Translate into English using cant.

1. , .
2. , .
3. , . .
4. , . .
5. , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , .
9. , .
Exercise 14. Analyze the sentences with modals can/could. Translate them into
Russian.
1. He could speak English if necessary.
2. Could I help you?
3. Could it be true?
4. She could do the work properly.
5. She could have done the work properly (but she didnt).
6. You could see the picture if you had time.
7. You could have seen the picture if you had enough time to go to the exhibition.
8. Can he be really ill?
9. Can it be so late?
10. Can she be telling lies?
11. Can he be writing a new book?
12. Can he have said it?
13. Can she have fallen ill?
14. Can she have been really at home all this time?
15. Can he have been waiting for us so long?
16. What can (could) he be doing?
17. What can (could) he have done?
18. Where can (could) he have gone to?
Exercise 15. Analyze the sentences with cant/couldnt. Translate them into
Russian.
1. It cant be true.
2. It couldnt be true.
3. She cant be telling lies.
4. She couldnt be telling lies.
5. He cant be really ill.
6. She cant have been waiting for us so long.
7. She couldnt have been waiting for us so long.
8. He cant have said it.
28
9. He couldnt have said it.

10. She cant have been at home all this time.
11. She couldnt have been at home all this time.
Exercise 16. Translate into English using the modal verb can.
1. , : .
2. , .
3. , .
4. ?
5. , . .
6. , . , -
.
7. . .
8. , .
9. , .
10. , . .
11. ?
12. ?
13. .
14. .
15. , .
16. ?
Exercise 17. Change the sentences using the modal verb cant. Explain why those
statements are not true.
Model: I dont believe he was at home yesterday.
He cant have been at home yesterday, he was at my birthday party.
1. I dont believe the work was too difficult for my friend.
2. I dont believe Jane made such a mistake.
3. It is impossible that the cat ate all the fish.
4. I dont believe that our papers were so poor.
5. It is impossible that you believed such a silly lie.
6. It is impossible that he has stolen the money.
7. I dont believe that they have heard the story before.
8. I dont think that she was good at physics.
9. I dont believe that you were serious telling me about Ann.
10. It is impossible that she was a traitor.
11. I dont believe that he has made such an important discovery.
12. I dont believe that the teacher has forgotten to correct our homework.
Exercise 18. Refer the following statements to the past by changing the form of the
infinitive.
29
Model:
Can he really like the place? - Can he have really liked the place?
He cant like the place. - He cant have liked the place.
Could he know about it? - Could he have known about it?
1. Can it be so late as all this?
2. Could he be telling the truth?
3. Surely it cant be Jim.
4. But she could not mean it.
5. It cant be so difficult after all.
6. You could not know it.
7. Can somebody be working against us?
8. Could she resent it?
9. Can she be trying to get out of the deal?
10. Could it mean that we are too late?
sentences. Use the perfect infinitive to refer the situation to the past where
necessary.
Model
She is still waiting for you downstairs
a) Can (could) she be still waiting... ?
b) She cant (couldnt) be still waiting...
She knew nothing whatever about it.
a) Can (could) she have known nothing?
b) She cant (couldnt) have known anything...
I have done it.
a) Can (could) she have done it?
b) She cant (couldnt) have done it.
1. Macabre saw the lion move.
2. There was one public meeting in the town itself.
3. The message had been under the front-door.
4. On Friday morning Bill came to my office again.
5. She has gone down the garden path.
6. He has looked at the papers.
7. He feels so bad about it.
8. The children are playing by the pond.
9. She knows it by this time.
negative sentences.
30
Model
1) He did not notice you.
a) Can (could) he have failed to notice you?
b) He cant (couldnt) have failed to notice you.
2) He does not like it here.
a) Can (could) he dislike it here?
b) He cant (couldnt) dislike it here.
3) We did not see him do it.
a) Can (could) nobody have seen him do it?
b) Nobody can (could) have seen him do it.
4) He did not get your letter.
Can (could) he have never got my letter?
1. You did not understand me.
2. She did not like the play.
3. They do not trust him.
4. They did not find him.
5. People dont want to go there.
6. She did not notice the mistake.
7. They did not receive the telegram in time.
8. They dont realize the full significance of the event.
9. He did not see you.
10. She did not lose sight of them in the crowd.
1. ?
2. .
3. ?
4. ?
5. .
6. , .
7. .
8. , .
9. , .
10. ?
11. ?
12. ?
Exercise 22. Practice the following according to the Model:
I can do it tonight.
.
I could do it tonight.
.
1. He can help you, but he doesnt want to bother.

31
2. Of course, I cant translate it.

3. I think I can show you how to do it.
4. You can go and tell her about it.
5. She can see a doctor tonight.
6. He can easily get there in 20 minutes.
7. No one can do it so quickly.
Exercise 23. Use can in the correct form followed by the appropriate infinitive.
1. __ you ( to call) a little later? Im afraid I shall be busy till seven.
2. __ it (to be) a joke?
3. You __ not (to see) him at the meeting. He was ill.
4. __ we (to cover) fifteen kilometers? The village is not yet seen.
5. He __ not (to forget) your address; he has visited you several times.
6. If you had let us know, we __ (to send) our car for you.
7. I should be very much obliged to you if you __ (to lend) me your dictionary for a
couple of days.
8. I dont believe her, she __ (to fail) to recognize me.
9. He said he __ (to manage) the task by himself.
10. Why didnt you ask me? I __ (to do) it for you.
Exercise 24. Translate into English using the verb can.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
, . .
.
, .
; .
, .
; .
, ?
- , ?
,
.
10. ?
1. ?
2. .
3. ?
4. ?
5. .
6. , .
7. , .
8. ( ) ?
32
9. ? , .
10. , .
.
11. ?
12. ?
13. , .
14. , .
15. , , .
Exercise 26. Complete the sentences. Use could or could have + a suitable verb.
A: I had a very boring evening at home yesterday.
B: Why did you stay at home? You ..... to the cinema.
Read this information about Bob:
Bob didnt do anything on Saturday evening. Bob was short of money a week ago.
Bob doesnt know anything about vacuum cleaners. Bobs car was stolen on
Thursday.
Bob was free on Tuesday afternoon. Bob had to work on Wednesday evening.
Some people wanted Bob to do different things last week but they couldnt contact him.
So he couldnt do any of these things. You have to say whether he could have done or
couldnt have done them.
1. Bobs aunt wanted him to drive her to the airport on Thursday. He couldnt have
driven her to the airport (because him car had been stolen)
2. A friend of his wanted him to go out for a meal on Wednesday evening.
Bob_____
3. Another friend wanted him to play football on Tuesday afternoon.
Bob _____
4. Jim asked Bob to lend him $100 last week.
He ______
5. Martha wanted Bob to come to her birthday party on Saturday evening.
He ______
6. Bobs wife wanted him to buy a new vacuum cleaner.
Bob ______
Exercise 27. Translate the sentences expressing doubt, uncertainty.
1. But I really feel that the late Mr. F. cannot have been a nice man.
2. When he married her she could not have been more than sixteen.
3. What on earth induced her to behave as she did, he never could understand. She
could have married as she chose.
4. What can have happened to change him so much?
5. For several seconds Judith stared at her, full of wild, helpless resentment, terrified. I
cant be dying, she thought I dont want to die. I want to live.
33
6. I ate the next course grimly to an end and pretended not to notice how she spaced out
her roll - she couldnt have been enjoying her meal much either.
7. I think you should certainly have told us the truth, we could have decided what was
the best thing to go .
8. He could have had a yacht himself, but nobody would have sailed with him.
9. They say it was her lover, replied the man. She can never have had one, said
Rosalia, with a laugh of scorn.
10. Now look. I cant have been so rash as to give you a blank promise. I must have said
something else.
11. Walker was so illiterate that he could not have written a word of the report.
12. Martin was on the other side of the fire. I thought that he could not have heard their
words.
13. Could this old woman be Lousie? She cant have changed like that.
14. Its impossible, exclaimed Wakefield. He couldnt have done it.
34
M A Y
In its second meaning may/might is used to express uncertainty, supposition implying
strong doubt.
May denoting uncertainty is used with all forms of the infinitive.
,
He may/might +
inf
be there
be waiting
have left
have been
sleeping
-Present
-Past
There is no important difference between may and might in this meaning. Sometimes
might expresses greater uncertainty than may.
I'm not sure that he may/might be in his office now.
I can't find my bag anywhere. You might have left it in the shop.
May/might are also used:
To talk about possible happenings in the Future
I'm not sure where to go for my holiday.
I may go to Italy. (=perhaps/will go)
The weather forecast is not very good.
It might rain this afternoon. (=perhaps it will rain)
To talk about possible plans
I am going to Italy in July. (For sure)
I may/might go to Italy in July. (It's possible)
Might instead of may is used because of the sequence of tenses.
May I read the letter? He asked if he might read the letter.
The negative forms are may not and might not (mightn't):
Ann may not come to the party tonight. She isn't well. (=perhaps she will not come)
There might not be a meeting on Friday because the director is ill. (=perhaps there
will not be a meeting)
There is also a continuous form: may/might be + ing. Compare this with will be + ing:
Don't phone at 8.30. I'll be watching the football on television.
Don't phone at 8.30. I might be watching (or I may be watching) the football on
television. (=perhaps I'll be watching it) For will be ing.
We also use may/might be ing for possible plans. Compare:
I'm going to Ireland in July. (for sure)
I may be going (or I might be going) to Ireland in July. (possible) But you can also
say:
35
I may go (or I might go) to Ireland with little difference of meaning.

Note:
Usually it doesn't matter whether you use may or might. So you can say:
I may go to Ireland, or I might go to Ireland.
Jane might be able to help you, or Jane may be able to help you.
a) But we use only might (not may) when the situation is not real:
If I knew them better, I might invite them to dinner. (The situation here is not real
because I don't know them very well, so I'm not going to invite them. 'May" is not
possible in this example.)
b) Sometimes we use might expressing reproach or irony.
You might leave the child alone for the whole day.
She might have brought him something to eat.
They might bring her flowers!
You are becoming forgetful. You might have reminded me about it.
Exercises
1. , 1. He may ask you about it.
2. He may have asked her about it
2. ,
3. , 3. Probably (maybe, possibly) he did not
ask her about it. (He may have failed to
( ).
ask her about it).
4. He may have misunderstood you
4. (),

5. He may know about it
5. (),
.
6. He may not know about it
6. , .
7. He may be waiting for you now
7. , .
Exercise 2. Translate from Russian into English using the chart as a cue.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
, .
, .
, .
, .
, .
, .
, .
, .
, -.
36
10. , .
11. , .
12. , .
13. , .
14. , .
15. , .
16. , .
Exercise 3. Analyze the sentences with the modal verb may and translate them.
Suppose Jack was in Moscow. What did he see there?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Jack may have been in Moscow on the 1st of May. He was so eager to go there.
Jack may have visited the Historical Museum. He is so fond of History.
Jack may have gone sightseeing to the Lenin Hills. He wanted to see the stadium.
Jack may have been to the Kremlin. He planned to go there.
Jack may have been at the Conservatoire. He is fond of music.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
I may tell him about it later. I havent decided it yet.

You may have made a mistake.
My mother might have given me the money! I needed it badly at that time.
He may have asked you about it. Maybe he will, who knows.
Sir! May I go home at bit earlier? My parents may be waiting for me.
We asked the teacher if we might use dictionaries.
Our teacher may come any moment. Lets stop smoking.
Exercise 5. Make the necessary changes according to the model.

Model. Possibly you left your book behind. You may have left your book behind.
1. Perhaps you left your umbrella in the bus.
2. Perhaps he went to the cafe to wait for us.
3. Perhaps it was Helen who rang you up.
4. Perhaps they came by plane.
5. Perhaps she had a very good English teacher.
6. Perhaps it was too cold for the children to go out.
7. It is possible that he took his children to the zoo.
8. Possibly they did not see us in the crowd.
9. Perhaps Robert used a dictionary.
10. Possibly Mary misunderstood you.
11. Perhaps Henry waited for us there.
12. Possibly Ann returned very late last night.
13. Possibly they have seen the new play.
14. Perhaps Nick has left his exercise book at home.
37
Exercise 6. Change the sentences using may. Analyze the model.

Model. Perhaps he is at home, but I am not sure. He may be at home, but Im not sure.
1. It is possible that we studied at the same school, but I dont remember her.
2. Perhaps she was proud of her knowledge, but she never showed it to her class
master.
3. Perhaps there was a chance for him to win the match.
4. Perhaps Peter was as capable as the old workers were, but he was given no chance to
show his skill.
5. It is possible that your brother has never heard about this singer.
6. Perhaps she tried to enter the university, but failed.
7. It is possible that you asked the wrong people, thats why you didnt get the right
answer.
8. Perhaps our friends will arrive here tomorrow.
9. Perhaps they will come home very soon: be ready.
10. Perhaps the question was too difficult for her.
11. Try this delicious drink, perhaps you will like it.
12. Why didnt Nick ring us up? It is possible that he forgot about it.
Exercise 7. Open the brackets using may or might.
1. She asked me if she (to turn) on the light.
2. I am afraid it (not to stop) raining by the morning.
3. Dont scold her: the task (to be) too difficult for her, thats why she made rather
many mistakes.
4. If they dont miss the train, they (to arrive) in time.
5. Why isnt he here yet? What has happened? Oh, he (to miss) the train.
6. He (to do) very hard work. Thats why he looks so tired now.
Exercise 8. Write sentences with may not or might not.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
(I dont know if Ann will come to the party.) Ann might not come to the party
(I dont know if Ill go out this evening.) I
(I dont know if Tom will like the present I bought for him.) Tom
(I dont know if Sue will be able to meet us this evening.) Sue
(I dont know if youll get that job.) You
(I dont know if your parents will return in the evening). Your parents
(I dont know if my sister will be ready for tomorrow). My sister
Exercise 9. Analyze the sentences. Translate them into Russian. Mark the
difference between may and might.
1. He told me that it might be true.
38
2. Might I come and see you?

3. It might be true.
4. He might have fallen ill (if he hadnt taken the pills).
5. He may be busy now.
6. He may come soon.
7. He may be ill.
8. He may have fallen ill.
9. He may have been at home for about two hours.
10. He may be waiting for us for an hour.
Exercise 10. Translate the sentences. Try to show doubt, uncertainty in your
translation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
He said she might have fallen ill.

He said they might have been at home for an hour.
He said they might have been waiting for an hour.
He said he might see many interesting pictures at the new exhibition.
He might have fallen ill if he hadnt taken the medicine.
You might carry the parcel for me.
You might have helped me.
You might have let me know about it before! I fear she may fall ill.
I hope he may be back soon.
Exercise 11. Answer the following questions with suitable suggestions using may
(or might) and the words in brackets. Dramatize the dialogue.
1. TERRY: Why is John wearing sunglasses? It's not sunny.
YOU (have some problem with his eyes)
2. JILL: Why didn't Jane come to party last night?
YOU (have a row a with her boyfriend)
She might have had a row with her boyfriend.
3. SUE: Why is Alan in such a bad mood today?
YOU (sleep badly last night)
4. ROY: Why is Shelley looking under the desk?
YOU (drop something)
5. JILL: Where can I have put my bag?
YOU (be under the bed)
6. ZOE Why hasn't anybody said "Happy Birthday" to me?
YOU (plan a surprise)
7. TIM: Why does Henry look so miserable?
YOU (have some bad news)
8. ELLA Why isn't Sophia in the office today?
YOU: (work at home).
9. JOHN: Why didn't Rosemary come to cinema last night?
YOU: (feel tired).
39

1. It is 9 oclock. The library may be open now. (Possibly the library is open at this
hour.)
2. He may be doing it. (Possibly he is doing it now.)
3. He may be asked to do it. (Possibly somebody will ask him to do it.)
4. He may have done it. (Possibly he did/has done it.)
5. He may have been doing it for a very long time. (Possibly he has been doing it for a
very long time.)
6. He said he might come. (He said that he would possibly come.).
7. He might do it. (It is doubtful but possible that he will do it.)
8. He might have done it. (It is doubtful but possible that he did it.)
Exercise 13. Analyze the from of the modal verb. Translate the sentences into
Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
I may show him your reports later, I dont know.

I may have wrecked my own life, but I will not let you wreck yours.
Justice may be slow, mother, but it comes in the end.
Ernest, we may never be married.
For the first time she faced the thought that she might never be well again.
He may have written the letter, but the signature is certainly not his.
It might have been worse.
You might have asked me if I had an objection.
You might remember people are sleeping upstairs.
Exercise 14. Express doubt about the statements made in the following sentences.
Use the perfect infinitive to refer the situation to the past where necessary.
Model
There is no charge for admission.
There may (might) be no change for admission.
They shifted the piano to the third floor.
They may (might) have shifted the piano to the third floor.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
They spent part of the summer here.

Dessie gripped the phone.
In the end Joe took on the job and went out with his wife.
She is not particular about such things.
She will devote all her life to it.
He does not believe it.
Heres where he went in.
He is lying in wait for you.
The woman was crying.
40
Exercise 15. Express ironical requests based on the following sentences. Use the
Perfect Infinitive to refer the situation to the past and in this way express
reproach.
Model
You do not remember your childs birthday.
You might remember your childs birthday.
You did not switch off the lights before leaving.
You might have switched off the lights before leaving.
1. You do not wear yow new suit to the office.
2. You did not sew the buttons on, Alice.
3. You did not even notice how well she played. You do not pay enough attention to
your child.
4. Do come and help me choose it.
5. You did not try hard enough.
6. You did not get up a little earlier and help me to clean up after the party.
7. You never let me know when something like this happens.
8. You didnt give a detailed account.
9. You did not meet her at the station.
Exercise 16. Translate these sentences into English. Use the verb may or might to
express a greater degree of uncertainty.
1. , , .
2. . , .
3. ? , , .
4. , .
5. , .
6. , , .
7. , : .
8. , , -.
9. , .
10. , , .
Exercise 17. Analyze the meaning of the verb may. Translate the sentences into
Russian.
1. I said to Mrs Micawber: May I ask what you and Mr Micawber intend to do, now
that Mr Micawber is out of his difficulties? Have you settled yet? (Ch.D.)
2. He said I might come to him any day I liked.
3. The door was open, he said. Might I see your wife for a minute? (Glsw.)
4. If he walks from the station, he may arrive in the course of the next half-hour. If he
drives, he may be here any moment. (B.Sh)
41
5. Here Miss Murdstone ceased her speech, and shutting her mouth, looked as if she
might be broken, but would never be bent. (Ch.D.)
6. It was some special occasion. I dont remember what. It may have been my
birthday. (Ch.D.)
7. He may not have learned the news, thats why he looks as if nothing had happened.
Exercise 18. Use may + infinitive instead of the expression maybe.
Model: Maybe, he is at home. He may be at home.
Maybe, he was busy. He may have been busy.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Maybe, youll meet him at the station.

Maybe, they left a note for us.
Maybe, she has forgotten all about it.
Maybe, youve left your gloves at home.
Maybe, well understand it later.
Maybe, the door was not locked.
Maybe, they dont want us to come.
Maybe, shell write from the first station.
Exercise 19. Use may or might, may not or might not.

Model. Perhaps Margaret is in her office. She might be in her office.
1. Perhaps Margaret is busy.
2. Perhaps she is working.
3. Perhaps she wants to be alone.
4. Perhaps she was ill yesterday.
5. Perhaps she went home early.
6. Perhaps she had to go home early.
7. Perhaps she was working yesterday.
8. Perhaps she doesnt want to see me.
9. Perhaps she isnt working today.
10. Perhaps she wasnt well yesterday.
Exercise 20. Translate these sentences into English. Use may or might perfect
infinitive to express possibility, uncertainty in the past.
1., , . .
2., , .
3. ? , , .
4. ? , , .
5. ? . , .
6., , .
7. ? , , .
42
8. ? , . ,
, .
9. ? , .
.
10. , ?
, .
Exercise 21. Complete the sentences with a verb in the correct form.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Wheres Bob? Im not sure. He might be having lunch.

Who is that man with Ann? Im not sure. It might her brother.
Who was the man we saw with Ann yesterday? Im not sure. It might for a bus.
Why are those people waiting in the street? I dont know. They might for a bus.
Shall I buy this book for Tim? Youd better not. He might already it.
Exercise 22. Translate these sentences into English. Use the verb may to express
uncertainty, supposition.
1. , , , .
2. , , .
3. , "" !
4. : .
5. , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , .
9. . .
10. ? . . , ,
.
Exercise 23. Make sentences from the words in brackets. Use may or might.
1. I cant find George anywhere. I wonder where he is.
a) (he / go / shopping) He may have gone shopping.
b) (he / play / tennis) He might be playing tennis.
2. I am looking for Helen. Do you know where she is?
a) (she / watch / TV / in her room)
b) (she / go / out)
3. I cant find my umbrella. Have you seen it?
a) (it / be / in the car)
b) (you / leave / in the restaurant last night)
4. Why didnt Tom answer the doorbell? Im sure he was in the house at the time.
a) (he / be / in the bath)..
b) (he / not / hear / the bell)
43
Exercise 24. Insert the correct from of may/might.

1. It rain, youd better take a coat.
2. He said that it rain.
3. We as well stay here till the weather improves.
4. You told me! (I think I have the right to know.)
5. People convicted of an offence (have a fight to) appeal.
6. If he knew our address he come and see us.
7. He be my brother (I admit that he is) but I dont trust him.
8. never see you again.
9. He be on the next train. We as well wait.
10. If we got there early we get a good seat.
11. Ill wait a week so that he have time to think it over.
12. He isnt going to eat it; I as well give it to the dog.
13. You at least read the letter. (I think you should.)
14. You have written. (I am annoyed/disappointed that you didnt..)
15. Wed better be early; there be a crowd.
16. Nobody knows how people first came to these islands. They have sailed from
South America on rafts.
17. I dont think Ill succeed but I as well try.
18. If I bought a lottery ticket I win $1,000.
19. I wonder why they didnt go. The weather have been too bad.
1. Impossible to say what it may have been.
2. In my opinion he was incompetent to practice medicine and it may have been
endangering patients lives.
3. Her glance and voice had that slight suggestion of command, in it that comes from
having occupied a position of authority. She might have been directing which tennis
sets the girls were to play.
4. For all his pain Dirk Stroeve remained a ridiculous object. He might have excited
sympathy if he had grown worn and thin. He did nothing of the kind. He remained
fat.
5. Involuntary he glanced over his muscular body as if it revealed already some sinister
index of the malady.
6. He wrote a film script for an English company. It might have been a suitable film for
Annabel, but the company put another actress in the part.
7. I said, Hallo, George! He looked in my direction. Hallo, George! I said again. I
might have been inspired to say more that agreeable morning but he didnt wait.
Exercise 26. Rewrite the sentences, using might and beginning with the word in
italics.
1. Perhaps you would let me know tomorrow.
44
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
I wish he would be a little more tactful!

I think, perhaps you should ask him if it is convenient before you call on him.
Perhaps you would post this letter for me while youre out shopping.
Im annoyed that you didnt warn me that the car was nearly out of petrol.
I think you should at least have apologized for what you said.
Im irritated that he didnt try to look at the problem from my point of view.
Im annoyed that she doesnt keep her room reasonably tidy.
Exercise 27. Supply the sentences with may or might. Open the brackets.
1. Where are you going for your holidays? (to Ireland?)
I havent decided yet. I may go to Ireland,
2. What sort of car are you going to buy? (a Mercedes?)
Im not sure yet.
3. What are you doing this weekend? (go to London?)
I havent decided yet.
4. Where are you going to hang that picture? (in the dining room?)
I havent made up my mind yet.
5. When is Tom coming to see us? (on Saturday?)
I dont know yet.
6. What is Julia going to do when she leaves school? (go to university?)
She hasnt decided yet.
Exercise 28. Translate into English using the modal verb may.
1. , .
2. , .
3. , .
4. , .
5. , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , .
9. , .
10. , .
11. , .
12. , .
13. , .
14. , .
15. , .
Exercise 29. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. Eric Sawbridge was the next British candidate, he was twenty-four, large, heavy,
mature, with a single thick line across his forehead; he was a lighter blond than
Martin and might have been a Scandinavian sailor.
45
2. Have you heard about the plaster? A huge piece has fallen off the nursery ceiling
into Nookys cot. Was Nooky in the cot? Good Heavens, no. Why worry
then? But he might have been killed.
3. He may have felt ill and gone to the sick room.
4. I may not have had a very distinguished career. I certainly have nothing to be
ashamed of.
5. There was no sign of Pyle in the long street. Of course, I told myself, he might have
been detained for some reason at the American Legation.
6. Did Mrs Bulfoos mention where she was going? No, she didnt. Humph! She
might have left a message.
7. I should have thought you might have saved her all that trouble.
8. Remember, Dermot had continued, if you dont like me you may go home
whenever you choose.
9. They may be looking for a way out too, Minot said sarcastically.
10. I thought he might have said something to you about it.
11. He might be in the hall now, waiting for me.
12. As I looked at Martin, my disappointment for him was growing so that it drained me
of all other feelings, of sympathy, of affection. This might have been the might of
his success.
13. Oh, dont be rich, please, she said. We mightnt like each other if we were rich.
14. We may have run across one another in the war.
15. The fellow may be lurking outside the house door.
16. She went to play golf with Larry. She said she might be late.
17. Whats happened to the dog? I said. It isnt here. His master may have taken it
with him.
18. He said quickly: I really meant you might have done better at the Chancery Bar.
But itll make no difference.
19. His eyes remained fixed on the others face, but they were empty of expression that
you might have thought he did not even see him. How did you get on? he said. It
might have been worse.
20. Rudd said to Martin: Never mind, old chap. It might happen to anyone.
21. Business is none to good, but it might be worse.
22. I think I should go down to Adeline, she said, knowing he would not let her. She
may be crying.
23. A useful rough-and-ready rule is that time adverbs may come at either end of the
sentence, but not in the middle.
46
MUST CAN'T
We use must to say that we feel sure something is true:
You've been travelling all day. You must be tired. (Travelling is tiring and
you've been travelling all day, so you must be tired.)
Jim is a hard worker. Jim? A hard worker? You must be joking. He's very
lazy.
Carol must get very bored in her job. She does the same thing every day.
We use can't to say that we feel sure something is not possible:
You've just had lunch. You can't be hungry already. (People are not normally
hungry just after eating a meal. You've just eaten, so you can't be hungry.)
Brian said he would definitely be here before 9.30. It's 10 o'clock now and he's
never late. He can't be coming.
For the past we use must have (done) and can't have (done).
We use must have and can't/couldn't have for certainty.
We use must have + past participle of the verb, or must have been + base form + -ing
(present participle) when we are sure something in the past is true because that is the
logical conclusion based on the known facts:
Cooper must have brought the bomb without anyone seeing him. (The speaker
feels sure about this.)
Cooper must have been planning the hijack for some time.
We use the negative forms can't have or couldn't have + past participle or can't/couldn't
have been + present participle (-ing) when we are sure something in the past is not true:
Cooper can't/couldn't have spent all the money because some of it was found
later.
Cooper can't/couldn't have been living normally or someone would have
recognized him/
Couldn't have is possible instead of can't have :
She couldn't have seen me.
Tom couldn't have been looking where he was going.
Exercises
Exercise 1. Complete the responses to the statements using must or cant to suggest
what seems to be the most likely explanation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
His fiance writes to him every day. She must

I dont seem to have my key with me. I must have
He drives a Rolls-Royce and his wife a Mercedes. They must
No one thought he would be offered the job, but he was. The person who
interviewed him must have
5. He has no idea what the book is about. He cant have
6. He talks about going to the moon next year. He must
47
7. She didnt reply to his letter. She cant have

8. He wears glasses all the time. His eyesight cant
9. They havent been on speaking terms recently. They must have
10. He said he would ring, but he hasnt. He must have
11. The last bus has already gone. It must than I thought.
12. Im amazed that she married him so soon. She cant have
Exercise 2. Supply the sentences with must have been, cant/couldnt have been.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
He knows a lot about flying planes. He a pilot when he was young.

Vera at the supermarket this morning. I didnt see her there.
John at the bank till 10.00, so he only arrived here five minutes ago.
When (she) at the hospital? Early this morning.
You waiting long. After all, Im only five minutes late.
There an accident on South Street because the road is closed off.
When I was a boy we sitting at our desks working before the boss got in.
I left a message on your answer phone last night. You out.
Exercise 3. Analyze the sentences with the modal verbs must and cant. Try to
mark the difference in the meaning of these verbs.
1. George is outside his friends house. He has rung the doorbell three times but
nobody has answered, They must have gone out. (otherwise they would have
answered).
2. The phone rang but I didnt hear it. I must have been asleep.
3. Ive lost one of my gloves. I must have dropped it somewhere.
4. Jane walked past me without speaking. She cant have seen me.
5. Tom walked straight into a wall. He cant have been looking where he was going.
6. They moved to that district not long ago. He couldnt have seen them near their old
house.
7. My father wants to retire. He must be very tired.
Exercise 4. Put in must or cant.
1. Youve been travelling all day. You must be very hungry.
2. It rained every day during their holiday, so they _______________ have had a very
nice time.
3. Congratulations on passing your exam. You ___________ be very pleased.
4. You got here very quickly. You ____________ have walked very fast.
5. Ben and Sue go away on holiday very often, so they ______________ be short of
money.
6. Ive lost my keys. They ___________ fallen down when I was looking for my
handkerchief.
7. They havent lived here for long. They _____ know many people.
8. Tom isnt at work today. He ______________ ill.
48
9. Bill wasnt at work last week. He _____________ ill.

10. Sue knows a lot about films. She ________________ to the cinema a lot when she
was young.
11. Jack is putting on his hat and coat. He must ___________ out.
12. I left my bike outside the house last night and this morning it isnt there any more.
Somebody _____________ it.
13. Liz was in a very difficult situation. It ________________ easy for her.
14. There is a man walking behind us. He has been walking behind us for the last 20
minutes. He _________ following us.
Exercise 5. Use the words in brackets to write sentences with must have and cant
have.
1. The phone rang but I didnt hear it. (I / asleep) I must have been asleep.
2. Mary walked past me without speaking (she / see / me). She cant have seen me.
3. The jacket you bought is very good quality (it / very expensive).
4. I havent seen the people next door for ages. (they / go away)
5. I cant find my umbrella. (I / leave / it in the restaurant last night)
6. Dick passed the exam without studying for it. (the exam / very difficult)
7. He knew everything about our plans (he / listen / to our conversation)
8. Sally did the opposite of what I asked her to do. (she / understand / what I said)
9. When I woke up this morning, the light was on. (I / forget / to turn it off)
10. The lights were red but the car didnt stop. (the driver / see / the red light)
11. I was woken up in the middle of the night by the noise door. (the neighbours / have /
a party)
Exercise 6. Fill the spaces in the following sentences by using one of these forms +
the perfect infinitive of the verbs in brackets.
must + perfect infinitive is used for affirmative deductions.
cant/couldnt + infinitive is used for negative deductions.
1. Did you hear me come in last night? ~ No, I (be) asleep.
2. I wonder who broke the wineglass; it (be) the cat for she was out all day.
3. I had my umbrella when I came out but I havent got it now. You (leave) it in the
bus.
4. He (escape) by this window because it is barred.
5. I saw a rattlesnake near the river yesterday. ~ You (see) a rattlesnake. There
arent any rattlesnakes in this country.
6. He is back already. ~ He (start) very early.
7. He returned home with a tiger cub. ~ His wife (be) very pleased about that.
8. I phoned you at nine this morning but got no answer. ~ Im sorry. I (be) in the
garden.
9. I left my bicycle here and now its gone. ~ Someone (borrow) it.
10. When she woke up her watch had vanished. ~ Someone (steal) it while she slept.
11. I told him to turn left and he immediately turned right! ~ He (understand) you.
49
12. Perhaps he swam across. ~ No, he (do) that; he cant swim.

13. Do you remember reading about it in newspapers? ~ No, I (be) abroad at that
time.
Exercise 7. Open the brackets. Use the past from of the modal verbs must or
cant/couldnt.
1. He (walk) from here to London in two hours. ~ It is possible.
2. He was very sick last night. ~ The meat we had for supper (be) good.
3. There was a dock strike and the liner couldnt leave the port. The passengers (be)
furious.
4. We went to a restaurant and had a very good dinner for $3. ~ You (have) a very
good dinner if you only paid $3.
5. That carpet was made entirely by hand. ~ It (take) a long time.
6. The door was open. It (be) open. I had locked it myself and the key was in my
pocket.
7. He said that he watered the plants every day. ~ He (water) them. If he had they
wouldnt have died.
8. He came out of the water with little red spots all over his back. ~ He (be) stung by
a jelly-fish.
9. There was a terrible crash at 3 a.m. ~ That (be) Tom coming in from his party.
10. I had to get down the mountain in a thick fog. ~ That (be) very difficult.
11. I saw Ann in the library yesterday. ~ You (see) her; she is still abroad.
12. How did he get out of the house? He (come) down the stairs for they were
blazing.
13. He was found unconscious at the foot of the cliff. He (fall) 200 meters.
50
CAN/COULDMAY/MIGHT
Sometimes can / could has a similar meaning to may and might:
The phone's ringing. It could be Tim. (=it may/might be Tim)
You could have left your bag in the shop. (=you may/might have left it ) But
couldn't (negative) is different from may not and might not. Compare:
A: I wonder why she didn't say hello.
B: She might not have seen you. (= perhaps she didn't see you; perhaps she did)
We use may and might to talk about possible actions or happenings in the future:
I haven't decided yet where to spend my holidays. I may go to Ireland. (= perhaps I
will go to Ireland).
Take an umbrella with you when you go out. I might rain later. (=perhaps it will
rain).
The bus doesn't always come on time. We might have to wait a few minutes.
(=perhaps we will have to wait)
We use may have/might have/could have for possibility.
We use may have/might have or could have +past participle, or may have / might have
been or could have been + present participle when we think something in the past is
possible:
Cooper might have escaped to Mexico, he may have died or he could have stayed in
the mountains.
Cooper may/might/ could have been living in Mexico.
We use the negative forms may not have/might not have when we think something
possibly did not happen in the past:
Cooper may/might not have spent so much money. However, the negative couldn't
have only describes a situation which the speaker is certain didn't happen in the past.
Exercises
Exercise 1. Compare the following columns. Mark the difference in the translation.
1. He may (might) be at home for all I
know.
2. They may (might) come to Moscow in
summer.
3. He may (might) not know her address.
4. She may (might) be waiting for you in
the entrance hall.
5. He may not have come yet.
1. () ,
?
2. , (),
.
3. , (),
.
4. , (),
.
5. , , ()
. .
51
6. He said that the telegram might (not)

have reached them.
7. Your shopping trip to town at the last
moment was not a very clever thing to
do. You might have missed the train
home.
8. Can you like this film?
9. It cant (couldnt) be true.
10. They cant (couldnt) come tomorrow.
11. He cant (couldnt) be sitting in the
garden as it is raining.
12. He cant (couldnt) have done it.
13. Can (could) he have said it?
6. , ,
.
7.
8.
.
.
9. ()
?
10. ,
.
11. ,
( ).
12. ,
, .. (
, ..
).
13. ,
( ).
14. () ?
Exercise 2. Express your reproach that the action, though possible was not carried
out. Use the sentences as a dialogue.
Model. He did not phone me yesterday.
a. He might have phoned me yesterday. It is ever so easy to do having a
telephone in your house. He might but
b. You could have phoned me yesterday. I know you were at home and idle. I
could but
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
He left a week later than we had arranged.

He forgot about his promise.
You didnt do good at school.
You didnt help me with the heavy bags.
He didnt find time to think of his parents.
You did not notice what was going on round you.
He didnt foresee the consequences of his decision.
You did not persuade her to follow my advice.
Exercise 3. Translate into English using the modal verbs can or may. Give reasons
for your choice of the modal verb.
1. , .
.
2. , ? .
52
3. ?
.
4. ? ?
5. , . - .
6. ? .
Exercise 4. Change the sentences according to the model. Give your reasons why
these things (events) could/might happen.
Model. It might happen very soon. It could happen very soon because he was very
careless with the matches.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
He could do it by the first of January.

They could have done it more carefully.
Wherever he might go he found friends.
They might invite them to the party.
We could meet him at the station.
Exercise 5. Respond to the statements or questions with a sentence suggesting a

possible explanation using may, might, or could + the perfect infinitive of the verbs
given.
1. No one is waiting at the bus stop. (may, miss)
2. He didnt come to the party last night (might, not want)
3. No one has answered the doorbell. (might, go out)
4. How on earth did the thief get in? (could, break)
5. Why didnt the teacher explain? (may, not know)
6. How did they know about our plans? (could, guess)
7. He didnt seem surprised when I told him. (may, already know)
8. They should have been here long before now. (may, lose)
9. I havent seen my neighbors for over a week. (may, go)
10. Why hasnt she written to me? (could, forget)
11. I cant understand why he didnt look me up while he was down here. (may, not
have)
12. Its strange that he hasnt said any more about his plans to emigrate (might, change)
Exercise 6. Rewrite the statements and questions in reported speech. Pay attention
to the sequence of tenses.
1. You may leave work early this evening if you want, the manager told me.
2. You can put off making a decision for a week, but longer, his interviewer told
him.
3. Could I see your passports, please? the Customs officer asked.
4. May I ask you a rather personal question? the teacher asked the student.
5. You can borrow my notes provided you take care of them, I told my friend.
53
6. Might I see that photograph youre holding? the police inspector asked his
colleague.
7. Cars may be parked at the rear of the building, the notice stated.
8. Might I interrupt you for a moment? the chairman asked the speaker politely.
9. May I join you? he asked his friend.
10. Visitors may not take photographs inside the building, the notice stated.
Exercise 7. Answer the questions according to the example.
Example: ()s grammar book isnt on her desk. Where is it?
Response: I dont know. It may/might/could be in her book bag.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
() isnt in class today. Where is s/he? (I dont know. S/he)

Where does () live? (I dont know. S/he)
What do you think I have in my briefcase-pocket/purse?
What kind of watch is () wearing?
I cant find my pen. Do you know where it is?
How old do you think (someone famous) is?
Exercise 8. Translate into English. Give two variants where possible.

Modal

.
?
You might have come half an hour ago

He may (might) not know about it.
Can (could) he have left?
1. .
.
2. , .
3. ?
4. , .
5. .
6. .
7. , . .
8. .
9. .
10. ?
11. ?
Exercise 9. Fill in the blanks with may/ might, can/could.
1.
2.
3.
4.
I ___ be away from home tomorrow.

He _____ have been hurt.
It ____ or _____ not be true.
It was so dark, we ___ see nothing.
54
5. ___lend me a shilling?
6. ___ you hear what he is saying?
7. You ___ walk miles in this district without seeing anybody.
8. ___ this be true?
9. ____we go to the pictures after we wash up? Yes, we ___.
10. Mother says I ___ not go out.
11. Sorry, sir, you ___ not smoke here.
12. It ___ not be so far as all that.
13. ___ I have some more bread?
14. You ___ ask him to be the chairman.
15. The letters ___ have been written in this very house.
Exercise 10. Before translating into English decide: 1) is it can or may want to use?
2) In what from? 3) With what infinitive to follow?
1. . .
, .
2. , , , ,
.
3. , , .
, ?
4. , .
.
5. , . ,
. , .
6. .
.
7. , . ,
.
8. , . ,
.
Exercise 11. Complete the sentences using might not or couldnt.
Model A: Do you think she saw you?
B: No, she was too far away She couldnt have seen me.
A: I wonder why she didnt say hello. Perhaps she didnt see me.
B: Thats possible. She mightnt have seen you.
A: I wonder why Ann didnt come to the party. Perhaps she wasnt invited.
B: Yes, its possible. She
A: Tom loves parties. Im sure he would have come to the party if hed been invited.
B: I agree. He
A: I wonder how the fire started. Do you think it was an accident?
B: No, the police say it
55
A: How did the fire start? I suppose it was an accident.

B: Well, the police arent sure. They say it
Exercise 12. Translate into English using modal verbs can (could), may (might).
1. , . , ,
.
2. , . .
, . .
3. , .
4. ?
5. , :
.
6. , .
7. , , .
8. ?
9. , .
10. : , , .
11. ? . .
12. , , .
13. . , .
14. , , .
15. . ,
. , .
16. , .
17. , .
18. , .
19. , , , .
20. , ,
.
56
MIXED EXERCISES
Exercise 1. Make up sentences using Table 1 and Table 2.
He
Must
May
Might
Cant
be
Sleeping
Working hard
Watching TV
Having dinner
Playing football
He
Must
May
Might
Cant
Have
Forgotten your address

Lost your book
Missed the train
Caught cold
Fallen ill
Left the country
Sold his piano
Bought a car
Exercise 2. Use the proper form of the Infinitive:

1. To my mother, who was never strong, the whole experience must (to be) a nightmare
of suffering and social endurance.
2. "I might not (to give) a present at all", she says. "Instead, I could (to invite) her over
for egging during the holidays to ask her to be my guest at a Christmas programme.
3. I saw at once that he was dead, struck down from behind, and that he couldn't (to be)
dead long.
4. A lot of men died who might (to save).
5. Why didn't you wait for me yesterday? I waited for five minutes. You (wait) a
little longer!
6. How did Peter get here? - He (come) on a motorcycle. (This is a possibility.) He
(not come) on a motorcycle. He doesn't ride one. He (come) as a pillion passenger.
7. Why are you so late? You (be) here two hours ago!
8. Tom (looking out of the window): Fortunately that teapot didn't hit anyone, but you
(not throw) it out of the window, Ann! You (kill) someone.
9. Look at this beautiful painting! Only a very great artist (paint) such a picture!
Nonsense! A child of five (paint) it with his eyes shut.
10. I wonder how the fire started. Oh, someone (drop) a lighted cigarette. Or it (be) an
electrical fault. You don't think it (be stared) deliberately? Well, I suppose it
(be). (It is possible.) But who would do a thing like that?
11. Then an enormous man, ten feet tall, came into the ring. He (not be) ten feet tall
really. He (walk) on stilts.
12. He jumped out of a sixth-floor window and broke his neck. You say "jumped". It
(not be) an accident? No. The window was too small. It (be) deliberate.
57
Exercise 3. Change the following sentences using modal verbs:

Model:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I suppose she is working in the library. (may)

-She may by working in the library.
I am sure she has passed all her exams successfully. (must)

I wonder why she didnt turn to me for help. (might)
I dont believe he has done it. (can)
Its so dark. I think its raining. (may)
I dont allow you to swim in this dirty water. (must)
Exercise 4. Fill in the blanks with must or may depending on how probable you
think the action to be. Use must if you are nearly sure, may if the action is possible.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
John be still here. Here is his coat.

John still come. He have been detained at the office. He sometimes is.
What a smell! The milk have boiled over again.
You think Im made of money. I gave you thirty dollars on Monday, didnt I?
One never knows with her, she feel offended if you dont. (Ask her advice.)
I tell you I left them (the keys) right here. I always do. Somebody have taken
them.
7. She not know about it. She have been out when they phoned.
8. Nothing but few charred stones remained after the fire. The heat have been
terrific.
9. It be later than we thought the metro isnt running any longer.
10. Theres just a chance if we hurry. We catch the 8.15. train.
11. Dont worry, darling. Things turn out better than you think.
12. After all its his job. He not know what he is thing about.
Exercise 5. Translate the following into English:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
.
.
, .
, .
( ).
?
, .
.
Exercise 6. Analyze the sentences with modal verbs in Perfect Infinitive.

1. Can Helen have made a bad impression on you? She cannot have made a bad
impression on you. (She is so nice)
58
2. Can Helen have left her friend in need? She cannot have left her friend in need. (She
is so nice)
3. Can Helen have said it? She cannot have said it (You didnt understand her.)
4. Dick must be at home now. I advise you to ring him up.
5. Dick must still be reading the book. He will not give it to you, I am afraid.
6. Dick must be ready for the party. Call him, please.
7. Dicks sister must be sleeping now. She didnt sleep at night.
8. Dicks sister must be tired. She passed her exams ahead of time.
9. Jack must have torn his coat. He is looking for a needle and thread.
10. Jack must have broken the tap. The cold tap is leaking again.
11. Jack must have broken the telephone. It is out of order.
12. Ann may have left the house. I dont see her.
13. She may have gone to the circus. She was eager to go there.
14. She may have taken little Kate with her. She promised to show her the circus.
15. She may have told her mother about it. I dont know.
Exercise 7. Change to sentences. Use modal verbs must, may or cant.
1. Probably that building in the distance is the station.
2. I dont believe you have lost you passport; probably you have put into another bag.
3. Perhaps the girl was frightened.
4. Probably you left your textbook in the canteen.
5. I dont believe they will give up such a brilliant idea.
6. You look pale. Probably you are tired.
7. I dont believe that this boy is a good friend.
8. I am sure you are tired: you have been working for house.
9. Perhaps he visited the Hermitage when he was in St. Petersburg last year.
10. I am sure it is a very deep lake.
Exercise 8. Analyze the difference in the meaning of the following sentences.
Translate them into Russian.
1. There is a knock at the door. Who do you suppose it is?
a. It might be Sally.
b. It may be Sally.
c. It could be Sally.
d. It must be Sally.
1. Theres a knock at the door. I think its Mike.
a. It may not be Mike.
b. It couldnt be Mike.
c. It cant be Mike.
1. Wheres Jack? I dont see him.
a. He might have gone home.
b. He must have gone home.
c. He could go home.
59
Exercise 9. Complete the sentences.

1. If the teacher spoke a little more slowly
2. It the roads werent so icy
3. If you didnt live so far away
4. if I werent so busy.
5. If the traffic hadnt been so heavy
6. if you had let me know earlier.
7. If we had a bit more time
8. if we had had a bit more time.
9. If we had the right materials for the job.
10. if we had had the right materials for the job.
Exercise 10. Translate into English the parts of the sentences given in brackets
using modal verbs.
1. Do you think we ( ) home by nine?
2. I had never ceased to write to Peggotty, but ( , ) seven years
since we had met.
3. Im sorry about Mabel, said Isaac. Lanny shrugged: I suppose it (
).
4. Mr. Zappa, the carrier ( ) for me in the morning at nine oclock.
5. My servant ( ) the luggage into my room.
6. Where are they? They ( ).
7. Our partner ( , ) the terms of the contract.
8. Their flat (, ) a great sum of money!
Exercise 11. Make sentences from the words in brackets.
Model
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dont phone Ann now. (she might / have / lunch)

She might be having lunch.
I wonder why Tom didnt phone me. (he must / forget)

Whats Linda doing? Im not sure (she may / watch / television)
Ann was standing outside the cinema (she must / wait / for somebody)
He was in prison at the time that the crime was committed, so (he couldnt / do / it).
George was in a strange mood yesterday (he might not / feel / very well).
Exercise 12. Complete the sentences with the correct modal perfect.
It is difficult to keep a secret in a small town. Everybody eventually knows everything.
She (know) ___________ that one day the company would find out that she smoked.
When she learned that she had been fired for smoking away from the workplace, she
(be) _________ furious.
60
Indiana passed a smoker-protection law, but Bone didn't get her job back. She
___________.
Teresa Fischette (agree) _________ to wear makeup, but she decided to fight the rule.
The airlines (consider) __________ only _____ her job performance.
Mercado (surprise) _______ and (thrill) _______ by the courtaward of $500,000 as well
as the return to his job. I wonder if he ever returned to the job after getting so much
money. Who knows? He (neg.) __. With so much money, be (decide) _________ to
retire.
He (be, neg.) ______ overweight when he started working there because the company
has strict rules about weight for its guards.
We usually think of police as taking care of important crime issues. The police who
arrested the woman for not returning two overdue tapes (have, neg.) ________ too
much to do if they were able to spend their time on such an unimportant issue.
The woman who was arrested for picking tulips from public property (do, neg.)
__________ it. If everyone picked flowers from public property, there wouldn't be any
flowers left. However, the police also (handcuff, neg.) _________ and (arrest)
_________ her. They (give) her a fine or even just (give) _______ her a lecture instead.
Critics of this police action feel there are many other more important things they (do)
______ at the time instead of wasting time arresting a flower picker.
The people who worked for the Ford Motor Company in the early 1900s (hate)
________ it when the Sociological Department entered and searched their homes. Since
they had no choice, they (feel) _________ like slaves instead of workers. Ford said he
did this to protect the workers from bad outside influences. Perhaps this was true, but it
(try) _________ also ______ just to force the workers to follow its own code of
decency.
1. ? , , .
2. ? , .
3. , ? ,
.
4. ? , . .
5. ? , .
6. ? , , .
7. . .
8. , .
9. ? , , .
10. .
11. .
.
12. ,
.
13. . .
61
14. . ,
. .
15. .
16. , , .
17. .
.
18. , .
1. She may have been here all the time.
2. Im afraid there must have been an accident of some car.
3. He may be staying at his relatives now.
4. He hoped he might be permitted to make the acquaintance with her daughter.
5. He looks so important. He must know something interesting.
6. The must have been working at this problem for a month or so.
7. It suddenly occurred to him that she might have been waiting for him all the time.
8. Could you have tried harder? Yes looking back now, I think I could have.
9. I dont know what Fred Narracott can be doing this morning.
10. You heard Bores story. Youve got to admit that if its true I cant possibly have had
anything to do with Armstrongs disappearance.
11. What could old Badger have been thinking about letting him in for this? However,
the drinks were all right.
Exercise 15. Use the perfect infinitive of the verbs in brackets.
Insert the necessary modal verb.
1. Friend: Paul (go) to the playground to watch a football match.
Mother: No, if there'd been a match today he (tell) me. He always tells me all the
football news.
Friend: His teacher (keep) him in as a punishment.
Mother: She (not keep) him in for a whole hour.
Friend: Then he (go) to a friend's house.
Mother: Yes, or he (be) knocked down crossing the street. He may be lying
unconscious in hospital!
Friend: If that had happened the hospital (ring) you.
Mother: They (not ring) me. My phone isn't working!
2. He jumped out of the airplane and landed unhurt!
You mean he parachuted down? ~
He didn't say anything about a parachute.
He (have) a parachute. Otherwise he (be) killed.
3. I bought a sweater at Marks and Spencer's last Sunday. You (not buy) it on Sunday.
Marks & Spencers is shut on Sundays.
4. I wonder who carried the piano upstairs. I suppose it was Paul ~
Paul (not catty) it by himself. Someone (help) him.
62
5. I was on the Circle Line and we were just leaving Piccadilly. ~

Then you (not be) on the Circle Line. It doesn't go through Piccadilly. You (be) on
the Bakerloo Line or the Piccalilly Line.
6. The plane disappeared two weeks ago and no one knows what happened to it ~
It (crash) into the sea. If it had crashed on land someone (report) it by now ~ But
what do you think caused the crash ~ Who knows? It (blow) up. Someone (plant) a
bomb on be before the take-off, or one of the passengers (have) explosives with him.Or
someone (try) to hijack the plane. And there (be) a fight during which the plane crashed.
Or something (go) wrong with the engines, or it (be) a case of metal fatigue.It (not be)
metal fatigue because it was a brand new plane. The pilot (collapse) at the controls. ~
But if that had happened the second pilot (take over).
7. I (be) new to English customs. He said, "How do you do?" So I told him about my
migraine. Ann, "You (not do) that", (That wasn't the right thing to do.). You (say),
"How do you do?" too.
8. It was the depths of winter and we had to wait eighteen hours in an unheated station.
You (be) frozen by the time the train arrived.
9. I've done all the calculations Here you are six pages ~
But you (not do) all that work! We have a computer to do that sort of thing ~
You (tell) me. Then I (not waste) all my time.
10. He failed the exam but he (pass) it. (He had the ability to pass it.) It's
all his own fault; he (work) much harder during the term
11. He's not here yet. I locked him in and bolted the door too, so he (not possibly open)
the door from inside. And he (not get) out of the window; it's too small. ~
12. Somebody (let) him out. One of his friends (follow) you here and (slip) in when your
back was turned.
Exercise 16. Use the perfect infinitives of the verbs in bracket with the appropriate
auxiliary. Phrases in bold type should not be repeated but their meaning should be
expressed by auxiliary + perfect infinitive.
1. It is possible that Shakespeare (write) it. ~
Shakespeare (not write) it because the events mentioned there didn't occur after
Shakespeare's time.
2. I found this baby bird at the foot of a tree. It (fall) out of a nest.
3. I used to visit her and I always wondered why she had those dreadful pictures on the
walls. ~
It is possible that she (like) them.
4. During the gala, the captain was on the bridge the whole time. He (be) exhausted
afterwards.
5. You (leave) a note. (It was very inconsiderate of you not to do so.)
6. Somebody phoned at lunchtime but I couldn't catch the name. ~
It (be) my brother. He sometimes rings me up then.
7. The lecturer was a tall man with white hair. ~ Then it (not be) Dr Fell because he is
short and fat. It (be) Dr Jones; I think he is thin.
8. I saw them in the street but they didn't stop to speak to me. ~
63
It is possible that they (be) in a hurry.

9. People were waiting but the bus didn't stop. ~ It is possible that it (be) full.
10. We went sailing on a lake in a London park. I think it was the Round Pond. ~
It (not be) the Round Pond. There are only toy boats there. It (be) the Serpentine.
11. Look, there's a tree right across the road! ~
So there is. It (be) blown down by the gale last night.
12. It is possible that I (be) mistaken.
13. I sat on a seat in the park and now my coat is covered with green stripes. ~
The paint (be) wet.
14. I suppose it was Charles who left the kitchen in a mess. ~
No, it (not be) Charles. He never has a meal in. It (be) Bill.
15. I know she was in because I heard her radio, but she didn't open the door. ~
Possibly she (not hear) the bell.
16. If you had told me that you were in London I (put) up. (This would have been
possible.)
17. I can't think why they didn't try to help him. ~
It is possible that they (not realize) that he was drowning.
18. He (thank) us. (We are offended that he didn't.)
19. I (go) on Tuesday (this was the plan). But on Tuesday I had a terrible cold so I
decided to wait till Wednesday.
1. , , .
2. , , .
3. , , .
4. .
5. , .
6. , ?
7. ?
8. , .
9. ?
10. , , .
11. , .
12. ? , .
13. , .
14. , , .
15. , , .
16. , .
17. , .
18. ( , ) ?
19. , .
Exercise 18. Choose the correct answer in each of the following sentences
according to meaning and tense.
64
1. Marcela didnt come to class yesterday. She (will have/had/may have had) an
accident.
2. John didnt do his homework, so the teacher became very angry. He (must have
asked/could have asked/might have asked)
3. Sharon was supposed to be home at nine oclock. She (may forget/must have
forgotten) about our meeting.
4. Where do you think Juan is today? I have no idea. He (must have slept/may have
slept) late.
5. George missed classes today. He (might have had/might had had) an accident.
6. Robert arrived without his book. He (could have lost/must have lost) it.
7. Thomas received a warning for speeding. He (must have driven/mustnt have driven)
so fast.
8. Henrys car stopped on the highway. It (may run/may have run) out of gas.
Exercise 19. Insert the necessary modal verb.
1. Julietta was absent for the first time yesterday. She (be) sick.
2. The photos are black. The X rays at the airport (damage) them.
3. Carmencita did very well on the exam. She (study) verb hard.
4. Jeanette did very badly on the exam. She (study) harder.
5. German called us as soon his wife had her baby. He (be) very proud.
6. Eve had to pay $5.00 because she wrote a bad check.
7. She (deposit) her money before she wrote a check.
8. John isnt here yet. He (forget) about our meeting.
9. Alexis failed the exam. He (study) negatively enough.
10. She (be) about twenty five now. She went to school with my sister.
11. Its five oclock. He (be) work in the garden.
12. Something (have) happened. He has never been late before.
Exercise 20. Fill in the blanks. Use the following verbs: could have, couldnt have,
might have, must have.
The Night Uncle Bob Was Arrested
A.: Tell me the story about the night Uncle Bob was arrested.
B.: You dont really want to hear that old story again. I told it to you a hundred times!
A.: I know. But Id like to hear it again.
B.: Well, all right. Ill never forget the night they arrested your Uncle Bob for stealing a
car. As soon as I heard he was in trouble, I called the police station because I knew he
___ been driving too fast, or he _____ missed a stop sing, but I knew that he ____
stolen a car! I knew that the policeman ______ arrested the wrong man. Later, we found
out what really had happened. Your Uncle Bob couldnt find keys and was trying to get
into his car. The only way he could do that was by breaking the window. Thats when
the police arrived. Your Uncle Bob ______ been so impatient. He should have called
65
me because I had keys to his car all the time. He left them at my house and __________
forgotten them.
A.: Thats my favorite story. Thanks for telling it.
1. . . ,
.
2. ? 9.00, ,
9.30.
3. , .
4. ?
.
5. , .
6. , , .
7. , , .
8. , , , .
9. , , ,
, .
Exercise 22. Whats the Word?
Could have
Couldnt have
might have
must have
1. Your house looks like new since the fire. You ________ spent a lot of time repairing
it.
2. We _______ got seasick.
3. It was so dark in my basement that I fell down the stairs. I _______ _______ fixed
that broken light.
4. Patty is crazy! She _________ _______ got to New York any way she wanted. Why
did she hitchhike?
5. I called Stuards apartment all night and nobody answered me. He _____ ______
gone out.
6. You _______________ swept the front porch. It looks so clear.
7. He ______________ stolen the car. He was with me all the time.
8. My washing machine is broken. The repairman said I never _____ tries to wash four
pairs of sneakers and three pairs of jeans at the same time.
Exercise 23. Make sentences using the Table and the pictures.
They
Must
Could
May
Might have
Have been doing
It
66
Couldnt
Cant
Exercise 24. Translate the following sentences into English.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
? , , .
? , , .
, , , .
, , .
, , .
, , ? , ,
.
7. , . .
8. , , . , ,
.
9. , ?
10. , , .
11. , , . ,
.
Exercise 25. Circle the best answer for each of the following sentences. Use only
the information given in each sentence.
1. I cant believe that you walked across that highway at night. You ____ been killed.
a. should have
b. may have
c. could have
d. must have
2. Have they been given the mail yet?
Im not sure. They _________.
a. might have
b. might have been
c. could have
d. must have
3. The woman who was arrested for not returning the video tapes to the store be _____
shocked when the police appeared at her door.
a. must have
b. might have been
c. could have been
d. must have been
4. The video store owners complain _____ to the police about the woman with the two
overdue tapes.
a. might have
b. may have
c. could have
67
d. must have
Exercise 26. Translate into English using must, may, might or cant.
1. , , -.
2. , , -.
3. , - ( ).
4. , -.
5. , , -.
6. , , -.
7. , - ( ).
8. , -.
9. , , .
10. , , .
11. , , .
12. , , .
13. , ( ).
14. , ( ).
15. , ().
16. , .
Exercise 27. Choose the correct form of the verbs.
1. Why did you walk all the way from the station? You could phone / could have
phoned for a lift.
2. Why did I listen to you? I can be / could have been at home by now instead of sitting
here in the cold.
3. We thought our cousins would visit us when they were in town last week, but they
didnt phone.
I suppose they must be / must have been too busy.
4. I'm sure you could mend this if you really tried. You must be / can't be using the
right tools.
5. Ive just rung the garage to check whether theyve fixed my car, but I cant get an
answer. I suppose they may have / may be having a tea-break out in the yard.
6. I don't know why you wanted to stay at that party. You could have enjoyed / can't
have enjoyed talking to all those boring people.
7. You'll have to check these figures again. They're not accurate. You can have been
concentrating / can't have been concentrating when you added them up.
Exercise 28. Use the cues in brackets to give an appropriate response to Student A.
You are required to use present as well as past modals. The example will help you.
Example:
A: The milk smells funny. Have you tasted it?
B: (Yes, it must have gone off).
68
1. A: Gosh, she looks relaxed and sunburnt, doesnt she?

B: (must/ holiday)
2. A: Annie used to have straight hair, didnt she?
B: (must/perm)
3. A: Sams not at work again. I wonder why not.
B: (must/ill)
4. A: Have you any idea where Sue is?
B: (might/ tennis)
5. A: Do you know where Ginnie has gone of holiday?
B: (cant/ abroad/ passport here)
6. A: Their homework is exactly the same, word for word.
B: (must/copy)
7. A: Why on earth has the car stopped?
B: (may/ run out of petrol)
8. A: I wish the dog would stop yapping!
B: (must/someone at the door)
Exercise 29. Before translating into English decide upon different degrees of the
probability of the events.
1. , .
2. , .
3. , , .
4. , .
5. , , , .
6. , , , .
7. , , .
8. , , , - .
9. , , .
10. - , .
11. , . ,
, , , .
,
, , - . ,
, - .
(after A. Christie)
Exercise 30. Use the perfect infinitive of the verbs in brackets with
a suitable auxiliary verb.
1. Immediately after drinking the coffee I felt very sleepy and the next thing I
remember is finding myself lying in the middle of the road. ~
They (drug) your coffee and (dump) you there. ~ If I hadn't woken up I did I (be run)
over.
69
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
~ That (be) part of their plan. (It is possible that it was part of their plan.)
I found he knew all my movements for the past week. He (bribe) one of the other
students to give him the information or he (follow) you himself. ~
No, he (not do) that. (Tat is possible.) I (see) him.
He walked from London to Cambridge in three hours ~ He (not do) it in that time.
Someone (give) him a lift.
I found that everything I said on the phone had been ported to the police. ~
Your phone (be) tapped.
My ring's gone! It was on the table by the window only a minute ago! Who (take) it?
~ It (be) a magpie. There are some round here and they like shining things. A magpie
(hop) in through the window and (snatch) it when you when you were out of the
room. (This is possible.)
I had to walk home yesterday: I had no money for fare. ~ You (tell) me! I (lend) you
the money!
The shoplifter thought she was unobserved but when she got to the
door a store detective stopped her. They (watch) on closed-circuit television.
When I rang the exchange and asked for the number the operator said, "You (not
ring) the exchange! You (dial) the number direct!" However, he put me through.
One moment the conjurer's handkerchief was empty and the next moment it was full
of eggs! ~ He (have) the eggs up his sleeve! ~ Well, I suppose he (have) eggs up his
sleeve: but for next trick produced a bowl of goldfish out of the air. He (not have) a
bowl of goldfish up his sleeve now, could he?
Mary: My grandmother knew a girl whose fiance was sent to prison for twenty
years. This girl (marry) any one of a dozen men because she was a real beauty, but
she waited till her fiance came out of jail!
Jack: She (love) him very much.
Ann: She (be) an idiot!
Exercise 31. Translate into English. Use must, may or cant.

1. , .
.
2. , .
3. , .
4. , : .
5. , , .
6. , .
7. : .
8. , , .
9. , , .
10. , .
11. , .
12. , .
13. , , .
14. , , .
70
15. , , .
16. , .
17. , , .
18. , , .
19. , .
20. , ( ).
21. , , .
22. , , , .
23. , ( ).
1. !
2. , .
3. , , .
4. .
5. , , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. ?
9. , .
10. , -, ?
11. , .
12. , , .
13. , , .
14. , , .
Exercise 33. Complete the sentences using can/could, may/might, must/must have,
cant/couldnt + the verb in brackets.
1. A: I havent seen our neighbours for ages.
B: No. They ..must have away. (go)
2. A: Whats the weather like? Is it raining?
B: Not at the moment but it later (rain)
3. A: Where has Julia gone?
B: Im not sure. She to the bank. (go)
4. A: I didnt see you at Johns party last week.
B: No, I had to work that evening, so I (go)
5. A: I saw you at Johns party last week.
B: No, you didnt. You me. I didnt go to Johns party (see)
6. A: When was the last time you saw Bill?
B: Years ago. I him if I saw him now. (recognize)
7. A: Did you hear the explosion?
B: What explosion?
8. A: There was a long explosion a few minutes ago. You it. (hear)
71

1. .
2. , .
3. ?
4. , ?
5. .
6. , .
7. , .
8. , , .
9. , , .
10. , .
11. , -.
12. , , .
13. , , , .
Exercise 35. Translate the sentences into Russian. Pay attention to the meaning of
the modal verbs.
1. He was certain there could be no light. (Galsworthy)
2. There cant be any feelings between the like of you and the like of me (Shaw).
3. Im afraid it cant be to-night, said Shelton, I must get back (Galsworthy)
4. You cant mean it (Greenwich).
5. Oh! It cant be true! (Wilde)
6. Listen! Hes still playing he cant know (Galsworthy).
7. Oh! Freddy, there must be one. You cant have tried (Shaw).
8. I cant have taken it upstairs this morning (Galsworthy).
9. We may have to take steps (Galsworthy).
10. It may be a great idea It may also be a trap in which England will perish (Shaw).
11. You may want a friend some day (Wilde).
12. The old actor was drunk, Thought he Still there may be truth in what he said
(Galsworthy).
13. For all I know, Val may go and enlist (Galsworthy).
14. He may be or he may not I dont know, and whats more, I dont care (Dick).
15. There must have been rooms like this, he thought, women like Mary, in those towns
and villages of Poland, where without warning, bombs had come, crashing through
the roofs (Greenwich).
16. Theres a knock at the door. It must be Fred.
~It cant be Fred, its too early.
1. They must have seen you.
~They cant have seen me. I wasnt there.
2. Curious how he jibbed away from the sight of his wife and child. One would have
thought he must have rushed up at the first moment. On the contrary, he had a sort of
physical shrinking from it (Galsworthy).
72
3. and there was such a joyous sound in her merry laugh, that the sternest
misanthrope must have smiled to hear it (Dick).
4. If a man could die from longing and anxiety, surely Lennan must have died then
(Galsworthy).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
, , , .
, , .
; , , .
, ,
.
, , , ,
. ; .
, , .
, , .
, , ()
, .
, , , , ,
.
Exercise 37. Use the Perfect Infinitive of the verbs in bracket with
a suitable auxiliary verb.
Model. I've never seen a London policeman. ~
You (see) one! You've been in London a week already!
You must have seen one.
Note that not placed before the verb in brackets refers to the auxiliary verb:
I heard their phone ringing. ~
You (not hear) there their phone ringing. They haven't got a phone.
You couldn't have heard their phone ringing.
1. Jack: I've finished.
Ann: But you were only half way through when I went to bed. You (work) all night!
Tom: What happened to Jack? We said 7.30. and now it's 8.00. and there's no sign of
him.
Ann: He (forget) that we invited him. He is rather forgetful. I (telephone) him
yesterday to remind him. (It was foolish of me not to telephone).
Tom: Or he (get) lost. He hasn't been to this house before. I (give) him directions. (I
didn't give him directions, which was stupid of me.)
Ann: Or he (have) a breakdown or a puncture.
Tom: A puncture (not delay) him so long.
Ann: Or he (stop) for a drink and (get) involved in an argument. Jack's arguments
go on for hours!
Tom: Or he (run) out of petrol. Perhaps we'd better go and look for him.
73
2. Nobody has been in this house for a month. ~

Nonsense! Here's last Monday's paper in the wastepaper basket, somebody (be) here
quite recently.
3. He says that when walking across Kensington Gardens he was attacked by wolves. ~
He (not be attacked) by wolves. There aren't any wolves in Kensington. He (see)
some Alsatian dogs and (think) they were wolves.
4. I waited from 8.00. to 8.30. under the clock and he says he waited from 8.00. to 8.30.
under the clock, and we didn't see each other! ~ You (wait) under different clocks!
There are two in the station, you know.
5. He set off alone a month ago and hasn't been heard of since. ~ He (fall) into a river
and (be eaten) by crocodiles. ~ Or (be kidnapped) by tribesmen. ~ Or (catch) fever
and (die) of it.
6. Mary to Ann, who has just toiled up six flights of stairs: You (not walk) up! You
(come) up in the lift. It's working now.
7. I left my car under the No Parking sign; and now it's gone. It (be) stolen! ~ Not
necessarily. The police (drive) is away.
8. He had two bottles of Coke and got frightfully drunk. ~ He (not get) drunk on Coke.
He (drink) gin with it.
9. He was riding a bicycle along the motorway when he was hit by the trailer of a lorry.
These big lorries are very dangerous. Perhaps, but Paul (not ride) a bicycle; along the
motorway bicycles are allowed.
10. I've lost one of my gloves! ~ The puppy (take) it. I saw him running by just now
something in his mouth. It (be) your glove.
11. We've run out of petrol! ~ I'm not surprised. I noticed that the tank was nearly
empty when we left home. ~ You (tell) me! We (get) petrol at the last village. Now
we've got a 10-mile walk
Exercise 38. Solve the following puzzles using may have, cant have and must have.
Then share your ideas with the rest of the group.
1. A man lives on the twentieth floor of a block of flats. Every day he gets the lift at the
twentieth floor down to the bottom. However, on the way up he always gets out at
the fifteenth floor and walks the rest of the way. Why?
2. A woman in a hotel answers the phone in the middle of the night. She says Hello
but there is no answer so she puts the phone down and goes back to sleep. The caller
is very happy. Who rang?
3. Mr. Fred Bellot, who was captured by some wild tribes and spent seven years with
them, spoke about the way natives hunted. Why?
4. When the Prime Minister was asked what he thought about the present economic
situation, he started laughing. Why?
74
TESTS
I.
1. , , ,
.
2. , .
3. , - , , ,
, .
4. . ,
?
5. , .
6. , , , ( ).
II.
1. , , ; ,
.
2. 5.00, .
3. , , ,
.
4. , 5.00.
? ?
5. . .
, , .
6. , .
7. , .
8. . .
III.
1. , . , ,
.
2. , . .
3. , .
4. ?
5. , . 10 ,
12 .
6. .
7. , ,
.
75
LITERATURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Bell J., Gower R. Upper Intermediate Matters.

Drozdova T., Mailova V. English Grammar.
Gordon E.M., Krilova I.P. Modality in Modern English.
Murphy R. English Grammar in Use.
Murphy R. English Grammar in Use. Supplementary Exercises.
Natanson E.A. Oblique Moods. Modal Verbs.
Reznik R.V., Sorokina T.S., Kazaritskaya T.A. A Grammar of Modern English
Usage.
8. Thomson A.J., Martinet A.V. Exercises I. A Practical English Grammar.
9. Timely Topics.
10. .. , .. .
11. . .
12. .
13. .. , .. , .. Advanced English.
14. .. . .
15. .. , .. , .. :
. II.
16. .. , .. . .
17. .., .. English Grammar Practice.
18. .. , .. .
.
19. .. . . .
76

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.., .., ..

Wheres John? He may be at the

He may have been

(2) polite request

Might I borrow your pen?

You must not open that door,

(3) 95% certainty

She must be sick (present only)

I can run fast

You can use my car

(2) polite request

Could I borrow you pen?

That cant be true!

Mary must have

That cant have

That couldnt be true!

You could have

he isnt in class every day, but ,

when I saw him last night, he

Present Simple: modals + not

Must (Not) Have + Past Participle

Could Have + Past Participle

He must be at home at this hour.

In negative sentences and sentences referring to the future supposition is expressed by

Shall/will have to wait

She was fired. She must be very upset. (Probability)

1. He must know about it.

Exercise 10. Translate into English.

9. A: Im sorry. You ____ . Theres no one here by that name.

Exercise 14. Translate into Russian.

Exercise 15. Analyze the sentences in which must expresses supposition.

6. He must have read the letter many times.

She must have given him no

The teapot is in pieces! (drop)

He must know the language quite well.

Exercise 25. Paraphrase the sentence using the verb must.

Model: Of course, he is somewhere here. - He must be somewhere here.

A: Paula fell asleep in class this morning.

Oh! cried Fleur: "You can't have done it!" ,

I suppose he could ask her this question ,

Can he be doing it? (Is it possible that he is doing it now?)

5. They didnt receive the telegram in time.

1. He brought me his essay that afternoon.

Exercise 13. Translate into English using cant.

9. He couldnt have said it.

1. He can help you, but he doesnt want to bother.

2. Of course, I cant translate it.

I may go (or I might go) to Ireland with little difference of meaning.

Exercise 4. Translate into Russian.

I may tell him about it later. I havent decided it yet.

Exercise 5. Make the necessary changes according to the model.

Exercise 6. Change the sentences using may. Analyze the model.

2. Might I come and see you?

He said she might have fallen ill.

Exercise 12. Analyze the explanation given in brackets.

I may show him your reports later, I dont know.

They spent part of the summer here.

Maybe, youll meet him at the station.

Exercise 19. Use may or might, may not or might not.

Wheres Bob? Im not sure. He might be having lunch.

Exercise 24. Insert the correct from of may/might.

I wish he would be a little more tactful!

His fiance writes to him every day. She must