Modal verbs of the Russian language definition of Apresyan. Types of modal meanings and means of their expression in modern Russian

Word "modal" derived from the English word mood - mood. Modal verbs convey such subtle shades of meaning that they cannot simply be learned by heart, they must be grasped. They denote the necessity, possibility, probability, desirability of the action expressed by the semantic verb. What is conveyed in Russian using sentence structure is conveyed in English by various modal verbs, so this topic may seem a little more complicated than the others.

There are 10 in total: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, ought to.

Sometimes full-valued verbs are also used. need, dare in the sense of modal.

When we use modal verbs, auxiliary verbs are not needed in front of them, since modal verbs themselves act as operator verbs, they are from the same category as auxiliary verbs. Only auxiliary verbs more often indicate some aspect of the time, and modal - the probability, the desirability of the action. Read more here: to a sentence with a modal verb. They carry all grammatical tasks, that is:

in negation they add to themselves a particle not,
in the question they take place before the subject.

For example:

We can go to the cinema tonight.

Can we go to the cinema tonight?

We can't (cannot) go to the cinema tonight.

After the modal verb comes the semantic verb without a particle to except for the verb ought to(no wonder it is always recorded immediately with a particle to not to forget!)

He might be late.

Selena ought to do mammography every year.

Modal verbs are defective verbs, of all forms they have only the past tense(Past Simple), and even then not for everyone:

can - could

may - might

shall - should

will - would

For example:

She can dance. She could dance well when she was young.

However, the present and past forms differ so much in usage that they are often treated as completely separate modal verbs, which is why there are ten modal verbs in English.

They do not have an infinitive (to can - wrong), present participle (canning - wrong), past participle (canned - wrong). No modal verb has the above forms.

However, there are compound forms that we can replace

can, could ---- on to be able to

may, might --- on to be allowed to

should, ought to, must --- on have to

must not --- on not to be allowed to/to be forbidden to

How modal verbs are used in English

Will, as we know, denotes the future tense. As an auxiliary verb in the future tense, see the section

However, even as a modal verb, it still means an action in the future, in which I am sure that it will take place, or I will show my will for it to take place.

Most likely on the meaning of a modal verb will somehow influenced by its ancestor - the full-fledged verb will, which means "to show the will, desire, want."

Note that it is not always will in modal meaning can be replaced by shall in 1 person singular, since shall has its own meanings as a modal verb, and they do not coincide with will.

For example:

- Don't carry that luggage! I'll help you. (offer)

- Can I have a cup of coffee? – Of course, you can! I'll make you coffee. (agreement)

- I "ll pay everything back next week, I promise. (promise)

- Will you give me this piece of cake? (informal request)

- You will be a wonderful person when you grow up! (speculations about the future)

In the meaning of a prediction about the future, it can be used to be going to.

If the situation has a clear indication of what will happen, especially in the near future, then we use to be going to.

If not, then it is better to use will:

look! The sky is gray and heavy! It is going to snow!

I'm feeling terrible. I'm going to fall ill.

He will come at five o'clock.

It will rain on Friday. (weather forecast)

Will is often used with words such as: probably, sure, think, expect.

I think he will come at five o'clock.

I am sure he'll be here tomorrow.

He'll probably be late for the meeting.

It is not clear from the situation what will happen. These are just your guesses.

Would-

often used as past tense of will.

Therefore, if in the present will, then in the past tense (in indirect speech, for example) it changes to would.

He said he would help me.

In the following constructions, would is used on its own as a modal verb, and not instead of will: in the construction would like, would rather, would be better, would you mind. In them, it performs the function of the Russian "would".

Would you like some tea? (please, the most polite option of all)

I would like some coffee. = I'd like some coffee. – would is often abbreviated to become "d.

Would you mind if I use your dictionary?

It would be better if you didn't drink too much wine every day.

Are you hungry? Do you feel like having lunch? - No thanks. I would rather eat a sandwich.

That is probably why would is one of the most important words in conditional sentences, only it is important to use it correctly.

If the weather was good, I would go for a walk.

If the weather is fine, I would go for a walk. – would is used only in the main clause.

Even more decisively expresses the will, decision and intention of the speaker than will. More often used with I, we than will in the same meanings of predictions about the future, decisions, intentions, promises.

I shall go to the party, and you won't be able to stop me.

We shall overcome!

In questions:

What shall I do? (as a tip)

Shall we dance? (an offer to do something)

In orders:

Students shall not drink at the hostel. (Students are not allowed to drink in the hostel)

Should– often used as the past of shall, for this reason it can replace would when it denotes the past tense of will.

It could be translated as "should".

1. It means duty, or duty, but unlike a sentence with must, the phrase takes on the connotation of advice. Just should and should be used in most cases when we want to say must.

We should go there. - We need to go there. We must go there. We should go there.

Tom shouldn't drive, he didn't sleep last night.

My name is spelled incorrectly, it should be Johansson instead of Johnson.

2. Probability

Tim should pass the exam. Tim has to pass the exam. (not 100% sure, likely, but pretty high)

Oughtto- almost always used as a synonym for should, translated the same way, used the same way.

Feature: it is always followed by an infinitive with the particle to, unlike other modal verbs. Therefore, it is always written with to, so as not to forget.

You should think well before you answer. (Think carefully before answering. - More personal advice)

You ought to think well before you answer. (You should think well before you answer. - Advice based on conventional wisdom, on generally accepted rules)

Perhaps the most common and simplest modal verb, most of all corresponds to the Russian “I can”. But, as always with a foreign language, not all correspondences are exactly the same, it should be borne in mind that in English there are differences in use.

It means physical, mental ability, ability, strength, power to do something.

They can destroy you. (They have the power to do so)

Means an objective possibility:

You can cook on the gas stove. (It is possible to cook if you have a gas stove)

It means permission to do something.

You can take my piece of cake. (- Mom, do we have any more cake left? - Yes, take my piece, son.)

Request in questions. Such a request is closely related to physical ability. She is more polite than the imperative mood (Tie a tie for me, please)

Can you tie a tie for me, please?

This is the past form of can, but now this modal verb has its own meanings.

Therefore, wherever we put can in the present tense, we can put could in the past.

I was happy that I could walk.

Possibility, probability. With less possibility and probability than can, may.

He could miss the train.

Permission. Sounds more polite than can. Suggestion shade added.

You could take my laptop.

Requests are more polite than with can.

Could you lend me your laptop, please?

Another common verb. Most of all corresponds to the Russian “possible”, “can”. Again, you should be careful with the use, this verb has its own, narrow focus.

It is considered more polite and more formal than can.

It means permission, permission to do something.

May I borrow your book?

You may borrow my book. (compare with can, which can be said even if permission was not asked, and in a less formal tone)

Means possibility, probability:

It may help. (may or may not help)

I don "t fly! A plane may crash into the ocean. (It may fall, but it may not fall. Can is not very suitable here, as this would mean its capabilities that the plane is suitable for this)

I may come. (Maybe I will come)

Practically a synonym for may.

Means permission, expresses more uncertainty than may.

May I take your laptop?

Yes, you may / Yes, you can - (Yes, you might - would mean that you allowed it and you yourself are not very sure about it or in fact you don’t really want to allow it.)

Replaces may in indirect speech (but not in direct speech) in the past tense.

means probability.

He might be in the office. (Perhaps he is in the office)

I might go to Parisin June, so I won't be at home.

Must and have to

“Should”, but the usage needs to be considered more carefully. We in Russian tend to use the word “should” more often. They also have - have to, should, ought to - all mean "should".

Must is the strictest of the verbs, so it is used in English much less often than we use “should”. This is one of our main mistakes: using "must" too much.

First, it is the decision, desire or opinion of the speaker. These are emotions.

I must tell you this. (I've decided I'll do it)

They must do something about it! (I think they should)

Have to in this sense is very unemotional, has a shade of coercion from the outside, forced by circumstances. It can often be translated as "have to", but not always.

The Government have to fight against the squatters. (The government has to/should (government has to) fight squatters.)

The Government must do something about squatters! (The government must do something about the squatters! - personal opinion, emotions)

I have to take up English class, my dad insisted.

I must take up English class; I feel that I am forgetting English.

Secondly, must means a very strict prohibition or obligation, often in formal speech, in announcements, in regulations, charters, duties for staff.

You must wear your uniform when at work.

By the way, in the past tense had to replaces must and loses its connotation.

Mustn't and don't have to should be distinguished. In the negative sense, their difference is further deepened. Mustn’t - you don’t have the right, it’s forbidden, don’t have to - you don’t have to, it’s allowed.

I am happy that I don't have to attend his lectures any more! I am glad that I no longer have to attend his lectures.

We mustn "t smoke in the cabin. - We are not allowed to smoke in the cabin.

Thirdly, must means the greatest degree of certainty of all modal verbs.

He must be in the office now. = I "m sure he is in the office now. (He must be in the office, 100% sure.)

Modal verbs in English show the speaker's attitude to what he is talking about. This article provides usage features, examples of sentences translated into Russian and a detailed table of possible meanings of English modal verbs, also supported by specific examples.

The meaning of the use of modalities is the expression of the possibility or impossibility, desire - unwillingness, presumption, doubtfulness, motivation, intention. In English, this relationship is expressed using 10 auxiliary verbs:

Features of modal verbs in examples with translation

Modal verbs in English function as auxiliary verbs, they change the meaning of another verb they control. The main verb that follows the modal is usually used in the form of the infinitive without the particle to, with the exception of the modal verb ought, which is used with the particle to

I might see him tomorrow(I may see him tomorrow)

Modal verbs in English never change their form: no need to add-(e)s in third person singular, -ed (past tense), -ing

Paul can help us(Paul can help us)

Also, modal verbs do not require the use of do when forming a question and a negative.

Will I go?(I will go?)
They mustn't worry about that(They don't have to worry about it)

Modal verbs can be used with verbs in and in Passive:

I should be worrying(I should be worried)
The letter can be written on Sunday(Letter can be written on Sunday)

Modal verbs can be used in short answers and:

She will arrive tomorrow, won't she? Well, she might(She's coming tomorrow, isn't she? Well, yes, maybe)

Modal verbs usually express attitudes towards the present and the future:

I can leave the party immediately, if she likes(I can leave the party immediately if she wants) - real
I may call him later(I can call him later) - future

But some of them express attitudes towards past events:

John could read before he went to school(John could read before he went to school)

Sometimes, instead of modal, it is necessary to use other verbs that are not modal and all of the above properties do not apply to them. These verbs are used with the particle to and have all the properties of ordinary verbs: have to, used to, are (is) was to, be able to, need to, managed to, be supposed to, be allowed to.

You dare me to run a marathon race(You gave me the courage to run a marathon)
Does he need to read now?(Does he need to read now?)

Sometimes these same verbs act as modal and then they are used without a particle to:

They dare say(they dare to speak)
You never need to meet him again(You never have to see him again)

Modal verbs in English are used to:

1. Expressions of confidence that something will happen - will, shall.

Import will continue to fall over the next year(Imports will continue to decline over the next year)
We shall be staying in London for the next week(We will be staying in London next week)

You can emphasize confidence by adding words really, (most) certainly/definitely, almost certainly

She definitely won't like the soup(She definitely won't like the soup)
They'll certainly like their new shoes(They will surely love their new boots)

2. Expressions of doubt, adding words probably, presumably

He probably won't like his new job(Maybe he will like his new job)
We'll presumably want another thing(We apparently need another thing)

Difference between will and shall

Shall is used for I, we. For others, it is considered obsolete. Only will used in the question of predictions.

Will I win the race, do you think?(Do you think I'll win the race?)

Shall used to offer something very politely or to ask for advice:

Shall I open the window?(Should I open the window?)
Shall I wear the green or the yellow pants?(Should I wear green or yellow pants?)

3. Expressions of the possibility that something will happen
We use may, might, could to express the possibility

It may/might/could rain tomorrow(Maybe it will rain tomorrow)

Table of possible meanings of modal verbs with example sentences

Learning English is impossible without deepening the topic of modal verbs, which are used in the construction of complex and simple sentences. In the article we will tell you what a modal verb is, how to use it correctly in various dictionary constructions, how to form declarative and interrogative phrases..

English modal verbs

Modal Verbs is a separate part of the English language that works according to its own rules, which differ from regular and irregular verbs. In order not to confuse English modal verbs with anything, they should be memorized. Teachers introduce students to a table that tells about the rules of application, the role in the proposal.

If we talk about the differences between regular verbs and irregular ones, they differ in the principle of forming the past tense. a feature of regular forms in the formation of their characteristic ending -ed. Incorrect ones completely change their design: ending, root, prefix.

Verbs are also classified into main and auxiliary. The main ones play an important lexical role, they talk about a certain action. Easily and organically translated into Russian. Auxiliary ones complement them, are responsible for grammatical functions. They have no analogues in Russian.

All modal verbs in English can be compared with an auxiliary, they have a complementary function, but more essential. According to the rules, modal verbs express the relationship of the subject in the action embedded in the sentence or phrase.

Types of modal verbs

The main feature of modal verbs in English is the transfer of the attitude of the main character to what is happening. There are 5 modal verbs to learn by heart:

may/might
will/would
shall/should
can / could
must

There are also additional verbs that can also be classified as modal, but they partially have their properties. These are formsdare, ought to, need and others. Now about the formats in which modal verbs are used. Expression characteristics:

confidence, affirmation
request, offer
advice, opinion
formal request
obligation

Forms of modal verbs are actively used in live speech. Therefore, if you want to reach the level of fluency in English, pay special attention to this topic.

Formation of verbs in different types of sentences

There are no clearly fixed rules in the issue of changing the structure of verbs. Only some modal forms are subject to declension. So, for example, can is used in constructions of the present and past tenses, it is not applicable for the future. The same situation with the verb may, is used in all tenses except Future. But this does not mean that the forms are not suitable for expressing thoughts in the future tense. Will is added to express a thought in a sentence structure.

When it comes to the placement of modal verbs in a sentence, there are a number of rules to follow when constructing sentences. In an expression, modal verbs statements are used before the verb responsible for a specific action and after the main noun. When negated, the particle not should be added to the verb (the exception is have to). In an interrogative sentence, a change of position is required - the modal verb, contrary to the rules of arrangement in affirmative constructions, becomes before the noun, replaces the auxiliary verb.

Rules for the use of modal verbs

In order to freely express your thought, emotionally color the speech structure, you should remember the most commonly used modal verbs that will help you correctly compose affirmative, interrogative, incentive sentences, express a request or wish. Take note: must, can, may, ought to, need, should, to be able to, have to, manage to.

Now about the rules for using modal forms. Remember the three main ones:

The particle to is not used after modal verbs, except for the forms ought to, need to, have to.
Endings are not attached to modal verbs (the exception word is manage to).
A verb denoting an action, in combination with a modal, takes the form of an infinitive.

Examples:

You should look for another way out. -You ought to find another way.

I have to go, it's getting late. -I need to go, it's late.

Students must follow university rules.Students must follow university rules.

You must complete this task by tomorrow evening. -You have to do this task till tomorrow evening.

Using the modal verb can/could

Translated into Russian, this verb means “I can, I can”, and can convey the meaning of a certain skill. Can is used in the present tense, could - in the past. To build a sentence in the future tense, the will be able to form is used.

Examples:

Two years ago I saw much better. -I could see much better two years ago.

I can draw very well because I had a good teacher. -I can draw very well, because I had a very good teacher.

Explain the problem, we can help you. -We will be able to help you explain the problem.

When constructing a negative sentence, the particle not is added to the modal verb:

The students could not prepare for this competition. -Students couldn`t be ready for this competition.

I can't find my keys in this mess. -I can't find my keys in this mess.

If you want to correctly build a question with modal verb - just swap the words. The subject is shifted to the background, the modal verb itself comes to the fore.

Modal verb must

The students of our school must follow the Charter. -Pupils of our school must follow the Regulation.

The opposite takes on the form must not (not required):

Your family should not move to another city. -Your family must not move in another town.

In interrogative phrases, must becomes the beginning of a sentence:

Should tigers be kept in cages? -Must the tigers be kept in the cages?

The commanding tone is lost with the appearance of the particle be:

It must be noisy to live in the middle of a big city. -It must be noisy to live in the center of big city.

Modal verb should

Examples:

You must stay with him while he is sick. -You should stay with him while he's sick.

To express negation, a combination with the particle not is used:

You shouldn't spend a lot of time at the computer. -You shouldn't spend a lot of time at the computer.

The same rules apply to the construction of interrogative sentences. Modal verbs come to the fore:

Should we take a vacation in May? -Should we take a vacation in May?

Should this driver slow down? - Should this driver slow down?

Modal verb may/might

These verbs express indeterminacy, translated as "can, can." In the present tense, may is used, in the past, might.

Examples:

He may have had dinner. -He might be having lunch.

This may be true. -It may be true.

I can be the best student in college. -I may be one of the best students in this college.

Traditionally, the particle not is used to introduce negation into the construction:

It can not be true! -It may not be true!

We form an interrogative sentence according to the standard rule: we start with a modal verb:

May I sit on a chair? -May I sit on a chair?

Modal verbs to be able to/manage to

The form is used in the meaning of "to be able, to be able." The difference from could is situational, applied in certain cases:

The water came very quickly, but everyone managed to get into the boat. -The water came very fast, but all managed to get in the boat.

We lost a puppy, but then we were able to find him. -We lost the puppy, but then we could find him.

In interrogative sentences:

Will the baby be able to put on shoes without your help? - Kid was able to put on shoes without your help?

In negative designs:

I was unable to complete this work on time. -I didn't manage to do this work on time.

Modal verb need

In direct translation into Russian, this verb means “need”. It is considered one of the most common in the English language. Here are examples that are often found in live speech:

I need to meet you tonight. -I need to get up with you tonight.

Mom needs help, put things aside and pay attention to her. -Mom needs help, put things down, and pay attention to her.

In the use of negative forms, you are faced with a choice: the usual particle for modal verbs is not or auxiliarydo/does/did. Examples:

You don't have to spend extra money on gifts. -You do not need to spend extra money on gifts.

You do not need to write letters to this address. -You needn't write letters to this address

When structuring an interrogative phrase, the above auxiliary verbs are put in the first place:

Do you need time to get ready for a walk? -Do you need time to get ready for a walk?

Practice using modal verbs in practice. Teachers recommend to communicate more with native speakers. If this is not possible, find an interlocutor on Skype.

Modal verbs in English are one of the groups of verbs. Their main feature is a modal meaning, that is, an expression of desires, intentions to do some action or necessity. Some modal verbs are also included in the group of auxiliary verbs.

Application rules

The formation of such a group of verbs is provided by the need to express a certain area of states: readiness, for action, probability, possibility, obligation, ability to do something, confidence in something. In addition, modal verbs in English express obligation (that is, duty), desire for something, as well as permission to do something.

Modality

Modal verbs are called so for a reason. The concept of modality implies the attitude of the speaker to the subject. In fact, with the help of modal verbs, the speaker can express his own assessment of the action: he can consider it possible or impossible, necessary or completely unnecessary, forbidden or permitted, unlikely or quite likely, acceptable or unacceptable. He can also consider the action as an order or a request. As a rule, the study of such verbs is actually included in the third or fourth lesson of the English language. Modal verbs are very often used in everyday speech, so special attention should be paid to them.

Examples of existing verbs

The modal verbs group includes 11 verbs.

		Present or future tense	Past tense
	be able to take action
May or might	Is it possible, can	May or might	may or might



	Should, should
	Should, should
	To be capable of	Am/is/are able to	Was/were able to
	Need, need
	- (obsolete word)
		will

Important note: the grammar of the English language prohibits the use of modal verbs on their own. They can only be used with the infinitive of the semantic verb.

Formation of verbs

Modal verbs are a special group (translated from English as “defective”). Not all verbs can be declined in a variety of tense forms. For example, the verb can can be used in the formation of the past and present tense, but it cannot be used to express actions in the future. Similarly, with the verb may - it cannot be put in the future tense. However, this does not mean that modal verbs in English cannot be used in future tense forms. To express skills and abilities in the future tense, the verb will (or its obsolete form shall) is used.

The use of this group of verbs also has its good sides. Almost none of the verbs (except for have to) does not change in persons and numbers. That is, in the present tense in the third person, no endings can be added to verbs.

Almost all modal verbs in English do not require to be placed before the infinitive, but there are exceptions: have to and ought to. Only after these two verbs is it necessary to always put down the particle to.

The use of verbs in different types of sentences

In the affirmative type of sentence, the modal verb should be used after the noun and before the semantic verb. To form a negative type, it is necessary to insert a particle not / n't after the modal verb (except for the verb have to). In order to form a question, it is necessary to change the order of the noun and modal verb. In this case, no auxiliary verb should be used, since the modal verb takes its place.

Modal Verbs in English: Common Usage Examples

He can wright - He can write.

She will study there - She will study there.

I must do it - I must do it.

He ought to go to the school. - He should go to school.

You don't have to use mobile phone during the lessons - You don't have to use your phone during the lessons.

I would like to go to the cinema - I would like to go to the cinema.

Would you like a coffee? - Would you like some coffee?

You should stay home. - You should stay at home.

She ought not to play the computer so much. She shouldn't play so much on the computer.

She can swim - She can swim.

She can't swim. - She can't swim.

I can run very quickly - I can run very fast.

She can´t run very quickly - She can't run very fast.

Can she run very quickly? - She can run very fast.

Abbreviations

Quite often, in colloquial speech, native speakers prefer to shorten a number of verbs. English is no exception. The modal verbs (table in the article) below can be used both in full form and in abbreviated form.

Full form	Reduction

Verb featurescan

This verb is used to express the ability (inability) or the ability (impossibility) to do something. In Russian, this verb is translated as "I can" or "I can." In addition, this verb is used to express states of doubt or surprise regarding the performance of any action. For example:

My girlfriend canspeak Spanish - My girlfriend can (can) speak Spanish (expressions of ability).

That child can't swim - That child cannot (cannot) swim (an expression of ability).

He cannot remember you because he doesn't see you - It cannot be that he remembers you, because he did not see you (expression of doubt).

The modal verb could has exactly the same meaning as the verb can, but it is used to express the past tense. For example:

Jon could dance very well - Jon could dance very well.

I couldn't receive driving license 2 years ago - I couldn't get a driving license 2 years ago.

Separate features of modal verbs are considered by the rules of the English language. Modal verbs, for example, can have alternative forms. For the verb can, the alternative is the verb to be able to. This form can be used as a synonym for the verb can, and can also be used to express the ability (skill) to perform some action in the future, in contrast to can (which is not used in the future).

For example, in order to translate into English "I can win competitions in the next year", you cannot say "I will can win competitions in the next year", as this would be a gross mistake. But you can say "I will be able to win competitions in the next year."

Sometimes it is quite difficult to translate modal verbs into English. Exercising and learning the rules is the only way to learn how to correctly apply a variety of verbs in appropriate situations.

Features of verbs may andmnight

These forms can only be used in the present tense. In the past and in the future they are not used. They are used to demonstrate resolution and conjecture. Translated into Russian, they sound like "may", "may", "may". For example:

You may smoke in this room - You may smoke in this room.

Elizabeth may know something about that night - Elizabeth may know something about that night.

It may windy today - It may be windy today.

My parents might come to my home today - My parents might come to my house today.

Jennifer might go to the concert tonight - Jennifer might come to the concert tonight.

In addition, the verb might is used in conditional sentences (type number 2). In such a situation, the verb in Russian will sound "could", "maybe". For example:

If Jack had a dog, he might go out twice a day - If Jack had a dog, he could go for a walk twice a day.

Just like the verb can, there is an alternative form for the verb may that can be used in past tense sentences. In order to express permission, the combination to be allowed is used (translated into Russian to be allowed, permitted). It can also be used in present and future tense forms. Example:

Gabriel was allowed to come back to home earlier - Gabrielle was allowed to come home earlier.

Nina will be allowed to take her child home tomorrow - Nina will be allowed to take her child home tomorrow.

Features of the verb should

The only case in which this verb can be used today is to express advice or duty from a moral point of view. The peculiarity of this verb is its origin. It comes from the verb shall, forming the past form.

You should drink aspirin if you feel head pain - You should drink aspirin if you have a headache.

Auxiliary and modal verbs

Some modal forms are also auxiliary verbs. They are necessary in order to form a variety of temporary forms. However, they do not have their own translation. They simply form a variety of grammatical meanings and are markers of time, number or person. Faced with one of these verbs, it is necessary to understand what meaning they have in this context. After all, they can either be used to express desires, intentions, the need to do something, or simply help to form one form or another. These include the verbs to have (to have), to do, will (would), shall (should). For example:

Have you ever been in Spain? - Have you ever been to Spain (the verb has absolutely no modal meaning, used to form the present perfect tense).

She arrived when film had already started - She arrived when the film had already started (the verb has absolutely no modal meaning, used to form the perfect past tense).

I have two old brothers and three old sisters - I have two older brothers and three older sisters (in this case, the verb is neither modal nor auxiliary, it simply conveys its direct meaning).

Lessons will start at 8 a.m. - The lesson will start tomorrow at 8 o'clock in the morning (the verb has no modal meaning, it is used as an auxiliary verb that forms a future tense).

If she finishes her homework, they will go to the cafe - If she finishes her homework, they will go to the cafe (the verb is auxiliary and forms the first form of the conditional sentence).

Modal verbs in English: examples with translation

You must come to the university at 8 o'clock - You must be at the university at 8 o'clock.

My sister must not smoke right now because she catch ill - My sister must not smoke now because she has a cold.

Nicki shouldn't do like this - Nicki shouldn't have done that.

I can play the piano but I can't swim - I can play the piano, but I can't swim.

My sister can't go to the Italy on her own because she is 13 years old - My sister cannot go to Italy on her own because she is only 13 years old.

I will to the USA with my boyfriend in the next year - I will go with my boyfriend to the USA next year.

My girlfriend would like to get a gold ring for her next birthday - My girlfriend would like to get a gold ring for her next birthday.

Meaning of MODAL VERBS in the Dictionary of Linguistic Terms

MODAL VERBS

Verbs with the meaning of possibility, obligation, desire, i.e. verbs expressing the attitude of the speaker to the content of the statement. To be able, should, be able, want, wish, intend, try, try, hope, start, etc.

Dictionary of linguistic terms. 2012

Portal for the student. Self-training

Modal verbs of the Russian language definition of Apresyan. Types of modal meanings and means of their expression in modern Russian

How modal verbs are used in English

Features of modal verbs in examples with translation