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Stephen: I'm so hungry I could eat a kilo of rice! Julie: I'm not hungry, but I'm so thirsty ...
John: I didn't sleep well last night. I'm so tired ...
Anne: Me too. And the weather needs to be cooler to
climb mountains — I'm so hot ... Julie: The mountains are so beautiful, though. I ...
Later, Julie wrote a postcard to her parents, and described how everyone had felt:
Stephen was so hungry he could have eaten a kilo of rice.
Continue her letter, writing the other sentences in the same way:
I wasn't hungry, but I was so thirsty I .... John and Anne were so tired they ... , and Anne was so hot she ... . The
mountains were so beautiful, though. I ....
XIII. Write the most appropriate 'wish' for the people in the sentences below, using the words in the table:
eat the instructions
get my key
use a new car
I wish I/ we could... understand cakes
find dictionaries
afford a job
1. Someone on a diet: 'I wish I could eat cakes.'
2. Someone locked out of their house:'_________________'
3. Students taking an English exam:'__________________'
4. Someone whose car won't start:'____________________'
5. An unemployed person:'___________________________'
6. Some people who have just bought a new computer:'____'
XIV. Paraphrase using 'be able to' instead of 'can'.
Example-. If I hadn't done well at school, I couldn't have gone to university.
If I hadn't done well at school, I wouldn't have been able to go to university.
1. If I hadn't done well at school, I couldn't have gone to university.
2. Even if I hadn't gone to university, I could have worked for this firm.
3. If I hadn't won a scholarship, my parents couldn't have afforded to send me.
4. If my parents had had more money, I could have stayed for three more years.
5. If my brother had worked harder, he could have gone to university too.
6. If John hadn't given Mary so many presents, he could have bought a car.
7. If he had bought a car, he could have taken his friends to Italy in it.
8. If I hadn't studied hard, I couldn't have passed my exams.
XV. Robert Wells is 52 years old. Sometimes he feels that he has wasted his life.
Read about Robert. Replace the words in italics with could have ... , as in the example.
Example: When Robert was 26 he had the chance to get married, but he decided not to. When Robert was 26 he
could have got married, but he decided not to.
1. Robert had the ability to go to university, but he didn't want to go.
2. He had the intelligence to pass his final exams at school, but he didn't take them.
3. A lot of people thought he had the ability to be a professional footballer when he was younger, but he didn't try.
4. He had the opportunity to start his own business once, but he didn't want to.
5. He had the chance to emigrate to Australia a few years ago, but he decided not to.
XVI. Write could (have), managed to or an appropriate form of able to in each gap.
1. What's forty-eight divided by eight? I ... never ... to do sums in my head. 2. ... drive has changed my whole life.
Now I can go wherever I want without having to worry about public transport. 3. I had a row with Sheila last night
about nuclear arms. I... understand the point she was trying to make, but I still didn't agree. 4. A girl was drowning,
but I jumped in and ... save her. I ... swim since I was six. 5. The view was breathtaking. You ... see right across the
valley to the hills in the distance. 6. Why don't you stop
smoking? You ... do it if you tried. 7. Anna's operation was very successful. The doctors say she ... walk again in a
few weeks. 8. I'm learning Russian because I want ... talk to people when I go there next year. 9. We didn't go out
last night. We ... (go) to the cinema but we decided to stay at home. 10. If I ... sing as well as you, I would join the
opera. 11. I had my last vacation in July. If I'd had enough money, I ... (go) to Florida.
XVII. Complete these sentences using an appropriate form of could or be able to (sometimes both are possible).
When I was at school I ... (speak) German quite well, but last week I met a German at a party and I ... (not
understand) a word he said. He spoke a little English and he ... (tell) me that he was staying in England only for a
few days. He was a nice man and I would have invited him home if I ... (understand) him better. He didn't look
German, in fact he ... (be) English from his appearance. He invited me to Germany next summer and I would go if
I ... (afford) it. Mary speaks German and she ... (come) with me if I went. My boss said that I ... (take) my holiday in
June if I wanted to. After the party my car wouldn't start, but the German gentleman was staying near where I live so
he ... (take) me home in his car. Then, when I got home, I found I didn't have a key, but the kitchen window was
open so I ... (climb) in.
XVIII. Translate from Russian into English.
1. Я думаю, что вы смогли бы уговорить его, если бы попытались. — Я попытаюсь. 2. Несмотря на шторм,
он смог доплыть до берега. 3. Он сможет свободно говорить по-французски, если проведет пару лет в
Париже. 4. Когда я был молодым, я мог пройти 30 километров в день. 5. Почему ты не сказал мне раньше?
— Я бы мог купить эту книгу в Лондоне. 6. Хорошо, если бы ты мог пойти с нами. — К сожалению, не могу.
7. Вы сможете отвезти меня завтра в аэропорт? — Конечно. 8. Эту книгу можно купить в любом
магазине. 9. Я смогу перевести эту статью, если ты дашь мне хороший словарь. 10. Погода была хорошая, и
мы могли гулять в парке каждое утро. 11. Погода сегодня хорошая, и мы могли бы погулять. 12. Жаль, что
брата нет дома. Он бы смог помочь тебе. 13. Она много занималась, и ей удалось сдать экзамен. 14. Ты смог
починить телевизор вчера? — Нет, я попытаюсь сделать это сегодня. 15. Если бы ты попросил меня, я бы
смог помочь тебе. Я был тогда свободен. 16. Мы смогли перевезти все товары в течение десяти дней. 17.
Когда он приехал в Лондон, он мог вести переговоры с фирмами без переводчика. 18. Он сказал, что не
сможет дать ответ, пока не обдумает вопрос как следует. 19. Я мог бы прийти пораньше, если нужно. 20.
Было так темно, что мы ничего не видели. 21. Ты не сможешь ,, перевести название, не прочитав всей
статьи. 22. Хотя пилот был тяжело ранен, он смог объяснить, что произошло. 23. Ребенок сможет ходить
через несколько недель. 24. Я не могу заплатить вам сегодня. Вы можете подождать до завтра? 25. С тех
пор, как произошел несчастный случай, он не выходит из дома. 26. Вы могли бы вести дела само-
стоятельно? 27. Он сказал, что потерял паспорт и не мог выехать из страны. 28. Я бы мог одолжить тебе
денег. Почему ты не попросил у меня? 29. Зима здесь бывает очень холодной. 30. Мы смогли достать
билеты на матч вчера. 31. Мы не смогли вчера достать билеты на матч. 32. Он бывал очень капризным,
когда был ребенком. 33. Он смог вас встретить? — Да, но он не смог отвезти нас в гостиницу. 34. Это можно
и нужно сделать. 35. Боже мой! Тебя могли убить.
XIX. Study and practise the following texts. Report the conversations. Speak about your skills and achievements.
1. Sarah: Well, there are a lot of things I can't do! I can't draw and I can't drive a car, but I want to have lessons. I
can ... I can type and I can use a word processor, because I have one at work and I use it all the time. What about
sports? Mm. Well, I certainly can't ski, but I'm quite good at tennis,
yes, I can play tennis. Well, I usually win when I play with my friends. And I can swim, of course. And I can cook. I
think I'm a very good, well, no, just good ... a good cook! Now, then ... languages. I can speak French and German, I
don't know any Italian at all, and I know about five words in Spanish — adios, manana, paella — no, I can't speak
Spanish! And I can't play any musical instruments, not the piano, the guitar, or anything.
2. Miss Conrad, the new music teacher, wants to start a school orchestra.
Miss Conrad: Well now ... what instruments can you play?
Kevin, can you play the piano? Kevin: No, I can't.
Miss Conrad: Well, what about the recorder? Kevin: Yes, I can play the recorder.
Mark: I can play the recorder too, Miss Conrad.
Miss Conrad: Good! Kevin: My friend Barbara's away today, but she's
very good at music.
Miss Conrad: Oh! Can she play the piano? Kevin: Yes she can.
Miss Conrad: That's great! Now we need a guitar and a
trumpet!
3. Mr Horn: Miss Abe? Keiko: Yes.
Mr Horn: Please come in. I'm Bruce Horn, Director of
Personnel.
Keiko: I'm pleased to meet you.
Mr Horn: Please sit down. Keiko: Thank you.
Mr Horn: So, you want to be a secretary at United Bank.
Can you tell me a little about yourself? Keiko: Well, I'm 19 years old. I was born in Japan,
and I came here about a year ago. And I'm
studying English and Business at school.
Mr Horn: You can speak English very well.
Keiko: Thank you.
Mr Horn: Do you have any hobbies or special skills?
Keiko: I like to read, and I like to swim.
Mr Horn: Can you use a computer?
Keiko: No, I can't, but I'd like to learn about computers.
Mr Horn: But you can type, can't you?
Keiko: Oh, yes. I can type about sixty words a minute.
4. Susan: It's really great here in this lake. The water's
so warm. And it's so clean. I can see the bottom. It's quite deep. David: Susan! Be careful. I know you can
swim but
you shouldn't swim out too far in such cold
water. Susan: Don't worry about me. I can swim for miles
without getting tired. David: All right then, but I'm getting out. I can't
swim as fast as you and I can't stand being
beaten by a girl!
5. Olga: Were you able to fix the lawn mower? Eddie: No, so I couldn't mow the lawn. Olga:
Ouch!
Eddie: What's the matter? Did you hurt yourself?
Olga: I cut myself.
Eddie: Do you want some help?
Olga: No, I'm all right. I can finish it myself. Why
don't you help your sister clean the living room? There are records and books everywhere.
Eddie: Those are all Isabel's things. Anyway, she
doesn't want help.
Olga: Well, check with your father. I think he's rea-
dy to paint the kitchen, and it's too big for him to paint alone.
Eddie: Do I have to?
Olga: Yes, you have to. He won't be able to do it
by himself. It'll take too long.
6. Mrs Jones: I hear your grandchildren and Mrs Tailor's boys had a narrow escape* at the beach last Sunday, Mrs
Smith.
Mrs Smith: Yes, those little bays are so dangerous. They could easily have been drowned.
Mrs Jones: You only have to take your eyes off children for a moment, don't you?
Mrs Smith: That's right... We never dreamed anything like that could happen.
Mrs Jones: It was lucky you were able to find that man with the motor-boat, wasn't it?
Mrs Smith: Yes, and it was lucky that young Tommy is such a good swimmer for his age too.
Mrs Jones: Just think! If anything ever happened, one would never be able to forgive oneself. One would have it
on one's conscience for the rest of one's life, wouldn't one?
Mrs Smith: Yes, but you can't watch them every single minute of the day, can you?
Mrs Jones: But one has to try, if one takes one's responsibilities as a parent seriously, don't you think?
* Note-, to have a narrow escape — едва избежать опасности, быть на волосок (от смерти и т.п.)
XX. Complete the sentences with couldn't or was able to.
Retell the text.
Petra was flying a helicopter over the Peruvian jungle when suddenly there was a huge storm. She ... bring the
helicopter under control and seconds later the helicopter crashed to the ground. Petra fell 5,000 metres. Luckily she
was strapped to her seat. That is how she ... survive the fall. Rescue parties searched the jungle for several days, but
they ... find either Petra or the helicopter. Even radar equipment... find her. The jungle was so dense that the rescuers
... see through the trees. Petra knew that she ... survive for long without water. She
... find a river because she had been on a survival training course. She realized that she ... defend herself against wild
animals, so she built a shelter. At first Petra ... find any food that was safe to eat. She had studied botany at Univer-
sity, so she ... to recognize the poisonous plants. She ... to find enough to eat for several days at a time.
A. Work with a partner. In a short paragraph, write what you think happened to Petra next. Use couldn't, was able
to and managed to, like this:
Petra was bitten by a dangerous insect. She was very ill and she couldn't move for two days. She was hungry and
exhausted. Luckily she managed to find some plants and some fruit to eat. When she felt better she decided to light a
large fire. Petra was able to send smoke signals and finally ...
B. Take turns to read your paragraph to the class.
XXI. Complete the account of the climb with could/couldn't wherever possible — otherwise use was/were able to.
Retell the text.
Stephen and Julie were spending a few days camping with some friends in Snowdonia. On a climb, there was a
difficult section. Stephen has long arms and ... climb this easily, but Julie is not so tall and ... reach the hold. In the
end, she ... reach it by standing on her friend's shoulders. 'Never mind,' he said. 'I ... get up this bit the first time I
tried.' The rest of the climb was easier, and they ... reach the top by 12 o'clock. It was warm and sunny, and they ...
see the whole of Snowdonia.
A. Have you ever had any experience of this sort? Could you tell about it?
XXII. Put in suitable forms which express ability. Retell the text.
The journey to Western Papua had been very hard. We ... make much progress in the heavy rain. After two months'
journey, we ... see smoke in the distance and knew we must be near a village. There was a boiling river in front of
us, but we ... cross it by using a rope bridge we had brought with us. At last we approached the village and
wondered how we ... communicate with the chief. None of us ... speak the local language. Soon, a young, dignified
and smiling man approached us.'... you speak English?' I asked hopefully. 'Of course,' the young man replied. 'I was
educated at Oxford University. I'm Chief Naga. Welcome to my village!'
§2. Permission: can, could, may, might, be allowed to
Asking for permission
We use can, could, may and might to ask for
permission, depending on the situation.
1. Can is the commonest and most informal: Can I borrow your umbrella (please)?
2. Could is more polite than can: Could I borrow your umbrella (please)?
3. May is more formal, more respectful than can and could: May I borrow your umbrella (please)?
4. Might is the most polite but the least common: Might I borrow your umbrella (please)?
5. We can add possibly and use the expressions like Do you think and I wonder if to make requests even more
polite:
Can/Could/May/Might I possibly borrow your
umbrella?
Do you think I could/Do you think I might
(possibly) borrow your umbrella?
I wonder if I could/I wonder if I might
(possibly) borrow your umbrella?
Giving and refusing permission
We use can or may to give permission (but not could or might). May is formal and not often used in speech.
You can wait in my office if you like. Could I borrow your calculator? — Of course you can. You may watch TV
for as long as you like.
To refuse permission we use the negative forms.
I'm sorry, but you can't picnic here. Members may not bring more than two visitors into the club.
We can also use must not.
Bicycles may not (OR must not) be left here.
Talking about permission
We sometimes talk about rules made by someone else. To do this we use can, could and be allowed to. We use can
to talk about the present or the future, and we use could for the past:
Present: Each passenger can take one bag onto the plane.
Future: I can't have another day off tomorrow.
Past: Years ago you could park your car any-
where.
We can also use be allowed to:
Present: Passengers are allowed to take one bag
onto the plane. Future: Will I be allowed to record the interview
on tape?
Past: We weren't allowed to feed the animals at the zoo yesterday.
For a general permission in the past we use either could or was/were allowed to:
I could always stay (OR I was allowed to stay) up late as a child.
But we cannot use could when we mean that an action really happened at a time in the past.
I was allowed to leave work early yesterday. (Not: I could leave ...)
This is like the difference between could and was/ were able to.
Compare questions with may and be allowed to:
May I take a photo of you?
(Asking for permission: 'Will you allow it?')
Are we allowed to take photos?
(Asking about permission: 'What is the rule?')
Activities
I. Study and practise the following dialogues.
1. — Could I go home early, Steve? I don't feel very well.
— Yes, of course. What's the matter?
— I feel dizzy.
2. — Can I see my sister, doctor?
— I'm afraid you can't. She's being examined by the professor now.
3. — Could I borrow your car tonight?
— Actually, I need it myself. Sorry.
4. — May I take this book?
— No, please don't. I haven't finished it yet.
5. — Might I use your bicycle?
— No, I'm afraid not. Sorry.
6. — Could I possibly use your phone?
— Sure.
7. — Can (May) I come in for a moment?
— Please do.
8. — I wonder if I might take the day off?
— No, sorry. You ought to finish the report.
9. — Could I have a look at your magazine?
— Yes, of course.
10. — Do you think I could close the window?
— Please do,
11. — Could I possibly borrow your bike for half an hour?
— Of course you can.
12. — Can I go swimming now?
— Please don't.
13. — May I bring a friend with me this afternoon?
— Sure.
14. — Can I stay here for a while?
— Certainly.
15. — Can I speak to Emily?
— I'm afraid you can't. She's out.
II. Ask for permission using the words in the box.
May I sit Do you think I could in? a look at your magazine? this
close Could I have Can I try on? here? your bike for half an
May I come Can I borrow hour? the window?
III. Rephrase these notices to give or refuse permission. Begin each sentence with 'You ...'
1. Thank you for not smoking. You may not smoke.
2. No camping or picnicking_________________________
3. Fishing strictly forbidden__________________________
4. Campers welcome________________________________
5. Private-Keep Out________________________________
6. No parking_____________________________________
7. Do not lean out of the window_____________________
8. Leave your litter here____________________________
9. No stopping____________________________________
10. Do not walk on the grass___________________________
11. Do not feed the animals__________________________
IV. Write formal versions, with may (not), of:
1. You can't take dogs into this restaurant. Dogs may not be taken into this restaurant.
2. Children under 12 can't enter unless they're with a grownup.
Children under 12________________enter unless accompanied by an adult.
3. Sorry, we can't sell alcoholic drinks to anyone under 18.
We regret that alcoholic drinks______________sold to
anyone under 18.
4. You can only book a court if you're a member of the tennis club.
Courts__________only____________by members of
the tennis club.
5. Don't smoke in the classrooms! Students________________.
VI. Ask a classmate a polite question. Use may I, could I, or can I.
Example. (...) has a book. You want to see it for a minute.
STUDENT A: May/Could/Can I (please) see your book for
a minute?
STUDENT B: Of course./Sure./ etc. STUDENT A: Thank you./Thanks.
1. (...) has a dictionary. You want to see it for a minute.
2. (...) has a pen. You want to use it for a minute.
3. (...) has a calculator. You want to borrow it.
4. (...) has a camera. You want to see it for a minute.
5. You want to see something that a classmate has.
6. You want to use something that a classmate has.
7. You want to borrow something that a classmate has.
8. You are at a restaurant. (...) is your waiter/waitress. You have finished your meal. You want the check.
9. You are at (...)'s house. You want to use the phone.
10. You are speaking to one of your teachers. You want to leave class early today.
11. You are visiting a friend and you want to make yourself some coffee.
12. You are visiting an acquaintance and want to use the lavatory.
13. You are visiting a friend and want to borrow his new car.
VII. Put an appropriate verb in its correct form into each gap. The verbs are can, could, to be able.
The forms are positive and negative.
1. In my country you ... get married when you are 16. 2. Women ... vote in England until 1922. 3. Last night I... get
into my house because I had forgotten my key. 4. I phoned the Gas Board because I thought I ... smell gas, which is
very dangerous. 5. 'Hello. Is that the dentist? ... I make an appointment to see you, please?' 6. I'm learning car
mechanics because I want... to service my own car. It costs a fortune if you send it to the garage. 7. Many night
animals ... see very
well, but they have a highly developed sense of smell. 8. If you ... do this exercise, you're very clever!
VIII. Read the instructions below. Say what they mean, using not allowed to or allowed to.
You're not allowed to take more than one piece of hand luggage.
IN THE AIRPORT HALL
1. No more than one piece of hand luggage.
2. Passengers may check in at any British Airways desk. 2. No passengers beyond this point without a boarding
card.
ON THE PLANE
4. No smoking in the toilets.
5. Passengers may smoke in rows 16—20.
6. No pipes or cigars.
IX. Read about legal ages in Britain.
ABOUT LEGAL AGES IN BRITAIN
These are the legal ages when you are allowed to do things'
in Britain.
drive a car 17
ride a moped 16
buy cigarettes ; 16
vote in elections 18
join the army 16
get married with your parents' permission 16
get married without your parents' permission 18
In pairs, ask and answer about Britain.
A: When are you allowed to drive a car?
B: (You're allowed to drive a car) when you're seventeen.
A: What about a moped?
B: You're not allowed to ride a moped until you are sixteen.
Now ask and answer about your country.
X. Make rules for the places or situations. Example I. In a library (X) eat or drink
1. You're not allowed to eat or drink in a library.
2. In a restaurant (X) wear beach clothes
3. In a petrol station (X) light a cigarette
4. In a theatre (X) smoke
5. On a motorway (X) cycle
6. On a motorway (X) drive over 120 kmph
XL Read about Ranjit, a sixteen-year-old Indian girl, who talks about growing up in England.
'My parents are devoted Sikhs. They are very strict. I am not allowed to go out at night with either a boy or a
girlfriend. That's not because I'm not old enough, it's because of our religion. Eventually my parents will choose a
husband for me. My parents don't mind if I wear English clothes but I am not allowed to cut my hair short, or wear it
loose. And of course I'm not allowed either to smoke cigarettes or to drink alcohol. So I can't go into pubs or
anything like that.'
A. About you
Were your parents very strict when you were younger or were you allowed to do what you wanted? What things
were you not allowed to do?
XII. Complete the sentences using could or was/were allowed to. Sometimes either form is possible.
1. Andrew ... leave school early yesterday because he wasn't feeling well. 2. Until the 19th century, people ... travel
freely between most countries without a passport. 3. Sue's children ... watch the film on TV last night. 4. Her son has
to wear a uniform in his new school, but in his old school he ... wear whatever he liked. 5.1... see him for a few
moments yesterday. 6. I ... borrow my parents' car last night. 7. When I was 18, I ... borrow my parents' car
whenever I wanted to.
XIII. Translate from Russian into English.
1. Вчера детям разрешили не идти в школу из-за погоды.
2. Вы можете пользоваться моей библиотекой. 3. Доктор, мне можно купаться в море? — Да, но только не
купайтесь слишком долго. 4. Вы можете взять любую из этих книг. 5. Здесь нельзя переходить улицу. Это
очень опасно. 6. Можно мне задать вопрос? — Конечно, только не знаю, смогу ли я на него ответить. 7.
Врач сказал, что я могу позвонить ему после 5.00. 8. Скажите ей, что она может прислать мне телеграмму,
если понадобится моя помощь. 9. Можно мне взять ваш словарь? — Боюсь, что нет. Он мне нужен самой.
10. Я думаю, что вам разрешат пользоваться лабораторией. 11. Вам разрешается пользоваться словарем? 12.
Ему только что разрешили пойти домой после того как он провел три часа в полицейском участке. 13.
Можно ли детям пойти на каток? — Нет, уже слишком поздно. 14. Спроси тренера, можно ли нам осмотреть
спортивный зал. 15. Можно мне уйти с урока пораньше? — А в чем дело? — У меня болеет мать. —
Конечно, можешь уйти прямо сейчас. 16. Могу я взглянуть на твое сочинение? — Боюсь, что нет. Я еще не
закончил его. 17. Он спросил, можно ли ему оставить у вас книгу. 18. После аварии ему не разрешается
водить машину. 19. Босс сказал, что я могу пользоваться его телефоном. 20. У меня была виза, и мне
разрешили пересечь границу. 21. Когда он был ребенком, ему разрешалось делать все, что ему захочется. 22.
Можно им прийти навестить вас? 23. Здесь курить не разрешается. 24. Нельзя переговариваться во время
контрольной работы.
XIV. Study and practise.
1. Driver: Excuse me. Can I park here for five minutes
while I wait for a friend?
Traffic warden: No, I'm afraid you can't. These double yellow lines mean that no parking is allowed. But if you
drive round the corner you can park there for thirty minutes without any problems.
2. Customer: I'd like to join the library. Librarian: Could you fill this form in, please? Customer: All
right. How many books may I take out? Librarian: You can have up to five books for two
weeks. You may keep them longer but you
must renew them first. Customer: May I take five books with me today,
straight away? Librarian: Yes, of course.
3. Enrico: May I leave early this afternoon, please? Jill: Yes, you may leave now, in fact. We've
almost finished our work for today. Maria: Can I leave now, too, please? I want to go
with Enrico. We're are going to a lecture
at the University.
Jill: Yes, of course you can.
Juan: Can we all leave early?
Jill: No, I'm afraid you can't.
4. Kevin: Dad!
Mr Wilkins: Yes, Kevin?
Kevin: Dad ... Can I go to Henley Youth Hostel
this weekend? Mr Wilkins: Who with? Kevin: Mark and Barbara.
Mr Wilkins: Mmm... Kevin: Well? Can I?
Mr Wilkins: No you can't. Kevin: Oh, Dad! Why not?
Mr Wilkins: Because you can't! Kevin: Mum, can I go to Henley Youth Hostel
with Barbara and Mark? Mrs Wilkins: When? Kevin: This weekend.
Mrs Wilkins: What do you think, Stan? Mr Wilkins: Well, Liz, there's a lot of work to do in
the garden. Mrs Wilkins: But we can do it, Stan.
Mr Wilkins: Oh, all right then. Kevin: Thanks, Dad.
5. Johnny: Excuse me, sir. It's cold in this classroom.
Could I close the window? Teacher: OK, Johnny. Close it quickly and then sit
down and get on with the test. Johnny: Sir, could I have another sheet of paper?
I've spoiled this one. Teacher: Here's another sheet. Now, please get on
with your work. Johnny: Sir! Sir! Could I just leave the room for a
few minutes? Teacher: Why didn't you go before you began the
exam? Johnny: I didn't want to go then, sir.
6. Mr Thomas: Mr Roberts? Could I have a word with you? Mr Roberts: Yes, what is it?
Mr Thomas: Well, as you know, my father can't walk very well, and he needs to go into hospital. I was wondering if
I could have a day off work?
Mr Roberts: It's not a very convenient time at the moment.
Mr Thomas: I'd be terribly grateful. He wouldn't be able to go if I wasn't there to help him.
Mr Roberts: Well, if that's the case I suppose you should.
Mr Thomas: That's very kind. I'll make up the time, I promise.
7. Son: Dad, can I have the car tonight? Father: No, you can't. I need it.
Son: But I'm taking Dave to see his girlfriend in
hospital.
Father: I told you. I need it.
Son: Oh, please. He won't be able to go if I don't
give him a lift. Father: All right. I suppose I can walk. The exercise
will do me good. Son: Thanks a lot, Dad. I won't be home late.
8. Mrs Wilkins is on a strict diet. 'Am I allowed to eat toast and butter for breakfast?' she asked the doctor. 'I'm
afraid not, Mrs Wilkins. You can only have half a grapefruit and a glass of water. You can't eat any kind of fat and
you are not allowed to eat biscuits or sweets. But don't worry, you will be able to eat what you like after two months
of this diet.' Mrs Wilkins was very determined and took a lot of exercise as well. After two months' diet and exercise
she said to her husband, 'I still can't touch my toes as I could before we were married.' 'Don't worry, my love,' he
said kindly. 'Perhaps your fingernails were longer in those days!'
9. One day, while they were playing in the sand near their home in New Zealand, nine-year-old Patrick and two
friends found a giant egg. It was over a hundred times bigger than a chicken's egg. 'Can we keep it?' Patrick asked.
'Of course you can,' said his father. Patrick's friend added, 'I once found some old coins and I was allowed to keep
them.' The children wanted to know all about their egg, so they wrote a letter to a scientific laboratory. This is what
they said: 'Could you please help us to find out about our egg? May we bring it to show you? Would you please do
some tests and tell us what's inside it? Are children allowed to visit your laboratory? If they are, could we please
come soon?'
Patrick and his friends were allowed to take their egg for laboratory tests. The tests showed that it was an egg of the
extinct elephant bird and that it was at least two thousand years old. What a surprise! 'We will be allowed to keep it,
won't we, Dad?' Patrick asked. The children and their egg soon became famous. They appeared on television and
someone offered them 75,000 dollars for it. They began to plan how they would spend the money. But it was all too
good to be true. One day, a government letter arrived which said: 'The egg is public property. You are not allowed to
keep things which belong to the State. We are sorry but you will have to give the egg to us. We will pay you some
money, but only a small amount.' 'They can't have it!' said Patrick, 'If we can't have it, nobody can.' Patrick was very
angry. He buried the egg in the sand again and he still refuses to tell anyone where it is.
A. When Patrick and his friends took their egg to the laboratory, they asked a scientist to find out lots of things.
Make their requests with 'Could you ...?' Say your answers.
They asked the scientist to tell them how old the egg was. Could you please tell us how old the egg is?
1. They asked the scientist to find out what was inside.
2. They wanted the scientist to explain the tests to them.
3. They wanted the scientist to tell them what kind of egg it was.
4. They asked the scientist to find out what the eggshell was made of.
5. They wanted the scientist to tell them all about the elephant bird.
B. Patrick and his friends asked for permission to do the following things in the laboratory. Ask their questions
using can or may.
They wanted to look through the microscopes. Can/May we look through the microscopes?
1. They wanted to look at the equipment.
2. Patrick wanted to help with the tests.
3. They wanted to stay until the tests were over.
4. Patrick wanted to see the results on the computer screen.
5. They wanted to take the results home.
C. Work with a partner. One partner is Patrick, the other partner is the scientist. Ask for permission to do the things
in (B). Give or refuse permission with can, can't or be allowed to.
Patrick: Can/May I look through the microscopes? Scientist: Yes, you can. or No, I'm sorry you can't. Children
aren't allowed to use the equipment.
What are you allowed to do where? Say what you think.
in a cinema
stand up during the film/eat and drink/smoke?
You aren't allowed to stand up during the film.
You are allowed to eat and drink if you don't make a
noise. You aren't allowed to smoke.
1. in a library
talk loudly/run about/ sit and read?
2. on a plane
play a radio/open the door/talk to the pilot?
3. in a museum
take photographs/touch things/talk to the museum attendants?
4. in a public park
pick the flowers/play football/ drop litter?
5. at school
eat during lessons/listen to music/shout?
§3. Requests: can, could, will, would, may, might
Polite requests with 'I' as the subject
MAY I (a) May I (please) borrow May I and could I are
COULD I your pen? used to request permission.
(b) Could I borrow They are equally polite.*
your pen (please)? Note in {b}: In a polite re-
quest, could has a present or
future meaning, not a past
meaning.
CAN YOU (d) Can you pass Can you is often used
the salt? informally. It usually
sounds less polite than
could you or would you.
Activities
/. Study and practise.
1. — Will/Would you be able to fix my brakes today?
— I'm sorry. I won't be able to do it until tomorrow.
2. — Can/Could you possibly check my oil today?
— Sure. I can do it right away.
3. — I'm dying of thirst. Would you make a cup of tea?
— OK. I'll put the kettle on.
— And could you bring me some biscuits?
— Yes, I'll open the new packet.
4. — Excuse me. Could you open the door for me, please?
— Yes, of course.
— Thank you very much.
5. — Could I have the bill, please?
— Certainly, sir. I'll bring it straight away.
6. — It's a present. Do you think you could gift-wrap it for
me?
— Yes, indeed. I'll just take the price off.
7. — Would you mind opening the window?
— Not at all. It's very stuffy in here.
8. —I'll give you a lift if you like.
— That's great. Would you drop me at the station?
9. — Yes, madam. Can I help you?
—Yes, I bought these here two days ago and the heel's broken. Can you change them?
— Oh, dear. I'm so sorry. I'll just see if we've got another pair for you.
10. — Turn that wretched music down, will you?
Or better still, turn it off!
— Oh, all right.
11. — Anita, will you come here a minute? Could you get
me the file on sales in France? I just need to check something. Oh, and Anita, I'd love a cup of coffee, if that's at all
possible.
— Yes, Mr Parkinson.
12. — Would you mind mailing these letters for me?
— All right. I'll do it when I go downtown this afternoon.
13. — Would you mind not smoking here?
— OK. I'll go outside.
14. — Excuse me. Could you move your bag, please?
— I'm sorry, but it's not mine.
15. — I wonder if you could tell me where the library is.
— Certainly. It's just round the corner.
16. — Would you mind if I borrowed your paper?
— Actually, I'm just going to read it myself. Sorry.
— Never mind. It doesn't matter.
17. — Do you mind if I open the window? It's a bit stuffy
in here.
— No, not at all. Please do.
— Thank you.
18. — Excuse me. Is that your motorcycle outside?
— Yes, it is.
— I wonder if you'd mind moving it. It's blocking my car.
— OK. I'll park it across the street.
19. — You know, this book is difficult to read!
— Oh, really?
— Yes. Can I borrow your dictionary? I'll only need it for about an hour.
— Sorry, I'm using it.
20. — Mom!
— Yes, honey.
— Can you help me with my homework? I really can't understand these history questions.
— Yes, in a minute.
21. — Is that the six o'clock news?
— Yes, it is.
— Would you mind turning up the TV? I can't hear it. I want to hear the weather report.
— All right.
22. — Uh, are you going to the cafeteria?
— Yes, I am.
— Could you get me a soda from the machine? I'm really thirsty.
— Sure.
23. — Excuse me?
— Yes?
— Would you mind if I went before you? I have to make a very quick call, but it's really urgent.
— Er ... er ... No, go on, that's fine.
— Oh, that's very kind. Thank you.
24. — Megan.
— Mmm.
— Could you do something for me? Can you see the paper over there? Could you get it for me?
— Sorry, where is it?
— On the television.
— OK.
25. — Is it all right if I leave my bags here for a moment?
— Of course, go ahead, (informal)
26. — May I come in?
— By all means.
27. — Hello.
— Hello. I wonder if you could help me? Would you mind if I left my bags here just for one minute. I have to make
a phone call.
— No, I'm sorry, sir. It's not allowed.
— It's only for a short time.
— It's against the rules. No luggage can be left in reception for security reasons.
//. Change the following sentences into polite requests using the words in parentheses.
1. I want you to hand me that book, (would)
Would you please hand me that book? 2.1 want you to give me some advice about buying a computer.
(could)
3. I want to borrow your wheelbarrow, (could) 4.1 want to have a cup of coffee, (may) 5. I want to use your bicycle
tomorrow, (can) 6.1 want you to read over my composition for spelling errors.
(would)
7. I want you to open the door for me. (would you mind)
8. I want to leave early, (would you mind)
///. Student A Make a polite request for the given situation. Student В Give a typical response.
1. You and (...) are sitting at the dinner table. You want the butter.
Student A: (Anna), would/could/will/can you please
pass me the butter? Student B: Certainly. /Sure./ I'd be glad to. Here you
are.
2. You want to ask your teacher a question.
3. You're at your friend's apartment. You want to use the phone.
4. You're speaking on the phone to your brother. You want him to pick you up at the airport when you arrive
home.
5. You want to leave class early. You're speaking to your instructor.
6. You want (...) to meet you in front of the library at three this afternoon.
7. You knock on your professor's half-open door. He's sitting at his desk. You want to go in.
8. You want to make an appointment to see Dr North.; You're speaking to her secretary.
9. You are at a gas station. You want the attendant to check the oil.
10. You are in your chemistry class. You're looking at your textbook. On page 100 there is a formula which you do
not understand. You want your professor to explain this formula to you.
11. You call your friend. Her name is (...). Someone else answers the phone.
12. You want to see (...)'s dictionary for a minute.
13. You want a stranger in an airport to keep her eye on your luggage while you get a drink of water.
14. You want (...) to tape something on the VCR tonight while you're away at a meeting.
15. You want a stranger to tell you the time.
16. You want your friend to hand you (something).
17. You wrote a letter to a university. You want your teacher to read it and correct the mistakes.
18. (•••) is going to the library. You want him/her to return a book for you.
19. You and (...) are on vacation together. You'd like to have a picture of the two of you together. You see a
stranger who looks friendly. You want her to take a picture of you.
IV. Using the verb in parentheses, fill in the blank either with if 1+ the past tense or with the -ing form of the verb.
In some of the sentences, either response is possible but the meaning is different.
1. A: It's hot in here. Would you mind (open) opening
the window? B: Not at all. I'd be glad to.
2. A: It's hot in here. Would you mind (open) if I opened
the window?
B: Not at all. Go right ahead. I think it's hot in here, too.
3. A: Would you mind (take)_________the took back
to the library for me? B: Not at all.
4. A: This story you wrote is really good. Would you
mind (show)________it to my English teacher?
B: Go right ahead. That'd be fine.
5. A: I'll wash the dishes. Would you mind (dry)
____________them. That would help me a lot.
B: I'd be happy to.
6. A: I'm feeling kind of tired and worn out. This heavy
work in the hot sun is hard on me. Would you
mind (finish)____________the work by yourself?
B: No problem, Grandpa. Why don't you go and rest? I'll finish it up.
7. A: Would you mind (use)___________your name as
a reference on this job application? B: Not at all. In fact, ask them to call me.
8. A: Would you mind (wait)____________here for
just a minute? I need to run back to the classroom. I forgot my notebook.
В: Sure. Go ahead. I'll wait right here.
9. A: You have an atlas, don't you? Would you mind (bor-
row) ___________it for a minute? I need to settle
an argument. My friend says Timbuktu is in Asia, and I say it's in Australia.
B: You're both wrong. It's in Africa. Here's the atlas. Look it up for yourself.
10. A: Since this is the first time you've owned a computer,
would you mind (give)___________you some advice?
B: Not at all. I'd appreciate it.
11. A: Are you going to the post office? B: Yes.
A: Would you mind (mail)__________this letter for me?
B: Not at all.
12. A: Are you coming with us?
B: I know I promised to go with you, but I'm not feeling
very good.
Would you mind (stay)___________home?
A: Of course not.
13. A: I still don't understand how to work this algebra
problem. Would you mind (explain)__________it
again? B: Not at all. I'd be happy to.
14. A: It's getting hot in here. Would you mind (open)
______the window?
B: No.
15. A: This is probably none of my business, but would you
mind (ask)___________you a personal question?
B: It depends.
16. A: Would you mind (smoke)________?
B: I'd really rather you didn't.
17. A: Excuse me. Would you mind (speak)__________a lit- •
tie more slowly? I didn't catch what you said. B: I'd be happy to.
18. A: I don't like this TV program. Would you mind (change)
__________the channel?
B: Unh-unh.
19. A: I'm getting tired, I'd like to go home and go to
bed. Would you mind (leave)_____________early?
B: Not at all.
V. Change these sentences into polite requests beginning with Would you mind ... ?' or 'Do you mind?'.
1. You would like your English teacher to speak more slowly.
Would you mind speaking a little more slowly?
2. The music is a bit soft and you would like to turn the volume up.
Do___________________________________________?
3. You would like your landlady to take any messages for you while you are out.
4. The room is cold and you would like to turn the heating on.
5. You are in a friend's house and you would like to make yourself a cup of tea.
6. You would like the telephone company to send you another bill. (You have lost the original one.)
7. You would like your friend to type a letter for you.
VI. Study very polite ways of asking permission and requesting:
Could you possibly do me a favour?
Do you think you could help me with a problem I've got?
I was wondering if you could lend me some money for a. few
days.
You couldn't possibly lend me £20, could you?
Use each form once in the following situations. Use a more direct form in two of them.
1. Mr Wilson asks his boss if he can leave the office an hour earlier than usual.
2. Stephen asks his guitar teacher to lend him his guitar for the evening.
3. Mr Wilson wants his neighbour to help him carry a cupboard upstairs.
4. You ask someone to move his car, as it's blocking the entrance to your garage.
5. Julie and two of her friends ask their typing teacher for permission to leave early.
6. Mrs Wilson would like Julie to do some shopping for her, if she has time.
7. You ask a stranger next to you in a train if you can look at his newspaper.
8. You ask your host for permission to use his phone.
9. You ask someone you hardly know for a lift into town.
10. You are checking out of a hotel, and want to pay your bill.
Less formal Can you please lend me $ 100? Could you
let me use your car? Would you be able to
mail this letter? Would you mind letting
me use your Walkman? Would it be OK if
I borrowed your car? Would you mind if I
used it? I wonder if you'd mind lending me
your cassette player.
Most formal
VII. Pair work. Make requests with modals or if-clauses using the cues below. Then practise them.
a) You want to borrow someone's A: Would you mind ... B: Sorry. It's
typewriter. not working right. A: ... B: OK.
b) You want someone to drive you What time?
to the airport. A: ... B: Sure, that'll be fine, but I'm
c) You want someone to help you only free in the afternoon.
move on Saturday. A: ... B: Gee, I'm sorry, I'm going to
d) You want someone to lend you use it later.
a camera.
VIII. Ask polite questions in the following situations. Use any appropriate modal (may, could, would, etc.).
1. Your train leaves at 6 p.m. tomorrow. You want your friend to take you to the station.
2. You're sitting at your friend's house. A bowl of fruit is sitting on the table. You want an apple.
3. You're in class. You're hot. The window is closed.
4. You're in a car. Your friend is driving. You want her to stop at the next mailbox so you can mail a letter.
5. You're trying to study. Your roommate is playing his music tapes very loudly, and this is bothering you.
6. You call your friend. Someone else answers and tells you that he's out. You want to leave a message.
7. You want your pen. You can't reach it, but your friend can. You want her to hand it to you.
8. You're at a restaurant. You want some more coffee.
9. You're at your friend's house. You want to help her set the dinner table.
10. You're the teacher. You want a student to shut the door.
11. You want to make a telephone call. You're in a store and have to use a pay phone, but you don't have any
change. All you have is (a one-dollar bill). You ask a clerk for change.
12. You're at a restaurant. You've finished your meal and are ready to leave. You ask the waiter for the check.
13. You call your boss's house. His name is Mr Smith. You want to talk to him. His wife answers the phone.
14. You're walking down the hall of the classroom building. You need to know what time it is. You ask a student
you've never met.
15. You're in the middle of the city. You're lost. You're trying to find the bus station. You stop someone on the
street to ask for directions.
17. You call the airport. You want to know what time Flight 62 arrives.
18. You're in a department store. You find a sweater that you like, but you can't find the price tag. You ask the clerk
to tell you how much it costs.
IX. Translate from Russian into English.
1. He могли бы вы дать мне консультацию сегодня? 2. Не принесете ли вы мне стакан воды? 3. Пожалуйста,
брось письмо в почтовый ящик по дороге на работу. 4. Ты не поможешь мне перевести эту статью? 5. Вы не
возражаете, если я приглашу своих друзей? — Конечно нет. Я буду рад. 6. Можно мне включить телевизор?
— Боюсь, что нет. Уже поздно и пора ложиться спать. 7. Пожалуйста, скажите мне, где я должен выйти,
чтобы попасть на стадион. 8. Ты не можешь зайти ко мне сегодня вечером? 9. Можно мне взять на минуту
ваш бинокль? Я хочу рассмотреть лицо певца. 10. Вы не поможете мне с чемоданами? — Конечно. 11.
Пожалуйста, подожди меня немного. — Хорошо. 12. Вы не могли бы подвезти меня на вокзал? — С
удовольствием. 13. Вы не могли бы помочь мне при переезде на новую квартиру? — Боюсь, что не смогу. Я
уезжаю в командировку. 14. Приходите после обеда, хорошо? 15. Вы не возражаете, если я открою окно?
Здесь очень душно. 16. Можно мне сесть рядом с вами? — Да, пожалуйста. 17. Не мог бы ты помочь мне
упаковать вещи? — С удовольствием. 18. Будьте добры, помогите мне выбрать подарок жене. 19. Вы не
против, если я возьму ваш зонтик? — Нет конечно. 20. Не могли бы вы
показать нам свой город? — С удовольствием. 21. Вы не передадите мне соль? — Вот, пожалуйста. 22.
Можно мне оставить свой портфель в гардеробе? — Да. 23. Вы не будете возражать, если я оставлю свои
вещи до возращения? — Нисколько. 24. Вы ничего не имеете против того, чтобы мы пообедали в кухне? В
столовой слишком холодно. 25. Пожалуйста, позвони в кассу и закажи билеты на самолет. 26. Покажите мне
расписание поездов, пожалуйста. 27. Вы не возражаете > если я верну вам остальные деньги через неделю?
— Хорошо. 28. Вы ничего не имеете против того, чтобы я пользовался вашим компьютером? 29. Не могли
бы вы одолжить мне немного денег? 30. Вы не могли бы отнести мою книгу в библиотеку?
X. Study and practise the following conversations.
1. Isabel is at Sandy's house.
Sandy: Are you hungry?
Isabel: Yeah. I haven't had lunch yet. Could you make
me a sandwich?
Sandy: Sure. I'll make it for you in a minute. Isabel: And could you get me something to drink, too? Sandy:
Yeah. Could you show me your English
homework while you're eating? Isabel: Sure. Let me get it.
Sandy: Oh, could you lend me a pen? I can't find mine. Isabel: Here. The sandwich is delicious. Sandy:
Thanks. Isabel: Could you pass the salt and pepper?
Thanks.
2. Mr Adams: Bob, would you please get me the report that's
in my outbox?
Bob: Of course, Mr Adams.
Mr Adams: Bob, could you bring me the stapler that's on
my desk?
Bob: Of course, Mr Adams.
Bob: Maria, could you help me fix the typewriter
that's on Mr Adams' desk?
Woman: No, not at all. It is rather hot.
Man: Tickets, please.
Liz: Excuse me, but do you know what time this
train gets to Paddington? Man: 10.35, madam.
Liz: Thank you. Er, could I possibly borrow your
newspaper for a moment? Woman: Yes, certainly. By all means. I've finished with
it. Liz: Thanks. I just wanted to check the times of a
film I'm going to see this afternoon. Woman: Are you going to see anything interesting? Liz: Well,
actually, I'm taking my four-year-old
niece to see Bambi!
(Some time later)
Man: Any more tickets?
Liz: Oh, excuse me, but do you think you could
help me with my case?
Man: Certainly, madam. There you are!
Liz: Thanks very much.
A. Ask polite requests beginning with 'Do you think you could ...?'.
1. You want your teacher to check a letter you have written in English.
2. You want your friend to lend you his camera for the weekend.
3. You want a shop-assistant to change a £5 note for you.
4. You want your landlady to forward your post when you leave.
5. You want a friend to answer the phone while you are out.
B. Ask for permission in different situations beginning with 'Excuse me. Do you mind if I ... ?'
1. You are in a cafe. You want to borrow the salt and pepper from another table.
2. You are in a hospital waiting room where there is a TV. You would like to change the channel.
3. You are in the reception area of a hotel. You would like to use the phone.
4. You are on an aeroplane. You would prefer to sit in the aisle seat.
5. You are in a dentist's waiting room. You would like to turn the radio on.
C. Make polite requests.
You are making a train journey. You want to buy a newspaper and you ask another passenger to look after your bag.
A: Would you mind looking after my bag? B: I'm sorry?
A: Could you possibly look after my bag? B: Oh yes, of course. No problem.
1. You want to buy a newspaper and you ask another passenger to look after your bag.
2. You ask the assistant at the newspaper kiosk to give you a fifty pence in the change.
3. On the train you want to do the crossword in your newspaper. You wonder if your neighbour could lend you a
pencil.
4. You feel a little chilly. You would like the person next to the window to close it a little.
5. Your suitcase is on the rack and you would like the person opposite to lift it down.
6. A woman in the corner has got her walkman on very loud. You would like her to turn it down a little.
D. Write a dialogue for the following situation.
— You are in the departure area at a ferry terminal after your ferry has been delayed. You notice a place next to a
woman and ask if you can sit there.
— You then notice that a woman has a magazine on the seat beside her and you ask politely if she could lend it to
you.
— The woman doesn't realize that you are talking to her and you repeat your request.
— You have a portable radio with you which you and your friends would like to play. You feel it polite to ask
permission to do this. Tell her you won't play it very loud.
XI. A. Write a note to a friend or classmate asking for several favours and explain why you need help.
Bob,
I'm taking my boss and her husband out to dinner on Saturday, and I want to make a good impression. Would you
mind if I borrowed your car? I promise to drive very carefully. And I wonder if you'd mind lending me that red bow
tie of yours. Could you let me know as soon as possible? Thanks!
Henry
B. Pair work. Exchange notes and write a reply accepting or declining the requests.
Henry,
Of course you can borrow my car on Saturday. You can
pick it up at ...
About my red bow tie, I'd like to lend it to you but ...
Bob
§4. Obligation and necessity (1): must, have to, have got to
Must and have to
We use both must and have to to express obligation or necessity, but there is sometimes a difference between them:
We normally use must when We normally use have to when
the
the authority comes from authority comes from outside
the
speaker. the speaker.
Mother: You must be home Daughter: I have to be home
by 10 o'clock. (I insist.) by 10 o'clock. (My parents
insist.)
I've got a terrible pain in my I have to go and see the doctor
back. I must go and see the at 9.00 tomorrow morning. (I
have
doctor. (I think it is neces- got an appointment.)
sary.)
You must drive care- You have to drive on the left
fully. (I insist.) in Britain. (That is the law.)
We tend to prefer must:
— when we refer to ourselves (with I/we): I really must weed this garden.
— With you to express urgency: You must phone home at once.
— in public notices, etc.: Cyclists must dismount.
— (= Can't you stop yourself?): Must you interrupt?
— pressing invitations or advice: You must come and see us. You must repair that fence.
We only use must (+infinitive) to talk about the present and the future. When we talk about past obligation or
necessity, we use had to.
I had to work late yesterday.
Must has no infinitive, -ing form or participles. So, when necessary, we make these forms with have to.
I'll have to work late tomorrow.
He hates having to get up early.
She's had to work hard all her life.
Note that in questions and negatives with have to we use do/does in the present simple and did in the past simple.
What time do you have to start work?
We don't have to hurry. We've got plenty of
time.
Did you have to walk home last night?
Have got to
We often use have got to instead of have to to talk about obligation and necessity. Have got to is more informal and
is used primarily in spoken English. Have to is used in both formal and informal English.
I have to hurry. Do you have I've got to hurry. Have you
to go? got to go?
We normally use have to, not have got to, for things that happen repeatedly, especially when we use one-word
adverbs of frequency eg always, often. Compare:
I always have to work late I've got to work late this
on Wednesday evenings. Do evening. ? Have you got to get
you have to get up early' up early tomorrow?
We use got mostly in the present. To talk about the past, we normally use had to, not had got to.
I had to work late last night.
Activities
I. (i) Mrs Woods isn't very well. The doctor is speaking to her. Complete what the doctor says using must and the
verbs drink, take, stay and continue. Use each verb only once.
Doctor: Well, Mrs Woods, your temperature is a little high, so you ... in bed for the next few days. You can eat
whatever you like, but you ... plenty of liquids. And I'll give you some medicine. You ... it three times a day after
meals. And you ... to take it for the next ten days.
(ii) Now Mrs Woods is explaining the doctor's instructions to Mr Woods. Complete what Mrs Woods says using
have to and the verbs drink, take, stay and continue. Use each verb only once.
Mrs Woods: The doctor gave me some medicine. I ... it three times a day after meals. And I ... to take it for the next
ten days. I'm not allowed to get up at the moment. I ... in bed for the next few days. Oh, and I'm allowed to eat
whatever I like, but I ... plenty of liquids.
//. Complete the sentences using must or a form of have to. Sometimes two answers are possible.
1. I couldn't go to the party last night because I ... babysit for my sister. 2.1... get up early tomorrow morning. 3. You
... get a visa to visit the United States. 4. It's getting late. We ... go now. 5. I ... stay in bed yesterday because I wasn't
very well. 6. Mr Mason ... wear glasses since he was a child. 7.1 don't like ... work at weekends. 8. He ... try harder
if he wants to win the prize. 9. Notice in a picture gallery: Cameras, sticks and umbrellas ... be left at the desk.
10.1... do all the typing at my office. 11. You ... read this book. It's really excellent. 12. The children ... play in the
streets till their mothers get home from work. 13. She felt ill and ... leave
early. 14. Mr Pitt ... cook his own meals. His wife is away. 15.1 hadn't enough money and I... pay by cheque. 16.1
never remember his address; I always ... look it up. 17. Employer: You ... come to work in time. 18. If you go to a
dentist with a private practice you... pay him quite a lot of money. 19. Father to small son: You ... do what Mummy
says. 20. My neighbour's child ... practise the piano for three hours a day. 21. Doctor: I can't come now. Caller: You
... come; he's terribly ill. 22. English children ... stay at school till the age of 16. 23. Notice above petrol pump: All
engines ... be switched off. 24. Mother to daughter: You ... come in earlier at night. 25. The shops here don't deliver.
We ... carry everything home ourselves. 26. The buses were all full; I ... get a taxi. 27. Notice beside escalators:
Dogs and push chairs ... be carried. 28. Tell her that she ... be here by six. I insist on it. 29. Park notice: All dogs ...
be kept on leads. 30. She ... learn how to drive when her local station is closed. 31. Railway notice: Passengers ...
cross the line by the footbridge. 32. I got lost and ... ask a policeman the way. 33. If you buy that television set you
... buy a license for it. 34. When I changed my job I ... move to another flat. 35. Father to son: I can't support you
any longer; you ... earn your own living from now on. 36. Whenever the dog wants to go out I ... get up and open the
door.
III. Make questions with have to.
Example 'Tom had to go to the police station.'
'Why__________________________________?'
'Why did he have to go to the police station?'
1. 'Ann has to leave tomorrow.'
'What time exactly______________________________?'
2. 'We had to answer a lot of questions at the examination.' 'How many
questions_____________________________?'
3. 'George had to pay a parking fine.'
'How much_____________________________________?'
4. 'He will have to work hard next month.'
'Why__________________________________________?'
5. 'We had to get up early to catch the bus.'
'What time_____________________________________?'
6. 'My mother has to go abroad a lot.'
'How often_________________________________ ?'
7. 'I have to leave tomorrow morning.'
'What time_____________________________________?'
8. 'We had to wait for ages.'
'How long______________________________________?'
9. 'I have to take my car to the garage.'
'Why________________________________________?'
10. 'Peter had to stay in bed for a week.'
'Why__________________________________ ?'
11. 'She'll have to go by bus.',
'Why_________________________________________?'
12. 'We have to dine out.'
'Why_________________________________________?'
IV. Make up short dialogues.
A: About this parcel — do we have to tie it up? B: Oh, yes, it must be tied up.
About ... — do we have to ...
1. these books ... take them back?
2. these old newspapers ... throw them away?
3. this broken glass ... sweep it up?
4. this wallet we've found ... hand it in?
5. these old curtains ... take them down?
6. the carpet ... roll it up?
7. this watch we are giving him ... wrap it up?
8. this information ... pass it on?
9. this notice ... put it up?
10. the instructions ... write them down?
11. these forms ... fill them up?
12. the money ... pay it back?
13. the dishes ... wash them up?
14. his orders ... carry them out?
15. the wall that you say is unsafe ... pull it down?
16. the documents ... lock them up?
17. the meeting ... put it off?
V. Say 'why'.
Examples: Jane is going - food/money/wine
to the bank.
She has got to go to the bank because she needs some money.
I am going to the shop, dress/glass of
water/money
I have got to go to the shop because I need a dress.
1. Jane is going to the food/money/wine
bank.
2. I am going to the shop. dress/glass of water/money
3. Peter is going to the stamps/parcel labels/
post office. traveller's cheques
4. Peter is stopping at the perfume/petrol/medicine
garage.
5. Simon is asking for bath/hot dog/girl-friend
some money.
6. Mr and Mrs Hunt are sleep/whisky/holiday
going to bed.
7. The man is stopping at newspaper/tyre/scarf
the newsagent's.
8. They are phoning Direc- book/telephone number/room
tory Enquiries.
9. You are going to the food/telephone/presents
dining-room.
10. We are going to the car/room/holiday
hotel now.
§5. Obligation and necessity (2): mustn't, don't have to, don't need to, haven't got to, needn't
Compare mustn't and don't have to:
Father: Annie, you have a Susan: I'm on holiday. I
bad cold. You mustn't get up don't have to get up early
now.
today. (= Do not get up.) (= It is not necessary to get
up early. )
You mustn't wash that You don't have to wash that
sweater. It has to be shirt. It isn't dirty. (= It is
dry-cleaned. (= Do not not necessary to wash it. )
wash it.)
We use mustn't when We use don't have to when
there is an obligation it is not necessary to do
not to do something. something.
Mustn't means 'it's forbidden'.
mustn't — prohibition don't have to = absence (lack)
of necessity
Life belts must not be re- Tomorrow is a holiday. We moved, (no choice) don't have to go to class.
(choice)
We can also use don't need to, haven't got to or
needn't to say that it is not necessary to do something.
I don't need to get up today. I haven't got to get up today. I needn't get up today.
Note that we often use needn't when the speaker gives someone permission not to do something.
You needn't pay me back the money you owe me until next week. (= I give you permission not to pay me back the
money until then.)
Activities
/. Choose the correct form.
1. You've been late for work twice this week. You mustn't/ needn't be late again tomorrow. 2. We mustn't/don't have
to hurry. We've got plenty of time. 3. We mustn't/haven't got to make any noise going into the house. It's very late
and everybody is asleep. 4. You mustn't/needn't tell Nicki about the party. I've already told her. 5. You mustn't/don't
need to phone the station about the time of the trains. I've got a timetable. 6. I mustn't/haven't got to go now. I can
stay a bit longer if you want me.
II. Jim is going to backpack around the world for a year, but his mother is worried. Listen to them.
Mum: You must write to us every week!
Jim: Yes, Mum! I will.
Mum: You mustn't lose your passport!
Jim: No, Mum! I won't.
Work in pairs. Make similar dialogues between Jim and his
mother. Use the cues and must or mustn't.
— look after your money — — talk to strangers — drink too
go out when it's dark — make much beer — have a bath
sure you eat well — phone us regularly
if you're in trouble — go anywhere that's dangerous
III. Complete the utterances using haven't got to and the prompts in the right column.
Examples: Jane is not tired.
Sheila has got a lot of clothes.
buy a new dress go to bed early.
Jane has not got to go to bed early. Sheila has not got to buy a new dress.
1. Jane is not tired. 2. Sheila has buy any food this week
got a lot of clothes. look for a flat
3. Harry has got a lot of money. phone the restaurant
4. Mrs Hunt has got a lot of cash a cheque today
food in the house.
5. We have bought a house in the go to bed early
country.
6. You have already booked a table. buy a new dress
7. I have got six airletters. go to a snack-bar
8. We have hired a car. phone them tonight
9. I have written to the Blakes. go to the post office yet
10 They have already had dinner buy a car
.
in the hotel.
IV. This time make negative sentences with have to.
Example: 'Did they have to change trains?'
'No, it was a through train so they didn't have to change (trains).'
1. 'Did you pay to get into the concert?'
'No, we had free tickets so we_____________________'
2. 'Does Jack shave?' 'No, he's got a beard so___________'
3. 'Did you get up early this morning?' 'No, it's my day off
so____________________________________________'
4. 'Do you work?' 'No, I'm extremely rich so___________'
5. 'Will you have to walk?' 'No, we have a car so________'
6. 'Did you have to ask a doctor in?' 'No, my sister is a doctor so______________________________________'
7. 'Did you have to hire a taxi?' 'No, the hotel is not far from the station so______________________________'
8. 'Shall I have to wait?' 'No, the boss is free so_________'
V. Complete the sentences with any appropriate form of have to. Include any words in parentheses.
1. A: (You) ... leave so early?
B: I'm afraid I do. I have some work I ... finish before I go to bed tonight.
2. Last night Jack ... go to a meeting. (You) ... go to the
meeting last night too?
3. Joan travels to Russia frequently. Luckily, she speaks
Russian, so she (not) ... rely on an interpreter when she's there.
4. I (not) ... water the garden later today. Joe has agreed to do it for me.
5. I ... write three term papers since the beginning of the semester.
6. Why (Tom) ... leave work early yesterday?
7. I found some milk in the refrigerator so we (not) ... go to the store after all. There is plenty.
8. (John)... buy a round-trip ticket when he went to Egypt?
9. Matt is nearsighted. He ... wear glasses ever since he was ten years old.
10. By the time this week is finished, I ... take eight examinations in five days. The life of a student isn't easy!
11. (You, not) ... return these books to the library today? Aren't they due?
12. If Jean stays in Brazil much longer, she ... teach English part-time so that she'll have enough to support herself.
(She) ... apply for a special work visa? Or can she work part-time on a student visa?
13. Because it was Emily's birthday yesterday, she (not) ... do any of her regular chores, and her mother let her
choose anything she wanted to eat for dinner.
VI. Use must not or do not have to in the following sentences.
1. I've already finished all my work, so I ... study tonight.
2. I ... forget to take my key with me. 3. You ... introduce me to Dr Gray. We've already met. 4. In order to be a
good salesclerk, you ... be rude to a customer. 5. I ... go to the doctor. I'm feeling much better. 6. Johnny! You ...
play with sharp knives. 7. We ... go to the concert if you don't want to, but it might be good. 8. This is an
opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. We ... let it pass. We must act. 9. If you encounter a growling dog, you ...
show any signs of fear, it is more likely to bite a person. 10. A person ... get married in order to lead a happy >.nd
fulfilling life. 11. The soup is too hot. You ... eat it yet. Wait for it to
cool. 12. You ... have soup for lunch. You can have a sandwich if you like. 13. Liz finally got a car, so now she
usually drives to work. She ... take the bus. 14. Tommy, you ... say that word. That's not a nice word. 15. Mr Morgan
is very rich. He ... work for a living. 16. If you are in a canoe, you ... stand up and walk around. If you do, the canoe
will probably turn over. 17. When the phone rings, you ... answer it. It's up to you. 18. When you have a new job,
you ... be late the first day. In fact, it is a good idea to be a few minutes early. 19. A: You ... tell Jim about the
surprise birthday party. Do you promise? B: I promise. 20. I... forget to set my alarm for 5.30. B: Why do you have
to get up at 5.30? A: I'm going to meet Ron at 6:00. We're going fishing. 21. A: Listen to me carefully, Annie. If a
stranger offers you a ride, you ... get in the car. Never get in a car with a stranger. Do you understand? B: Yes,
Mom. 22. A: Do you have a stamp? B: Uh-huh. Here. A: Thanks. Now I ... go to the post office to buy stamps.
VII. Use must not or need not to fill the spaces in the following sentences.
1. You ... ring the bell; I have a key. 2. Notice in cinema: Exit doors ... be locked during performances. 3. You ...
drink this: it is poison. 4. We ... drive fast; we have plenty of time. 5. You ... drive fast; there is a speed limit here. 6.
Candidates ... bring books into the examination room. 7. You ... write to him for he will be here tomorrow. 8. We ...
make any noise or we'll wake the baby. 9. You ... bring an umbrella. It isn't going to rain. 10. You ... do all the
exercise. Ten sentences will be enough. 11. We ... reheat the pie. We can eat it cold. 12. Mother to child: You ... tell
lies. 13. You ... turn on the light; I can see quite well. 14. You ... strike a match; the room is full of gas. 15. You ...
talk to other candidates during the exam. 16. We ... make any more sandwiches; we have plenty now. 17. You ... put
salt in any of his dishes. Salt is very bad for him. 18. You ... take anything out of a shop without paying for it. 19.
You ... carry that parcel home yourself; the shop will send it. 20. You ... clean
the windows. The window-cleaner is coming tomorrow. 21. Mother to child: You ... play with matches. 22. Church
notice: Visitors ... walk about the church during a service. 23. I ... go to the shops today. There is plenty of food in
the house. 24. You ... smoke in a non-smoking compartment. 25. Police notice: Cars ... be parked here. 26. We ...
open the lion's cage. It is contrary to Zoo regulations. 27. You ... make your bed. The maid will do it. 28. I want this
letter typed but you ... do it today. Tomorrow will do. 29. I'll lend you the money and you ... pay me back till next
month. 30. We ... climb any higher; we can see very well from here. 31. You ... ask a woman her age. It's not polite.
32. You've given me too much. — You ... eat it all. 33. We ... forget to shut the lift gates. 34. Mother to child: You
... interrupt when I am speaking. 35. If you want the time, pick up the receiver and dial 8081; you ... say anything.
VIII. What do you say to the other person in these situations. Use need't or mustn't.
Situation. You are talking to a little girl. She is playing
with some matches. Response You mustn't play with those matches.
Situation Someone is speaking English to you very slowly. Response You needn't speak so slowly.
1. You are in a petrol station. Someone is smoking.
2. You are in someone's house. They are going to turn the heating up. You are warm enough.
3. Your secretary is willing to work late. You can do without
her.
4. Your friend is going to park his car where there is a sign saying 'No Parking'.
5. Your friend is willing to drive you somewhere. You are willing to walk.
6. Your friend is going out and it is going to rain. You can see he is going to forget his umbrella.
7. Someone is shouting at you but you are not deaf.
8. Your taxi driver is willing to wait but it is not necessary.
IX. You must... It's necessary You mustn't ... It's forbidden
You needn't ... It's not necessary
When you arrive in Britain, there are plenty of regulations to worry about. There are things that are necessary,
unnecessary, or forbidden. Use the modals above to complete the following statements.
1. You ... bring animals into Britain.
2. You ... have a passport.
3. ... have a visa, if you want to stay a long time.
4. ... have a visa if you are from an EEC (Common Market) country.
5. ... declare any restricted goods at the customs.
6. ... declare cigarettes up to a certain limit.
7. ... take guns into Britain.
8. ... drive on the left.
9. ... stop at pedestrian crossings unless someone is on them.
10. ... use the horn on your car except in an emergency.
X. Mrs Wilson is telling her husband what has been happening. Write his reactions, using must, mustn't or needn't
+ one of these expressions, and a tag question.
buy anything too expensive do be paid immediately make him
any housework be stopped change his mind
XII. Write two sentences, one in the positive and one in the negative, for each of the following situations.
Example: Margaret was mugged last night. She was walking home alone.
She shouldn't have been walking home alone. She should have gone with someone or taken a taxi.
1. Andrew was arrested last night. He was driving home after a party, and he'd had too much to drink.
2. Graham was wounded when he tried to stop a man robbing a post office. The robber shot him in the leg.
3. Annie lost her purse yesterday. It was in her bag, but her bag wasn't fastened, and she left it unattended for a few
minutes while she bought a newspaper.
4. My briefcase was stolen from my car yesterday. I'd left it lying on the passenger seat while I got out to do some
shopping, and I'm afraid the window had been left open.
5. Jenny was caught travelling on a train without a ticket.
6. There was a fire at Henry's house yesterday. Their son Max was playing with matches, and he set fire to the
furniture. Unfortunately the flat wasn't insured, so they've lost everything.
XIII. Now answer as Robert Wilson does here.
Linda: I haven't finished the report yet. Robert: Really? You should've finished it! Linda: I've been working on
something else.
Robert: Really? You shouldn't have been working on something else!
1. I haven't even started it.
2. I was taking a nap when you came in.
3. I've been using your phone.
4. I used it yesterday.
5. And I've been looking through your letters.
6. I've read them.
7. I was reading them when you came in.
8. I threw some of them away.
Transfer
You work in an office. Yesterday the office manager was away, so you, two secretaries and the office boy used his
office to have a party. The office manager came back in the middle of it. You weren't working. You were dancing.
You didn't stop when he came in. You asked him if he wanted to dance, as well. Naturally, he was furious. Describe
all the things you should have done, shouldn't have been doing, etc. Think of more examples!
XIV. Put an appropriate verb of obligation in its correct form into each gap. The verbs are must, have to, had to,
have had to, should.
The forms are positive, negative, and gerund.
1. I really do think you ... get your hair cut. 2. Careful, darling. You ... play with matches. They're too dangerous. 3.
My wife suddenly became ill in the middle of the night and I ... call the doctor. 4. I'm overweight. The doctor said I
... eat too many sweets or potatoes. 5. I like Saturdays because I ... get up early. 6. A: Why have you got so much
money on you? You ... keep it in the bank. B: I know. But today's the day I ... pay my employees. 7. It's my mother's
birthday next week. I... remember to buy her a present and a card. 8. No one likes ... work at weekends. 9. You ...
come with me if you don't want to. I don't mind going on my own. You stay here if you like. 10. I have a really bad
memory
for phone numbers. I... look them up in the book every time. 11. When I was at school we ... wear a uniform.
Everybody hated it. 12. You ... touch electrical appliances if you've got wet hands. You could kill yourself. 13. She
has a private income. She ... never ... do one day's work in the whole of her life.
XV. Use should(n't), ought (not) to, must (n't) haven't got to, or have to, giving more than one answer where
possible.
Charles: I really ... do some work tonight, but I feel too
tired.
Barbara: You ... work so hard. You'll make yourself ill. Charles: I'd like to take a holiday, but I simply ... finish
these plans by the end of the month. Barbara: Yes, but you ... finish them by next week. I think
you ... have a holiday. Can't we have a long weekend
in Paris? Charles: All right. But I ... stay longer than next Tuesday
or I'll never finish my work on time. Barbara: Good. But if we are going, you ... book the seats
today. Charles: I'll ... ask Mr Peters first, but I don't think he'll
mind.
XVI. Complete these sentences using had to or ought to have.
1. James ... (work) harder, then he would have passed the exams.
2. Graham didn't play squash because he ... (help) his wife.
3. Bill ... (visit) his mother-in-law on Saturday so he missed the match.
4. You ... (take) a taxi, then you wouldn't have missed the train.
5. He opened all the windows but he ... (know) better.
6. I left the office early because I... (meet) Mary at 5 o'clock.
7. They ... (sell) their car last month in order to pay their debts.
8. We ... (buy) a house last year when the prices were lower.
XVII. Change the following sentences to the passive.
1. People should save pandas from extinction. —*• Pandas should be saved from extinction.
2. People must obey all traffic laws.
3. Someone ought to repair this broken window.
4. Someone should have supplied the hotel guests with clean towels.
5. Someone had better take this garbage to the dump soon.
6. Someone is supposed to tell Fred about the meeting.
7. Someone has to finish this work today.
8. Someone ought to have reported this accident to the police.
9. You shouldn't put bananas in the freezer.
10. We should teach children to respect their elders.
XVIII. Make sentences using should(n't) ..., ought(n't) to ..., should(n't) have ... or ought(n't) to have ... and the
words in brackets.
Example: My car is always dirty. (I/clean/ it more often.) I should clean it more often./I ought to clean it more often.
1. You think your friend works too hard. You tell him/her: (You/not work/so hard.) (You/relax/more.)
2. Your friend overslept this morning and was late for work. His boss said to him: (You/buy/an alarm clock!)
3. Kate didn't feel well yesterday, but she went to work and now she feels really terrible. (She/not go/to work yester-
day.) (She/stay/in bed.)
4. Mr Woods walked straight out into the road without looking. He was nearly killed by a bus. (He/not walk/into
the road without looking.) (He/look/first.)
XIX. Here are five situations where you will be able to use the modals you have been practising. Use each modal
only once.
must/mustn't/ought to/needn't/'d better
1. There's a fantastic film on at the Odeon. Advise your friend to see it before it's too late.
2. Tell your friend not to drive her car till it's insured.
3. You are going to play tennis with a friend at the tennis club. Tell him it isn't necessary for him to bring any tennis
balls as the club supply them.
4. Your friend has just received his bank statement. He's sure it's incorrect. Advise him to telephone the bank.
5. Tell your Venezuelan friend that she needs a visa to get into France.
XX. Translate from Russian into English.
1. Тебе не следовало жениться на мне, Дэвид. Это было большой ошибкой. 2. Я прошу прощения. Мне не
следовало это говорить. 3. Тебе бы лучше остаться дома. Похоже, будет дождь. 4. Мне следовало пригласить
его тоже. 5. Я думаю, вам следует проявлять больше уважения к старшим. 6. Моррис сказал, что если это
долг, то его следует исполнить. 7. Тебе должно быть стыдно за такие злые слова. 8. Она бросила меня. Она
должна заплатить за это. 9. Тебе следовало выбрать более подходящее время, чтобы сообщить мне об этом.
10. Когда он возвращается? — Откуда мне знать? 11. Это его вина. Ему следовало развестись с вами, когда
он мог это сделать. 12. Тебе следует купить это платье. Оно тебе идет. 13. Тебе бы лучше туда одной не
ходить. 14. Ну, что же, вы были правы. Мне не так надо было сделать это. 15. Почему вы не пришли вчера?
Вы должны были позвонить мне, если вы были заняты. 16. Мне нужна была копия этого письма, поэтому я
напечатала его два раза. — Не нужно было печатать его дважды. Вы могли воспользоваться копиркой. 17.
Вам не следовало упоминать об этом в его присутствии. 18. Не надо звонить ей. Она уже пришла. 19. Не
надо портить глаза. Зажги свет. 20. Вам следовало бы поговорить с директором еще раз перед тем, как вы
поедете в Лондон. 21. Вам бы лучше пойти и поговорить с ним сейчас же, пока он еще не ушел. 22. Нам бы
лучше не говорить об этом Энн. Она рассердится. 23. Он юрист, и он должен знать такие вещи.
24. Они должны действовать так, как им сказали. 25. Тебе следует самому зарабатывать на жизнь. 26. Нельзя
зажигать спичку. В комнате много газа. 27. Он сказал, что я не должен открывать дверь. 28. Следует ли ей
заняться спортом всерьез? — Думаю, да. 29. Ты выглядишь усталой. Тебе следует поехать за город на
выходные. 30. Нельзя вставать так рано. Ты всех разбудишь. 31. Он сказал, что мы должны встретить его на
вокзале. 32. Я подумал, что тебе следовало бы знать об этом. 33. Не следует разрешать ставить здесь на
стоянку автомобили: улица слишком узкая. 34. Вы должны носить форму на дежурстве, не так ли? 35. Она
сказала, что мне не следовало поступать подобным образом. 36. Необходимо сообщить ей эту новость как
можно скорее. 37. Давно нужно было сообщить ей эту новость.
XXI. Study and practise.
1. Mother: Kathryn, I want to talk to you about something.
Have you got a minute?
Kathryn: OK. What's the problem now?
Mother: You know you don't have a job and you're getting money from Social Security. You said you wanted to
prepare for your exams. I think you should stay at home and do some work.
Kathryn: I think you should leave me alone. You don't know if I'm working or not. It's not your business.
Mother: Kathryn! You shouldn't talk to me like that! I'm your mother.
2. Trainer: OK, boys. We've got the big competition in front
of us now. It's our big chance. You must train
harder than ever. Player: We're going to do that. You needn't worry.
But I think we ought to practise more often
together this week. Coach: No, we oughtn't to overdo it. We'll become
stale and tired. We shouldn't risk that.
3. Jenny: Nick, Mum has a headache. We ought to be quiet.
We shouldn't make so much noise. Nick: Did you say something? Jenny: The music is too loud. You ought
to turn it
down.
Nick: I can't hear you! Jenny: Don't shout, Nick! Shut up! And turn the music
down!
Nick: Yes, I've already been to town. Jenny: No, Nick. Your music. Turn down your music! Nick: I can't
hear you. The music's too loud.
A. Some of your friends have problems. Give advice with ought to. Use these or your own ideas:
go to bed earlier talk to them
join a club work harder
see a doctor wear glasses
get a job save money for a new one
go on a diet get it cut
tidy it
I'm always tired.
You ought to go to bed earlier.
1. My eyes are sometimes red and sore.
2. I never have enough money.
3. My school marks are bad.
4. I'm too fat.
5. I've got spots.
6. I've had a quarrel with my parents.
7. I haven't got many friends.
8. My old bicycle needs repairing again.
9. My hair looks terrible.
10. I can't find anything. My room is so untidy.
4. Gina: Susan, please. Make up your mind. I'm exhausted. Susan: I know, I'm tired, too. But this is an
important decision.
Oh, which one should I buy? Yon Mi: Susan, you're young! Why don't you buy a sports
car? Sports cars are fun. Susan: Maybe you're right. The red one is nice. Maybe
I'll look at that one. Lucy: Wait a minute! You won't be single forever, you
know. You should think about the future and
buy a family car. Susan: Hmm. That's good advice, too. Oh, I'm confused.
I don't know what to do. Gina: What about that green car? It's a lot bigger, and it
isn't too expensive. Susan: Oh, I don't know. The red sports car is nice, but
you're right, Lucy. It's too small and impractical.
And I really can't afford it. I think I'll buy the
green one. Yon Mi: Well, it's your choice, but you shouldn't decide
too quickly. Let's go and get a cup of coffee. We
can sit and talk about it and come back later. Susan: Good idea!
A. What should or shouldn't Susan do? Match each sentence on the left with the best response.
1. Susan likes to drive fast. a. She shouldn't get a two-door
car.
2. She thinks big cars are safer b. She should buy an economical
than small cars. car.
3. She likes to listen to music. c. She shouldn't buy an expensive
foreign car.
4. Gas is expensive. d. She should get a car with air
con-
ditioning.
5. Dallas is very hot in the e. She should get a sports car.
summer.
6. She can't afford an expen- f . She shouldn't get a small car.
sive car.
7. She isn't a very good driver. g. She should get a car with a good
radio.
8. She has to drive her aunt and h. She should practise a lot.
uncle to work.
B. Ask and answer questions as in the examples.
you/wear a seat belt when people/cross the street when the
you drive light is red ;
A: Should you wear a seat A: Should people cross the .
belt when you drive? street when the light is red? .
B: Yes, you should. B: No, they shouldn't.
1. people/drive slowly when 5. You/swim after you eat
it rains
2. you/drive fast on a crow- 6. you/cover your mouth when
ded street you sneeze
3. you/look at your passen- 7. you/stand under a tree
gers when you drive during a storm
4. drivers/pay attention to 8. children/disagree with
traffic signs when they their parents
drive
5. Simon is talking to Ellen Change, a travel agent.
Ellen: You and your wife have been to France before, haven't you?
Simon: No, we haven't.
Ellen: Well, then, you really ought to go. You'll love Paris, and the weather is perfect this time of the year.
Simon: But we don't speak French.
Ellen: You shouldn't worry about that. A lot of people speak English in France, especially in the hotels and
restaurants.
Simon: Should we make our reservations now?
Ellen: Well, you ought to make them as soon as possible.
Simon: Where should we stay? Do you have any suggestions?
Ellen: I'll find an inexpensive hotel for you.
Simon: Do you have any brochures? I don't know anyone
in Paris, and I don't know anything about the city.
Ellen: I'll give you some brochures, but you ought to visit Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. Also, if
you have time you ought to drive to Versailles for a day. It's really beautiful.
A. What is the travel agent's advice? Choose the appropriate word in parentheses.
1. Simon and Lucy (should/shouldn't) go to France.
2. They (should/shouldn't) worry about speaking French.
3. They (should/shouldn't) make their reservations as soon as possible.
4. They (should/shouldn't) stay in an inexpensive hotel.
5. They (should/shouldn't) plan to visit Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.
6. They (should/shouldn't) try to visit Versailles.
B. Give advice for someone who is thinking of taking a vacation abroad.
You must get a passport.
You shouldn't pack too many clothes.
a) ... get a passport.
b) ... pack too many clothes.
c) ... buy a roundtrip ticket.
d) ... make hotel reservations.
e) ... get health insurance.
f) ... check the weather.
g) ... carry lots of cash.
h) ... get traveller's checks.
i) ... take a lot of luggage.
j) ... check on visas.
j) ... carry your wallet in a back pocket.
Pair work. Give more pieces of advice.
Group work. What advice would you give tourists planning
to visit your city or country?
What time of the year should they visit?
What kinds of clothing do you think they ought to bring?
Where should they stay?
What places should they visit?
What should they see?
Is there anything they shouldn't do?
What other advice would you give them?
6. Chris: Nell! I was digging in the garden and I've just cut
my foot with the spade.
Nell: Oh dear! How did you manage to do that? OK. You'd better let me have a look.
Chris: Ouch! It really hurts a lot.
Nell: It doesn't look too good. I think you'd better go along to the Out-patients Department at the hospital. You'd
better have an injection. There could be germs in the wound.
7. Gina and Frank are having lunch.
Gina: Frank, we've got a problem. We don't have enough money to pay the rent this month.
Frank: I know. I guess I'd better ask Mom and Dad for a loan.
Gina: And I'd better ask my boss for a raise.
Frank: Do you think you'll get it?
Gina: I don't know. But maybe I'd better not take another English course for a while.
Frank: Gina, you can't stop studying English. It's important. This is an English-speaking country. You can't get
ahead without English.
Gina: I know.
Frank: I'd better get a part-time job. I can work at the office during the day and then do something else at night. In
fact, I'd better check the newspaper right now.
A. Pretend you have something to do (a date, a meeting, a class, etc.). Ask the time and then give yourself some
advice.
A: Victor, have you got the time?
B: Yeah, it's 3.00.
A: I'd better go. I haven't done my homework yet.
or
I have a date at 3.30. I'd better not be late.
8. Maggie and Daisy are having tea with Daisy's aunt in the country.
Aunt: Would you like some bread and butter Daisy? Daisy: No thank you, I'd better not have any, I'm on a
diet.
Aunt: Some bread and butter for you, Maggie? Maggie: Well, I know I shouldn't, but I think I will have
some.
Aunt: How about a cake then, Daisy? Daisy: No thank you, I'd better not have one, I'm on a
diet.
Aunt: What about you Maggie, would you like one? Maggie: Well, I know I shouldn't, but I think I will have
one.
A. Complete the following and discuss the meaning you wish to express by giving reasons for your statement.
Example, I'd better...
Possible response: I'd better write my mother a letter. (Reason: If I don't, there will be a bad result: she'll be angry or
start worrying about me or feel hurt.)
1. I should ... 2. I'm supposed to ... 3. I ought to ... 4. I'd better ... 5. I have to ... 6. I've got to ... 7. I am to ... 8. I must
... 9. I shouldn't ... 10. I'm supposed to ... 11. I'd better not ... 12. I don't have to ... 13. I must not ...
9. Jane: Sylvia is having trouble with her parents. They say
she ought to do more at school. She knows she should work harder for the exams, but she's angry because her
parents don't like her friends. Although she's almost sixteen, she's supposed to be home every night by eight o'clock.
Nick: Perhaps her parents ought to trust her more. They shouldn't treat her like a child. Why don't they like her
friends?
Jane: I'm not sure. Sylvia's mother says that they are very rude. They don't do any school work. Sylvia is supposed
to do her homework every night but she goes out with her friends instead. She says she wants to leave home.
Nick: She had better not do that. She might regret it.
Jane: But her parents just complain and never listen.
Nick: I think they had better start listening before it's too late.
A. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
a. What do you think Sylvia, her parents and her friends should do to improve the situation? Say sentences from the
table.
Sylvia should/ought to talk to her parents.
Sylvia Her should shouldn't talk to her parents, work
parents Her ought to harder, listen to Sylvia, leave
friends home, leave school, be more
tolerant, be rude to her
parents, ask her friends
home, be so strict, trust
Sylvia, encourage Sylvia to
leave home.
b. What else do you think Sylvia, her friends and Sylvia's parents ought to/should do or shouldn't do? Write five
more suggestions. Take turns to read them to the class.
Sylvia's parents should try to get to know her friends better.
c. What do you think they should do in the following situations? Say a sentence with had better and a sentence with
had better not for each situation.
Sylvia's exams are in two weeks' time. She had better do some work. She had better not waste time.
1. Sylvia's friends want to go to the cinema.
2. Sylvia wants to invite her friends to a party.
3. Sylvia's parents want to watch television, but Sylvia is playing very loud music in her room.
4. Sylvia's friend Anne wants Sylvia to go on holiday with her and her family.
5. Sylvia wants to go away for the weekend with some friends.
Her parents are worried about her. They don't want her to go.
6. Sylvia has decided to try to explain to her parents why she isn't happy at home.
B. WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO?
a. Sylvia is supposed to be home by eight o'clock every evening. Which of the following things are you (not)
supposed to do? Say your answers.
I am supposed to tell my parents the truth.
I am not supposed to park my bicycle in the living-room.
tell your parents the truth
park your bicycle in the living-room
help at home sometimes
tell your parents where you are going every time you go
out
be punctual for meals
tell your parents if you will be home later than usual
eat everything that's on your plate
sit at table in silence during meals
stay out all night without permission
take all your friends home to meet your parents
stay in bed until lunchtime at weekends
wear dirty shoes inside the house play loud music late at night go everywhere with your parents
b. Work with a partner. Interview him/her about what he/ she is supposed to do at home.
YOU If you want to go out, are you always suppo-
sed to ask your parents?
PARTNER I am supposed to ask them if I want to stay overnight at a friend's house.
10. Liza is Mrs Ross's au pair. One Sunday evening she came back from London looking very upset.
Mrs Ross: What's the matter dear?
Liza: Something awful happened. We went to the
Portobello Road and someone stole my handbag.
Mrs Ross: Oh, dear, did you lose a lot of money?
Liza: No, only a few pounds, but my passport was in
the bag. That's what I'm really worried about.
Mrs Ross: You must tell your embassy about it and I think they'll issue you with a new one.
Liza: I'd better go tomorrow.
Mrs Ross: No, you needn't go tomorrow, but you mustn't leave it too long. Did you report it to the police?
Liza: No, I couldn't find a policeman.
Mrs Ross: Well, you must report that it's been stolen and give the police a description of your handbag. You'd better
go to the local police tomorrow morning.
Liza: Perhaps I could go to the embassy on Satur-
day?
Mrs Ross: They might not be open on a Saturday, so you ought to ring them to check first.
Liza: Yes, I'll do it tomorrow.
Mrs Ross: And Liza ...
Liza: Yes?
Mrs Ross: Don't be too upset ... it's not the end of the world.
A. Questions:
1. What is Liza's job? 2. What happened to her in the Portobello Road? 3. Did she lose much money? 4. What else
did she lose? 5. Where can she get a new one? 6. Where must she go on Monday? Why? 7. When might she go to
the embassy? 8. What ought she to do first?
B. Look at these ideas:
You must tell your embassy. You ought to ring them.
You'd better go to the local police station tomorrow
morning.
Note that all three of these are interchangeable, but by changing them we alter the meaning of the sentence.
YOU MUST TELL YOUR EMBASSY ABOUT IT is an urgent recommendation in this text, though it is usually an
order. YOU OUGHT TO INFORM YOUR EMBASSY is a strong recommendation.
YOU'D BETTER INFORM YOUR EMBASSY is a piece of advice.
You are speaking to a friend. Make up three sentences for each situation below.
1. see/dentist/tomorrow
2. speak/doctor/about it
3. complain/manager
4. take it back/shop
5. write/to him tomorrow
6. ask/day off
7. tell Jack/deal with it
8. send her/telegram
9. telephone/hotel
10. have/a few days off
C. Look at this pattern:
A professional footballer train very hard/smoke
A professional footballer must train very hard. A professional footballer mustn't smoke.
Say what these people must or mustn't do.
1. The driver of a car
have a licence/drive without a licence
2. A doctor
study for a long time/practise without being qualified
3. A teacher of English for foreigners speak too fast/ speak clearly
4. a hospital nurse
be kind and understanding/too upset at the sight of blood
5. A passenger on British Rail
have a ticket/travel without a ticket
6. A visitor to the zoo
pay at the entrance/feed the monkeys
7. A bus driver
drive too fast/drive very carefully
8. A shop assistant
be rude to the customers/be familiar with the goods she's selling
9. A referee
know the rules of the game/be afraid of making unpopular decisions
10. A policeman
accept bribes/be honest
D. Look at this pattern:
tomorrow/you can go on Saturday
You needn't go tomorrow, you can go on Saturday.
What other things needn't your friend do?
1. any coffee/we have plenty
2. your key/I've got mine
3. lock ... door/we'll be back in a few moments
4. wait ... landlady/you can leave her a note
5. umbrella/isn't going to rain
6. money now/ you can pay me later
7. coffee for me/I've just had my tea
8. any money/the shops will all be closed
9. reserve seats/ it's not a very popular play
10. get ... stamps/ I found some
E. Give your friend some advice in the following situations. Use you'd better ...
1.1 only bought these shoes last week and this heel has come off already.
2. This tooth hurts when I drink anything cold.
3. I sent the money off for those theatre tickets two weeks ago. I still haven't heard anything, and the performance is
on Friday.
4. The milkman forgot to deliver any milk today.
5. Oh, dear. I forgot to take that book to the library.
6. It's some time since this suit was cleaned.
7. Bother, I didn't post that letter to the bank.
8. Oh, I forgot to send my sister a birthday card and it's her birthday tomorrow.
F. Idea for discussion
In big cities there are thieves, and they often steal from foreign visitors. What advice would you give your young
brother or sister, who was going abroad for the first time? Are there special places where a visitor must be careful?
Is it more dangerous at night? How much cash should one carry? What is the advantage of having traveller's che-
ques?
11. A: How was your dinner party? B: I think it went pretty well. A: That's good.
B: Yeah, but we shouldn't have invited my wife's boss.
We couldn't get him to leave! A: Really? How late did he stay?
В: Until two o'clock in the morning! And we both had to
work the next day. A: Oh, he shouldn't have stayed so late. That was really
inconsiderate. I would have asked him to leave earlier. B: Well, it's really difficult to say that to your boss!
A, What would you have done in this situation?
B. Do you sometimes wish you had done things differently in your life? Think of three things and talk about them.
Well, I probably should have gone to a different university. I guess I shouldn't have got married so young.
12. Gloria didn't do as well as she should have at a job interview today. She didn't get the job, and she realizes now
that she should have done a few things differently.
She should have spoken more confidently. She should have told more about her previous experience. And she
probably should have worn more conservative clothes,
In addition, she shouldn't have arrived late for the interview. She shouldn't have smoked a lot in the interviewer's
office. And she definitely shouldn't have asked so many questions about vacations and sick days.
Gloria will certainly do a few things differently the next time she has a job interview!
A. Questions
1. How did Gloria do at a job interview today? 2. What does she realize now? 3. How should she have spoken? 4.
What should she have told more about? 5. What should she have worn? 6. In addition, what shouldn't she have
done?
B. In your opinion, what should Gloria do the next time she has a job interview?
C. Discuss or write what you think the people in the following situations should have done and should not have
done.
1. Tom didn't study for the test. During the exam he panicked and started looking at other students' test papers. He
didn't think the teacher saw him, but she did. She warned
him once to stop cheating, but he continued. As a result, the teacher took Tom's paper, told him to leave the room,
and failed him on the exam.
Tom should have studied for the test.
He shouldn't have panicked during the test.
He shouldn't have started cheating.
He should have known the teacher would see him cheating.
He should have stopped cheating after the first warning.
The teacher should have ripped Tom's paper and sent
him out of the room the first time she saw him cheating.
2. John and his wife, Julie, had good jobs as professionals in New York City. John was offered a high paying job in
Chicago, which he immediately accepted. Julie was shocked when he came home that evening and told her the
news. She liked her job and the people she worked with, and she did not want to move away and look for another
job.
3. Ann agreed to meet her friend Carl at the library to help him with his chemistry homework. On the way, she
stopped at a cafe where her boyfriend worked. Her boyfriend told her he could get off work early that night, so the
two of them decided to go to a movie. Ann didn't cancel her plans with Carl. Carl waited for three hours at the
library.
4. Donna had been saving her money for three years for a trip abroad. Her brother Larry had a good job but spent
all of his money on expensive cars, clothes, and entertainment. Suddenly, Larry was fired from his job and had no
money to support himself while he looked for another one. Donna lent him nearly all of her savings, and within
three weeks he spent it all on his car, more clothes, and expensive restaurants.
13. Last Christmas, the circus owner, Jimmy Gates, decided to take some presents to a children's hospital. Dressed
up as Father Christmas and accompanied by a 'guard of honour' of six pretty girls, he set off down the main street of
the city riding a baby elephant called Jumbo. He should have known that the police would never allow
this sort of thing. A policeman approached Jimmy and told him he ought to have gone along a side-street as Jumbo
was holding up the traffic. Though Jimmy agreed to go at once, Jumbo refused to move. Fifteen policemen had to
push very hard to get him off the main street. The police had a difficult time, but they were most amused. 'Jumbo
must weigh a few tons,' said a policeman afterwards, 'so it was fortunate that we didn't have to carry him. Of course,
we should arrest him, but as he has a good record, we shall let him off this time.'
A. Supply the correct form of should, ought to, or have to in these sentences.
1. I (... not tell) him this news; he was so much upset but I really (... do) so, for the circumstances demanded that.
2. I didn't go shopping this morning as I (... do) the housework.
3. You (... see) him dance! You have missed a lot. I (... take) you to the concert.
4. You (... ask) for permission before you left the table.
5. 'It is very wicked of you,' she said. 'You (... be) ashamed of yourself.'
6. After she had gone I found myself wondering whether I ... do anything for her.
7. I'll see and speak to Maurice. He (... not behave) like that.
8. That day, however, I had a pupil waiting for an English lesson and I (... cut) my visit short.
9. I think I (... let) your parents know we are here.
10. I realize now I (... not say) anything.
11. What a pity you (... go). I know it's time for you to catch your train.
12. I finished all of my homework this afternoon. I (... not study) tonight.
13. These books (... return) to the library by tomorrow.
14. He is her freind. He (... invite) to the party.
§9. Possibility or uncertainty: may, might, could
Present and future possibility
We use may, might and could to talk about present or future possibility.
'There's someone at the door.' 'It may be Sarah.' (=Perhaps it is Sarah.)
We aren't sure what we are going to do tomorrow. We might go to the beach. (= Perhaps we will go to the beach.)
'Where's Simon?' 'He could be in the living room.' (= Perhaps he is in the living room.)
Might is normally a little less sure than may. Could is normally less sure than may or might.
+++ may ++ might + could
We use the negatives may not and might not (contraction: mightn't) with this meaning, but not could not.
Simon may not be in the living room. (= Perhaps he is not in the living room.) We might not go to the beach. (=
Perhaps we will not go to the beach.)
Note the form: may /might /could + be + ... -ing.
They may be having dinner at the moment. (= Perhaps they are having dinner.)
Possibility in the past
We can use may/might/could + have + past participle to talk about possibility in the past.
'Where was Sally last night?' 'I think she may have been at the cinema.' (= I think perhaps she was at the cinema.)
'Peter is late.' 'He might have missed his train. (= Perhaps he missed/ has missed his train.) 'I can't find my wallet
anywhere.' 'You could have left it at home.' (= Perhaps you left/ have left it at home.)
'She walked straight past me without saying hello.' 'She might not have seen you.' (= Perhaps she didn't see you.)
We also use could and might (but not may) with have + past participle to say that something was possible in the past
but did not happen.
'I forgot to lock my car last night.' 'You were lucky. Someone could have stolen it.' You were stupid to try to climb
that tree. You might have killed yourself.
Illustrative Situations
1. Pam: Do you know the Bartons' new address, Jeff? Jeff: No, sorry, I don't.
Pam: Do you think Steve will have it? Jeff: Yes, he may know it. Ring him. Pam (Rings the number.): No reply. Oh,
it's Wednesday.
Jill may be at her evening class. Jeff: And Steve said he might have to work late. They
may not be home until after 9 o'clock.
2. It's World Cup time. Stephen and Jim are talking about football and the different matches.
Jim: I wonder what's going to happen. Do you think
Russia will win the cup? Stephen: They might win the cup, but I doubt it.
Jim: Do you? I wonder if Charlie Watts will play for
England. Stephen: He might play for England but I doubt it.
3. Mrs Collins usually has a driving lesson every afternoon. Her instructor isn't sure if he can give her one
tomorrow. She might have one tomorrow.
If she has a driving lesson at all tomorrow it will be from 2 to 3 o'clock. One of Mrs Collins's friends has just rung
up and has said she wants to come over at 2.30. 'Don't come over then,' Mrs Collins says. 'I might be having a
driving lesson.'
4. Two weeks ago an old woman was found dead in her attic in Amsterdam. Among her scanty belongings two large
paintings were discovered, each with the name of 'Rembrandt' at the bottom. An art expert is examining the
paintings now. He cannot be sure about them yet. Certainly, however, the style is right and it has been established
through various tests that the paintings are the right age. They might have been painted by Rembrandt.
5. Lady Crocker casually left her car with the keys still in the door. It was still there when she got back.
It could have been stolen.
Activities
/. The people interviewing Julie for the job can't understand why she is so late.
A: Why isn't Miss Wilson here?
B: She may be ill — or she might be too nervous. It may not be her fault.
What other possible explanations do the interviewers think of? Use may/might (not):
1. Perhaps her train is late.
2. Perhaps her watch is slow.
3. Perhaps she doesn't know the way.
4. It's just possible she thinks it's on another day.
5. Perhaps there's a traffic jam.
6. Maybe she feels the salary is too low.
7. There's a slight possibility that she doesn't want the job after all.
8. Perhaps she's not feeling well today.
9. It's just possible she has a good reason.
//. The dentist isn't sure if he can save the tooth but he hopes to. He says:
'Well, I may be able to save it.' What do you say in the same situation if someone asks you:
1. Can you come to the party?
2. Can you do this work?
3. Can you learn all these words?
4. Can you repair the damage?
5. Can you carry this case?
III. Make up similar dialogues using the prompts.
1. James/win/tennis championship?
A: Do you think James will win the tennis championship? B: Well, he might, but I doubt it. He hasn't been playing
very well recently.
1. you/pass/exam?
2. Peter/get/promotion he wants?
3. there/be/nuclear war?
4. we/find/cure for cancer?
2. When/you/be/back home? 6.00
A: When do you think you'll be back home?
B: I might be back at 6.00. It depends on the traffic.
1. How/you/find/money to buy a car? Bank loan.
2. When/your book/be/ready for publication? In six months' time.
3. Who/get job of Director? Henry.
4. How long /your trip around the world/take you? A couple of years.
3. A: Where are you going for your holidays this year? B: We haven't decided yet. We might go to Greece, or we
might go to Italy.
Student A Ask В the questions.
Student В You haven't made up your mind!
1. travel? fly/go by car
2. stay? hotel/rent a house
3. How long ...?
for a week/for a fortnight
4. When ... ? July/August
5. Who ... with? friends/alone
IV. What are some of the things you might be doing at these times:
7.30 tomorrow morning
6.15 tomorrow evening
10.25 next Saturday morning
11 o'clock in the morning on a warm day next summer
this time next year
V. Respond by using 'I don't know' + may/might/could.
Example: (...)'s grammar book isn't on her desk. Where is
it? Response-. I don't know. It may/might/could be in her book
bag.
1. (...) isn't in class today. Where is s/he? (/ don't know. S/he ...)
2. Where does (...) live? (I don't know. S/he ...)
3. What do you think I have in my briefcase/pocket/purse?
4. What kind of watch is (...) wearing?
5. I can't find my pen. Do you know where it is?
6. How old .do you think (someone famous) is?
7. What are you going to do tomorrow?
8. What's the weather going to be like tomorrow?
VI. Listen to the clues; then make guesses. Use could, may and might.
Example made of metal and you keep it in a pocket.
TEACHER: I'm thinking of something made of metal that you can find in my pocket. What could it be?
STUDENTS: It could be a pen. It could be some keys. It might be a paper clip. It may be a small pocket knife. It
could be a coin.
TEACHER: (...) was right. I was thinking of the keys in my pocket.
1. has wheels and a motor
2. is made of plastic and can be found in my purse/pocket
3. is brown, is made of leather, and is in this room
4. is flat and rectangular
5. is white, hard and in this room
6. is played with a ball on a large field
7. has (three) stories/storeys and is made of (brick)
8. has four legs and is found on a farm
9. is green and we can see it out of that window
10. is sweet and you can eat it
VII. Put in suitable forms which express uncertainty or possibility.
We make decisions all the time, but we ... never be certain whether we are right or wrong. The work you choose to
do ... be suitable for you or it ... not. The person you marry ...
be a perfect match or ... be the worst possible choice. Suppose you have saved money for the future. You ... invest it
wisely so that it grows in value or you ... lose the lot in a foolish moment. You think you have a healthy diet, but the
food you eat ... actually be very bad for you and ... be the cause of terrible illness. Perhaps you travel a lot by plane.
All the flights you make are routine, but one of them ... be your last. Decisions! Decisions! But we .don't learn from
experience. Experience is the quality that allows us to go on making the same mistakes with more confidence!
VIII. Replace may by might or can, as appropriate.
1. They may come with us, but I think they're too busy. 2. I know it rained yesterday and today, but it may be fine
tomorrow. 3. You may leave as soon as you have finished. 4. I know you don't like television but you may enjoy this
programme. 5. The snow is getting deeper. The trains may not be running. 6. The students may answer the questions
in any order they like. 7. Visitors to Britain may not work in the country without a permit. 8. Jamie may ask for a
sweet; if he does, he may have one. 9. My father says I may go to the party as long as I get home by midnight.
IX. Make up short dialogues.
[> The speakers are wondering what happened to certain things/people.
A: Perhaps she took it with her.
B: Well, she may have taken it away with her, I suppose.
Note This exercise can be done with might /could instead of may. Perhaps ...
1. he stole it.
2. she sold it.
3. you lost it.
4. she drank it.
5. he threw it away.
6. she left it at home.
7. he ate it.
8. they hid it in the attic.
9. he burnt it.
10. she tore it up.
11. they had an accident.
12. their car broke down.
13. he advised them not to 16. he was murdered. 17.
come. 14. he fell overboard. something delayed them. 18. he
15. they got lost. took the wrong drug.
(a) A: Perhaps he is working for Jones. B: Yes, he may be working for Jones.
(b) A: Perhaps he was working for Jones. B: He may have been working for Jones.
Note This exercise can be done with might/could.
(a) Perhaps ... (b) Perhaps ...
1. he is waiting for 1. he was waiting for someone. someone.
2. they are wondering what 2. they were wondering to do. what to do.
3. she is trying to confuse us. i.e. just as in (a),. but re-
4. they are window-shopping. placing IS/ARE by WAS/
5. she is expecting a letter WERE from us.
6. he is looking for another job.
7. they are working overtime.
8. he is listening at the keyhole.
9. they are watching television.
10. he is following us.
11. he is learning karate.
12. she is telling his fortune.
13. he is showing her the way.
14. she is doing exercises.
15. they are burying something.
16. he is taking drugs.
17. they are helping the police.
Ann and Bill are worried about a packet they are expecting from a not very efficient firm.
A: Perhaps they didn't treat this order as urgent.
B: Yes, it may/might not have been treated as urgent.
Perhaps they...
1. didn't deal with the order at once.
2. didn't post the packet promptly.
3. didn't mark it urgent.
4. didn't address it correctly.
5. didn't label it clearly.
6. didn't tie it up properly.
7. didn't send it by air.
8. didn't stamp it sufficiently.
9. didn't register it.
10. didn't insure it.
X. Here, Wilson is speaking to his secretary, Margaret Dobson.
Wilson: Can you type all these letters? I must have
them before 6. Margaret: Well, I may have typed them all by then. I
can't be sure.
Reply as Margaret did. Wilson says:
1. Finish all this work by this evening.
2. Do you think you can do it before 5?
3. Type this interview before noon.
4. Oh, and you must make all these-phone calls before I get back.
5. And book my tickets before lunch.
Wilson: My airline ticket still hasn't arrived. It was
sent five days ago. Margaret: Well, it may have got lost in the post.
What does she say if she thinks that perhaps:
1. the postman delivered it to the office downstairs
2. the airline sent it to the wrong person
3. the airline has forgotten to post it
4. it has come in this morning's post
5. she has put it on his desk
6. someone has taken it away by mistake
XI. Draw possible conclusions.
A: He was found wandering around the house at three in
the morning, (he/sleepwalk) B: He might have been sleepwalking.
1. I don't know who she was talking to for so long, (she/ phone/her boyfriend)
2. Why did you tell me to turn down the music? (the neighbours/try to sleep)
3. There was a strange sound outside the sitting room window
last night, (someone/try to break in)
4. I phoned her but her number was engaged, (she/try to phone you)
5. You weren't in when I called yesterday. (I/sit in the garden)
XII. Here is some advice that the travel agent gave Mr Wilson before he went to a foreign country. Complete it with
may/ might (not) + phrases from the list:
get ill stop have to pay a lot
ask be a lot of traffic have been washed
1. You'd better leave for the airport early — there______.
2. Don't drink water from the taps — you______.
3. Don't eat salad in restaurants — it ______.
4. You'd better take out medical insurance — you______
otherwise.
5. Mind how you cross the road when you're there — the traffic______even if the lights are red.
6. Take your passport everywhere with you — the police ______to see it.
XIII. Rewrite these sentences using may/might (not) or may/ might (not) have instead of perhaps, it's possible and
maybe. (Remember that the only difference between may and might is that might is weaker.)
1. Perhaps they have forgotten where we live.
2. It's possible they've lost our address.
3. There's a possibility that they didn't get our invitation.
4. Or maybe they thought it said Thursday, not Tuesday.
5. It's possible their car has broken down.
6. Perhaps they have been held up by a traffic jam in the centre.
7. Or maybe someone telephoned them when they were leaving.
XIV. Turn these 'certain' statements into 'possible/less than certain' statements.
1. He is at home now______. He may-might could be at
home now.
2. He will be at home tomorrow.____________________.
3. He was at home yesterday.______________________.
4. She leaves at nine.____________________________.
5. She will leave tomorrow._______________________.
6. She has left._________________________________.
7. She left last night.____________________________.
8. She will have left by nine.______________________.
9. He is working today.___________________________.
10. He will be working today._______________________.
11. He was working today._________________________.
12. He has been working all day .____________________.
XV. Write uncertain answers to these questions.
1. Where's Jim today? He may/might/could be at home.
2. Where was Jim yesterday?
3. Where will Jim be tomorrow?
4. What time does the train leave?
5. What time did the train leave last night?
6. What's Sue doing at the moment? - 7. What was Sue doing yesterday?
8. What will Sue be doing tomorrow?
9. What has Sue been doing this week?
10. What has John had for breakfast?
11. Where has Ann parked the car?
12. What did the car cost?
XVI. Now answer as В does here.
A: I drove very fast but I didn't have an accident. B: Yes, but you might have had an accident! That's why you
shouldn't have driven so fast!
1. I ran out into the street without looking and nothing
happened to me. 2.1 drank five bottles of whisky and I did not die afterwards.
3. I shouted at the boss but he did not sack me.
4. I didn't set the alarm clock and I didn't oversleep the next morning, either.
5. They built the house with very cheap materials and it didn't fall down.
6. I didn't lock my car last night but it wasn't stolen.
XVII. Imagine you are talking to someone who has written a book on the Titanic disaster.
A: The other ship didn't help. It just sailed away. B: In other words, the other ship could have helped but it didn't.
1. Some passengers didn't escape even though there was some room in the lifeboats.
2. They didn't even get into the boats.
3. The telegraph operator knew there were icebergs around. He didn't tell the captain.
4. The Titanic didn't avoid the iceberg even though it saw it in good time.
5. For some reason, the other ship didn't stop.
6. And so, all those people were never saved.
XVIII. Imagine you are an old man or woman. You are looking back at all the things you never did when you were
younger. You are sure you could have done all these things.
Example You never became rich.
You say. I could have become rich, but I didn't. What a pity.
Think of more things you might say. For example: you never learned Chinese, became a famous film star, travelled
round the world, etc.
XIX. Make up short dialogues.
A: I got there on Tuesday.
B: Couldn't you have got there before? (=Wouldn't this have been possible?)
1. I posted it on Tuesday.
2. They paid me on Tuesday.
3. She started on Tuesday.
4. He brought it back on Tuesday.
5. He sent in his application on Tuesday.
6. I phoned him on Tuesday.
7. They moved out on Tuesday.
8. We left on Tuesday.
9. She wrote on Tuesday.
10. He applied on Tuesday.
11. He booked the tickets on Tuesday.
12. They reported it to the police on Tuesday.
13. We re-addressed the letters on Tuesday.
14. I got back on Tuesday.
15. I made the arrangements on Tuesday.
16. I cancelled the tickets on Tuesday.
17. I answered his letter on Tuesday.
18. I gave her the message on Tuesday.
19. We invited him on Tuesday.
20. I told them about it on Tuesday.
XX. Complete the following sentences in an appropriate way, using either might or could + an infinitive (present or
past).
1. If I don't have too much work tonight, I______.
2. My car's being repaired at the moment. Sorry. If I had it, I______.
3. If I earned more money I______.
4. Four people died in a fire at their home. If they had had a smoke detector, they______.
5. If you were more understanding of other people,______.
6. If it's a nice day on Sunday, we______.
7. I've got terrible toothache. If the dentist decides I've got a bad tooth,______.
8. The ship had no life boats, and twenty-five people drowned. If______.
9. I started writing poetry after I'd met a famous poet at a cocktail party. He encouraged me to start. If______.
10. It's a lovely day, and the sea's beautifully warm. What a pity we didn't bring our swimming costumes! If______.
XXI. Write may, might, or could with an appropriate infinitive (present or past, simple or continuous) in each gap.
Often all three are possible, but pay attention to the form of the infinitive.
1.1 wonder why Alan didn't buy me anything for my birthday. I suppose he ... (forget). Or he ... (think) that now I'm
getting on, I don't like to be reminded of my advancing years. On the other hand, he can't have forgotten! He ...
(give) me a present this evening when I see him. Oh no! He ... (plan) a surprise party, as he did last year. What a
disaster that was! I hope he isn't doing it again!
2. Every time I phone Jane, it's engaged. It's very annoying. I suppose she ... (try) to phone me while I'm phoning
her. I'll wait a while.
3. I can't help worrying when Jack is late back home. I always think that he ... (have) an accident, and that he ... (lie)
on the side of the road with ambulances and police cars all about him. I know it's irrational. Wait a minute! It's
Tuesday today, isn't it? He works late some Tuesdays. He ... (not leave) the office yet, I'll give him a ring.
4. I wonder why Helen has got all these books on Greece from the library. I suppose she ... (think) of going there on
holiday. On the other hand, she ... (not get) them out
for herself. They ... (be) for Henry. He ... (write) a project on Greece for his geography course.
XXII. Translate from Russian into English.
1. Где Том? — Он, возможно, в библиотеке. 2. Интересно, почему нет Билла. — Возможно, он все еще ждет
автобус. 3. Вы думаете самолет прибудет вовремя? — Не знаю. Он может опоздать из-за тумана. 4.
Возможно, он не сам ведет машину. 5. Интересно, откуда Том узнал о помолвке Энн. — Возможно, он
слышал это от Джона. 6. Возможно, он эмигрирует. 7. Уже пять часов. Собрание могло уже закончиться;
подождем немного, он может скоро прийти. 8. Может быть, он и видел ее на концерте, но он мог и
ошибиться. Он ведь очень близорук. 9. Он, может быть, и заходил ко мне вчера, но меня не было дома. 10.
Возможно, она не получила нашу телеграмму. 11. Я подумал, что если его часы были там, то и деньги могли
оказаться там же. 12. Возможно, телевизор уже починили, и мы сможем посмотреть этот фильм. 13.
Возможно, я не смогу пойти сегодня на концерт. 14. Виктора и Хелен нет дома. Они, возможно, в пабе. 15. К
вечеру может пойти дождь. 16. Их, возможно, не было вчера в городе. 17. Возможно, я слушала музыку. Я
не слышала, как звонит телефон. 18. Он, может быть, не заметил тебя, поэтому и прошел, не поздоровав-
шись. 19. Может быть, ее обидел твой тон. Ты должен быть тактичнее. 20. Не возвращайте пока книгу в
библиотеку; она может вам понадобиться для доклада. 21. Ее не было на вечере. Возможно, ее не
пригласили. 22. Почему его нет? — Возможно, он не знает, как добраться сюда. 23. Она боялась, что могла
забыть выключить утюг перед уходом. 24. Возможно, они еще не приехали. 25. Возможно, он не поверит
вам. 26. Он сказал, что он, возможно, возьмет напрокат автомобиль. 27. Я знал, что нам, возможно, придется
ждать на границе. 28. Возможно, Том одолжит мне деньги. 29. Вы думаете, он не сможет расплатиться? 30.
Они, возможно, работают над этой же проблемой. 31. Хорошая новость! Мне, возможно, вскоре предложат
работу. У меня вчера было собеседование в одной инженерной фирме.
give her a ring next week. Perhaps she'd like to
have lunch with me one day. Clare: I'm sure she'd love to, Mum, but she might not be
here. I think she's going to Ireland next week. Ann: Goodness! When is she going back to Australia? Clare: I'm not
sure. She may try to get a job here in
England for a while. Ann: Good. Oh, just look at that sky! I think we're going
to have a lovely autumn.
A. In pairs, say why you should take certain things on a walking trip.
A: Shall I take a sweater? B: Yes, you might get cold.
1. a sweater 4. a pair of binoculars
2. a compass 5. a camera
3. a bar of chocolate 6. some matches
get lost get hungry need to light a fire
want to do some birdwatching
want to take some photos get cold
B. In pairs, ask and answer questions about possible future events.
A: Where do you think you'll go for your next holiday? B: I think I might go to Thailand.
1. What are you going to do at the weekend?
2. What are you going to do about your English studies after this course?
3. What's the next article of clothing you are going to buy?
4. What's the next film you are going to see?
5. What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow?
6. Pierre: Where are you and Simon going to go for your
vacation?
Lucy: We haven't decided yet. We might go to Paris, or we might go to Madrid.
Pierre: Oh, that's nice. Paris is an interesting city. It's beautiful. I was there a couple of years ago. Of course, Madrid
is very nice, too.
Lynn: Have you ever been to France?
Lucy: No, I haven't. My family was from Spain originally so I've travelled in Spain and Portugal, but I've never
gone to France.
Pierre: Has your husband ever been there?
Lucy: No. Simon's never been there either.
Pierre: Well, Paris might be a nice place for a vacation. It's very romantic!
Lucy: Yeah, but it may be expensive. I have to check with my travel agent.
Lynn: What's the weather like this time of the year?
Lucy: I don't know. It may not be very nice. I have to check that, too. Madrid might be warmer.
A. Read the statements about Lucy and Simon. Work in groups and make comments about each statement with might
(not) or may (not).
Simon and Lucy aren't going to take many suitcases on their vacation.
A: They might not like carrying a lot of things. B: They may prefer travelling light. C: They may not need a lot of
clothes.
1. Lucy and Simon don't want to spend a lot of money for their plane tickets.
2. Simon isn't interested in going to a beach.
3. Lucy isn't interested in going to the country.
4. They want to go to a big city.
5. They're worried about going to Paris.
6. They can't go on a long vacation. They're going for only a week.
7. A: You know, we're studying dinosaurs in science class.
It's really interesting.
B: Oh, yeah? Hey, have you learned why the dinosaurs disappeared?
A: Well, no one knows for sure.
B: I thought it had something to do with the climate. The
temperature might have gotten cooler and killed them
off. A: Yeah, that's one theory, another idea is that they may
have run out of food. B: Uh-huh. And you know, there's even a theory that
they could have been destroyed by aliens from outer
space. A: That sounds crazy to me!
A. You have arranged to meet a friend in front of a coffee shop at 4 o'clock. It is 4.15. You are there but your friend
is not. Why? Think of possible explanations with may have..., might have, or could have. For example: perhaps he
forgot about it, or has had an accident, or his car has broken down, etc.
8. George didn't come to his English class yesterday evening, and all the students in the class are wondering why.
Natasha thinks he might have gotten sick. Henry thinks he might have had a doctor's appointment. Mr and Mrs
Ramirez think that one of George's children may have been sick. Nicole thinks he may have had to work overtime.
Mr and Mrs Sato think he might have gone to the airport to meet his relatives who are arriving from overseas. And
Maria thinks he may have decided to study in another school.
All the students are curious about why George didn't come to English class yesterday evening ... and they're a little
concerned.
A. Tell a story using this model as a guide.
Our English teacher didn't come to class today, and all the students are wondering why.
______thinks______.
______thinks______.
And I think______.
We're all curious why our English teacher didn't come to class today ... and we're a little concerned.
§10. Deduction (certainty): must, can't
Must, can t
We use must in deductions to say that we are sure (certain) about something.
It's not very warm and you're not wearing a coat. You must be cold. (= I am sure that you are cold.)
Mrs Woods must know London very well. She has lived there all her life. (=1 am sure that she knows London very
well.)
We use can't (not mustn't) as the negative of must in this meaning. We use can't in deductions to say that something
is impossible.
Peter was here a moment ago, so he can't be
far away. (= It is impossible that he is far
away.)
Annie can't be asleep. There's a light on in
her bedroom. (= It is impossible that she is
asleep.)
Note the form: must/can't + be + ... -ing.
You've been working hard all day. You must be feeling tired. (= I am sure that you are feeling tired.)
Simon has bought two tickets for the concert, so he can't he going on his own. (=It is impossible that he is going on
his own.)
We also use can in questions about possibility.
'Can this be Mr Darcy?' thought she.
The telephone is ringing. Who can that be?
Sally is late. Where can she be?
Must have ... and can't have ...
We use must/can't + have + past participle for deductions about the past.
Those shoes you bought are very nice. They must have been expensive. (= I am sure that they were expensive.)
You can't have been at the swimming pool yesterday! The swimming pool was closed all day yesterday! (= It is
impossible that you were at the swimming pool!)
We can use couldn't have ... instead of can't have ... here.
You couldn't have been at the swimming pool yesterday! The swimming pool was closed all day yesterday!
We use can have ... and could have in questions about past possibility.
Where can they have gone?
Sally is very late. What could have happened
to her?
Could the bank have made a mistake?
Note].-Must is not used to express deductions with reference to the future. Instead of the modal verb the adverbs
probably, evidently and the word combinations be likely (unlikely), be sure are used.
He will probably feel lonely. Он, вероятно, будет чувствовать
Evidently the weather will себя одиноко. Очевидно, погода
change tomorrow. The weather завтра изменится. Вероятно
is likely (unlikely) to change (навряд ли), погода скоро
soon. He is sure to win a изменится. Он обязательно
scholarship. получит стипендию.
Note 2: Must is not used to express deductions in negative sentences. There are several ways of expressing the
negative meaning of probability in such sentences: by negative affixes, or negative pronouns or lexically.
You must have misunder- Ты, должно быть, не понял
stood me. меня.
You must have been inat- Ты, должно быть, был невни-
tentive. мателен.
She must have failed to recog- Должно быть, она тебя не
nize you. узнала.
He must have had no chance Вероятно, у него не было
возмож-
to warn you. ности предупредить тебя.
The letter must have never Письмо, должно быть, не
reached them. дошло до них.
The letter must have been Должно быть, письмо оставили
left unanswered. без ответа.
No one must have seen him Должно быть, никто не видел
there. его там.
Evidently he didn't notice Очевидно, он не заметил меня.
me.
Probably he didn't catch Вероятно, он не успел на
the night train to town. вечерний поезд в город.
Note3: The Russian negative sentences of the type — неужели он не ... не может быть, чтобы он не ... can be
translated into English in different ways:
Неужели вы не видели его? Haven't you seen him? Can you
Неужели тебе не нравится have failed to see him? Don't you
футбол? Не может быть, like football? Can you dislike
чтобы он не знал об этом. football? He can't be unaware of it.
Неужели он не понял меня? Didn't he understand me? He can't
have misunderstood me. Can he
have failed to understand me?
FOCUS
Drawing definite conclusions Drawing possible conclusions
Illustrative Situations
1. John: Where do you live?
Rita: In Elm Street — at number 6.
John: Really! That must be next door to my friend
Malcolm.
Rita: Oh, I don't think I know him. John: You must know him! He's a fanatical runner. You
must have seen him running round your area in
all weathers. Rita: Oh! You must mean the man with the red bicycle!
Yes, I've seen him but I didn't know he was a
friend of yours.
2. Gary must have been daydreaming while he was driving to work yesterday. He drove through a red light at the
busiest intersection in town. Fortunately, he didn't hit anybody. Gary was pretty lucky. He could have caused a
terrible accident.
3. Man: What on earth could that be?
Woman: It's that couple upstairs. They must be having
another argument. Man: An argument? They must be having a battle.
4. Nick: Jenny, look at this letter. It says 'For the young
Bells. Open with care.' The handwriting is so strange. I don't recognize it.
Jenny: Let me have a look. It's so untidy that I can hardly read it.
Nick: Well, it must be for us. It can't be for Mum and
Dad. Their names aren't on the envelope. Jenny: And it can't be a bill. I bet it's from Uncle Joe.
He's such a joker. Let's open it. Nick: It is from Uncle Joe. He's sent us tickets for a.
helicopter flight over London! He always has
such great ideas.
5. Only an hour ago the director of a large firm was found dead in his office with a bullet in his head. The police
have established that he was murdered at 2.35. They are questioning his secretary now. 'I was in the canteen having
lunch at that time,' she has just said. The office manager is listening. 'She can't be telling the truth,' he tells one of the
detectives. 'The canteen was closed at 2.35.'
6. Someone ran into the tree in front of our house. I wonder who did it.
It could have been Sue; she has a car, and she was out driving last night.
• It couldn't have been Jane; she doesn't have a car, and she doesn't know how to drive.
It must have been Ann; she was out driving last night, and today her car has a big dent ( вмятина) in front.
Activities
/. From the given information, make your'best guess' by using must.
Example: Alice always gets the best grades in the class.
Why? Response She must study hard./She must be intelligent.
1. (...) is yawning. Why?
2. (...) is sneezing and coughing. Why?
3. (...) is wearing a wedding ring. Why?
4. (...) is going to get married in five minutes. His/her hands are shaking. Why?
5. (...) has already had two glasses of water, but now he/ she wants another. Why?
6. (...) is smiling. Why?
7. (...) is crying. Why?
8. There is a restaurant in town ( в центре города) that is always packed (full). Why?
9. Every night there is a long line of people waiting to get into (a particular movie). I wonder why.
10. Don't look at your watch. What time is it?
11. Make sentences with must do or must be doing for these situations.
1. A man's breath always smells of whisky. He is sitting in the office now.
2. You have just come into a room. Cigarette smoke is hanging over your young son's head. His hands are behind
his back.
3. You hear a strange language behind you. Two Chinese are there and you hear the words 'Mao Tse Tung' several
times.
4. You can hear a typewriter upstairs. You know a writer lives there.
5. In his library he has books in six different languages.
6. The only kinds of bottles in his dustbin are always empty champagne bottles.
7. A priest is walking down the road. There is a small book in his hands and his lips are moving.
8. You go to bed rather late every evening, but when you do there is always a light on in the man's house across
the street.
9. You can see the man now. It is midnight and he is just turning that light off!
10. The beautiful woman in the airport lounge is holding a Pan Am ticket to Los Angeles.
11. Max is asleep but his lips are moving and you can hear a few words.
12. You mentioned the President's name. The man you were talking to called him by his first name.
13. The man in the bus is wearing blue overalls with the word 'Ford' on them.
14. The girl on the beach has her ear next to the radio.
15. Tom knows all about French politics and there are lots of French newspapers in his room.
III. Rewrite the second sentence in each pair below, using 'must've'. You may have to change the person, as in
example a).
Examples: a) It rained during the whole holiday. We felt fed up.
b) I almost fell asleep during the film. It was very boring.
Answers: a) You must've felt fed up.
b) It must've been very boring.
1. My wife and I had a meal in the best restaurant in town. It cost a lot. 2. The computer at the office broke down
yesterday. Everything went wrong. 3.1 worked overtime every evening last week. It made me feel very tired. 4.
Look, there's a crowd outside the bank. There was a robbery. 5. I've phoned him twice but there's no reply. He's
gone out. 6. Peter bought a new car last week. He was given a pay rise. 7. Susan failed her exam. I can't believe it.
She misread a question. 8. Did you hear? Mike's wife's gone off to Australia. She was glad to get away from the
cold weather.
IV. Martin and Simon have just come back to their house after a weekend. Martin notices various changes; Simon
thinks these must be the result of actions by Peter, who shares the house with them.
A: The door's open!
B: Peter must have left it open.
1. My torch isn't here! (borrow)
2. The plates are all clean! (wash up)
3. What are all these books doing here? (leave)
4. The teapot is in pieces! (drop)
5. How shiny the furniture looks! (polish)
6. The steps are unusually clean! (sweep)
7. There are some sandwiches on the kitchen table! (make)
8. There are no biscuits left! (eat)
9. And there's no whisky left! (drink)
10. The car is in a terrible state! (drive into a wall)
11. The clock is going again! (wind)
12. The bath's overflowing! (leave the tap on)
V. Complete the dialogues. Use an appropriate form of must with the verbs in parentheses.
1. A: Paula fell asleep in class this morning. B: She (stay up) ... too late last night.
2. A: George had to give a speech in front of 500 people. B: Whew! That's 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 I'm sure we've been here for at least an hour. So it (be) ... around eight o'clock.
4. A: My favourite magazine doesn't come in the mail any mo-
re. I wonder why. B: Did your subscription run out? A: That's probably the problem. I (forget) ... to renew it.
5. A: Where's Dorothy? I've been looking all over for her. B: I saw her about ten minutes ago in the living room.
Have you looked there? A: Yes, I've looked everywhere. She (leave)... .
6. A: Listen. Do you hear a noise downstairs? B: No, I don't hear a thing.
A: You don't? Then something (be) ... wrong with your hearing.
7. A: You have a black eye! What happened? B: I walked into a door.
A: Ouch! That (hurt) .... B: It did.
8. 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.
9. A: I grew up in a small town. B: That (be) ... dull.
A: It wasn't at all. You can't imagine the fun we had.
10. A: Why are you here so early?
B: Sam told me that the party started at seven o'clock. A: No, it doesn't start until eight o'clock. You (misunderstand)
....
11. A: I have passed the exams successfully. B: You (work) ... hard.
A: Yes, and I have deserved a good rest.
VI. Translate from Russian into English.
1. У него дом в Лондоне и еще один дом в Париже, он, по всей вероятности, богат. 2. Я все время встречаю
его в автобусе. Он, вероятно, живет где-то рядом. 3. Он, вероятно, принял снотворное вчера ночью. Он
проснулся только к ленчу, 4. Какой взрыв? Я ничего не слышал. — Вы _ должны были слышать! Весь город
слышал это. 5. Я ждал под часами! — Я тоже, но я не видел тебя! Очевидно, мы ждали под разными часами.
6. Сверху доносится сильный шум. Должно быть, это Том. — Почему обязательно Том? И другие люди
пользуются той квартирой. 7. Ты ничего не ел с самого утра. Ты, наверное, проголодался. 8. Джон женился!
— Ты, должно быть, шутишь! 9. Ты, должно быть, устал после дороги. 10. Я слышал , что у тебя экзамены
на следующей неделе. Ты, должно быть, много занимаешься сейчас. 11. Телефон звонил, но я не слышал
его. Я, вероятно, спал. 12. Я наделал много шуму, когда вернулся домой. Ты, наверное, слышал меня. 13. Я
давно не вижу Джима. Он, скорее всего, уехал. 14. Когда я проснулся сегодня утром, горел свет. Я,
вероятно, забыл его выключить. 15. Она все знала о наших планах. Она, должно быть, подслушала наш
разговор. 16. Письмо, наверное, доставили утром. 17. Посмотрите, на столе что-то лежит. Он, должно быть,
оставил вам записку. 18. Должно быть, ей сейчас около двадцати пяти лет. Она училась в школе вместе с
моей сестрой. 19. Эта статья, вероятно, была напи-
сана пять лет назад. 20. Я не видел Джима, но знал, что он, вероятно, ждет меня где-то здесь. 21. Какой
прекрасный телевизор! Должно быть, он дорого стоил. 22. Интересно, кто взял деньги. — Скорее всего, Том.
Кроме него там никого не было. 23. Я подождал с полчаса, и когда я уже думал, что что-то, должно быть,
случилось с Китти, она приехала на такси.
VII. Study how negation is expressed in the following sentences, translate them into Russian.
I. Nobody must have noticed him leave. 2. He must have left the door unlocked on purpose. 3. He thought that he
must have taken the wrong train, because the names of the stations they were passing seemed unfamiliar. 4. The
news must have never reached him. He never says a word about it. 5. He must have failed to see his mistake, for he
didn't stop to correct it. 6. He must have refused the offer. 7. He seems to be a very quiet child. He must have given
you no trouble at all. 8. They must have been unwilling to leave so early. 9. They treated our offer with suspicion.
They must have misunderstood our intentions. 10. Such a possibility must have never occurred to him. 11. He
must have failed to prove his point.
12. They must have missed the train. They had left too late.
13. He must have left the letter unanswered. 14. He must be quite unaware of his clumsiness. 15. What a pity I
could not say good-bye to them, but they must have had no chance to warn me about their departure.
VIII. Change the following sentences making them opposite in meaning. (See Exercise VII.)
1. Everybody must have noticed that he was not used to speaking in public. 2. He must have written to them of his
arrival in due time. 3. She must have bolted the door forgetting that I was to come later. 4. He must have a good
chance of winning, he is in good form. 5. The man must have understood me, for he nodded his head. 6. She must
have been quite conscious of having made a mistake. 7. They
must have given us the correct information about the road. I can see all the landmarks they have spoken of. 8. The
telegram must have certainly come in time. 9. She must have been very careful. She did not spill a drop of milk. 10.
He must have done something about it. I see some changes in the design. 11. The dog must have recognized his
master. It did not bark as we approached the house. 12. He must have been very experienced in sailing navigation.
13. He must have kept his promise. 14. They must have caught the train. 15. She must be very patient with children,
they like her. 16. The student must have given the right answer. The teacher was pleased.
IX. Remembering that must in the meaning of probability is not used with reference to the future or in the negative
form, find a suitable way of translating the following sentences into English.
A. 1. По-видимому, студенты не знали, что расписание изменилось. Их никто не предупредил. 2. Он
удивился, когда узнал об этом. Очевидно, он ничего не слышал об этом раньше. 3. Должно быть, вы были
несправедливы к нему. 4. Он, должно быть, не сумел уговорить ее поехать с нами. 5. У него, очевидно, пока
просто не нашлось времени для вас. 6. Они, наверное, не встретили его на станции. 7. Он, должно быть, не
узнал меня и поэтому не подошел ко мне. 8. Вы, наверно, и не пытались это сделать, иначе вы бы не
говорили, что это легко. 9, Иностранец, очевидно, неправильно произнес название этого кушанья, и
официант принес ему совсем другое. 10. Вы, должно быть, давно там не были. 11. Ей, должно быть, ничего
об этом не сказали. 12. По всей вероятности, они не попали на поезд, так как вышли из дому слишком
поздно. 13. Он, наверно, так и не догадался, почему мы смеялись. 14. Ты, наверно, положил ключ не на то
место, и я не смог войти в дом. 15. Их, очевидно, неправильно информировали. Они должны были прийти
сегодня. 16. Очевидно, у него не было возможности поговорить с ней раньше. 17. Не надо на него сердиться.
Он, по всей вероятности, не хотел обидеть
вас. 18. Дома, наверное, нет никого сейчас. 19. Очевидно, она не осознает свою ошибку.
Б. 1. Вероятно, дождя завтра не будет. 2. Очевидно, меня пошлют в командировку. 3. Он наверняка сдаст
экзамен. 4. Вероятно, он не будет ждать ее приезда. 5. Он вряд ли закончит работу к пятнице. 6. Она
обязательно поможет тебе. 7. Вероятно, директор не примет ее завтра. 8. Вряд ли она возьмет ребенка с
собой. 9. Очевидно, она не придет. 10. Очевидно, сегодня будет дождь. 11. Вряд ли наша команда выиграет
матч. 12. Навряд ли я увижусь с Мэри. Меня, вероятно, не будет в Минске в это время. 13. Могу я
поговорить с вами завтра утром? — Я, наверное, буду занят утром. 14. Он, вероятно, попытается достать
билеты на игру за кубок.
X. Give possible reasons for Speaker B's conclusions.
1. A: Someone is knocking at the door. It might be Mary. B: It couldn't be Mary. (Reason? Mary is in
Moscow./Mary
went to a movie tonight.)
2. A: Someone left this wool hat here. I think it belongs to
Alex. B: It couldn't belong to him. (Reason?)
3. A: Someone told me that Fred is in Norway.
B: That can't be right. He couldn't be in Norway. (Reason?)
4. A: Look at that big bird. Is it an eagle? B: It couldn't be an eagle. (Reason?)
5. A: Someone told me that Jane quit school.
B: You're kidding! That can't be true. (Reason?)
XI. Answer the questions in A using1 must or can't, give a reason from B.
Example 1. They can't be Greek. They're speaking Italian.
A B
1. Are they Greek? It's very cold in here.
2. Is he ill? 3. Is the heating He's too young. She's just passed her
on? 4. Are they asleep? 5. driving test. They're speaking Italian.
Is she happy? 6. Is he a Their bedroom lights are off. She's only
doctor? 7. Is Jane married? fifteen. He's got a high temperature.
Surely you could have ... , No, I couldn't because ... ! I could
couldn't you? Couldn't you have have, but ... !
... ?
Use all four constructions, and the items above, to complete the dialogue:
1. Couldn't you have a got lift? — I could have but nobody stopped.
2. Surely_________________________________________
3. Couldn't_______________________________________
4. Surely_________________________________________
III. Make sentences from the table to go with these ideas.
Example: You may as well switch off the TV. Nobody is watching it.
1____. It's not very far.
2___. I'm too ill to go on holiday.
3___. It isn't going to stop raining.
4___. No one wants any more to eat.
5___. There's a chance I'll get it.
You may as well switch off We might to the station, the table, the
as well stay We may as well walk I hotel bookings, the TV. at
might as well apply You might as home today, for the job.
well cancel I might as well clear
VI. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Use
between two and five words.
1. I think you should give up smoking immediately. had
I think you had better give up smoking immediately.
2. I expect we will get there by 5.00, if there isn't too much traffic.
should
We.................... 5.00, if there isn't too much traffic.
3. Is it necessary for me to bring my passport? have
Do.........................................to bring my passport?
4. I am sure that the cat is in the house somewhere. be
The cat.............................. in the house somewhere.
5. An aerial is not required with this radio. have
You don't...........................an aerial with this radio.
6. It is very inconvenient if you can't drive. to
It's very inconvenient if................................. drive.
7. I am sure that John is not the thief. be
John ....................................................... the thief.
8. All students should report to the main hall at 9.00. are
All students.........................to the main hall at 9.00.
9. I thought that you would know better! ought You ............................................................ better!
VIII. Complete each sentence so that it contains might, might not, must, mustn't, can or can't. More than one answer
may be possible.
1. Don't stand up in the boat! You ... fall in the river!
2. She says she's stuck in the traffic and she ... be late.
3. You really ... start spending more time on your work.
4. Tell Peter he ... stay the night here if he wants to.
5. That's a really stupid idea! You ... be serious, surely!
6. You ... realise it, but this is very important to me.
7. Don't be silly. You ... expect me to believe you!
8. We're not sure but we ... go to Prague for Christmas this year.
9. Me learn to fly! You ... be joking!
10. Bill cooked the lunch, so you ... expect anything special!
IX. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains can, could, must, have to or should (including negative forms).
1. I'm sure that Helen feels really lonely.
2. You're not allowed to park here.
3. It would be a good idea if Harry took a holiday.
4. I'm sure that Brenda isn't over thirty.
5. Do I need a different driving licence for a motorbike?
6. What would you advise me to do?
7. Mary knows how to stand on her head.
8. You needn't come with me if you don't want to.
9. It's possible for anyone to break into this house!
10. The dentist will see you soon. I don't think he'll be long.
11. I'm sure it isn't the way to Norwich.
12. This climb is possibly dangerous.
13. I expect this beach will be deserted.
14. Arthur is sometimes really irritating!
15. How about going to the theatre instead?
X. Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase.
1. It's odd that you ... know Wendy too!
2. You ... better not take any more medicine now.
3. All students ... report to the registrar's office on arrival.
4. How about going to the lake? We ... take a cold lunch with us.
5. I'm not sure about my application. ... I send two copies or three?
6. ... that really be Paula's husband? He looks so young.
7. This ... be the place I suppose, but it doesn't look like it.
8. Both the clocks say 4.30, so that ... be the time.
9. What about this meat? ... I roast it or stew it?
10. Harry studies a lot. He ... know the answers.
11. Oh well, things ... much worse I suppose.
12. It's no use waiting here. We ... well start walking.
13. Jack refuses. He says it's wrong and he ... do it.
14. Cairo ... be quite cold in winter.
15. Rule 6. No member ... enter the bar area wearing sports kit.
16. Quite honestly, you might as ... not bother.
XI. Choose the most suitable response to each comment or question.
a) A. What did I do wrong?
B. 1) You shouldn't have connected these two wires. 2) You didn't have to connect these two wires.
b) A. Why is the dog barking?
B. I) It should have heard something. 2) It must have heard something.
c) A. Why are you home so early?
B. I) I needn't have worked this afternoon. 2) I didn't have to work this afternoon.
d) A. Why did you worry about me? I didn't take any risks. B. I) You must have been injured.
2) You could have been injured.
e) A. You forgot my birthday again!
B. 1) Sorry, I should have looked in my diary. 2) Sorry, I had to look in my diary.
f) A. We had a terrible crossing on the boat in a storm. B. 1) That didn't have to be very pleasant!
2) That can't have been very pleasant!
g) A. Where were you yesterday? You didn't turn up! B. 1) I had to go to London.
2) I must have gone to London, h) A. What do you think about the election? B. I) The Freedom Party had to win.
2) The Freedom Party should have won. i) A. There's a lot of food left over from the party, isn't
there?
B. 1) Yes, you couldn't have made so many sandwiches. 2) Yes, you needn't have made so many sandwiches, j) A.
What do you think has happened to Tony? B. 1) I don't know, he should have got lost. 2) I don't know, he might
have got lost.
XII. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do
not change the word given. You must use between two and five words.
1. It wasn't necessary for me to go out after all. have
I needn't have gone out after all.
2. There was a plan for Jack to become manager, but he left.
was
Jack......................................manager, but he left.
3. It was a mistake for you to buy that car. bought
You........................................................that car.
4. I don't think Sally enjoyed her holiday. have
Sally.......................................enjoyed her holiday.
5. It's possible that Bill saw me. may
Bill................................................................me.
6. I'm sure that Karen was a beautiful baby. been
Karen......................................... a beautiful baby.
7. Perhaps Alan didn't mean what he said. meant
Alan..................................................what he said.
8. It's possible that I left my wallet at home. ; could
I..............................................my wallet at home.
9. I think you were wrong to sell your bike. shouldn't
You..............................................................bike.
10. You must be thirsty, so can I offer you some tea? like
You must be thirsty, so................................... tea?
11. If I were you, I wouldn't buy a dog. should
I don't think............................................... a dog.
12. I'm sure that Jack hasn't left home yet. have
Jack.......................................................home yet.
13. I suppose that this is Trafalgar Square.
be
This............................................Trafalgar Square.
14. Perhaps Jean's plane was delayed. been
Jean's plane..............................................delayed.
15. It was unnecessary for you to come early today. have
You............................................come early today.
16. Tony is supposed to be here by now. been
Tony................................................. here by now.
17. Perhaps this is the answer. be
This....................................................the answer.
XV. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in capitals, and so that the meaning stays the same.
1. It wasn't very nice of you not to invite me to MIGHT your party.
2. Thank you very much for buying me flowers! SHOULDN'T
3. It wouldn't have been right to let you do all COULDN'T the work on your own.
4. I don't believe that you have lost your keys CAN'T again!
5. Mary was a talented violinist at the age of ten. PLAY
6. Perhaps they didn't notice the tire was flat. MIGHT
7. The results are expected tomorrow. KNOW
8. They escaped possible injury when the car HAVE crashed.
9. A visa wasn't necessary after all. NEED
XVI. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains can't, might, must, should or needn't.
1. I'm sure that David took your books by mistake.
2. It was a mistake to park outside the police station.
3. It was unnecessary for you to clean the floor.
4. I'm sure that Liz hasn't met Harry before.
5. I'm sure they haven't eaten all the food. It's not possible!
6. Jack is supposed to have arrived an hour ago.
7. Perhaps Pam and Tim decided not to come.
8. I think it was the cat that took the fish from the table!
9. It was a waste of time worrying, after all!
10. It's impossible that we stayed at the same hotel, in that case.
11. It's not necessary for you to wear a uniform.
12. I wouldn't wake her up if I were you.
XVII. Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase.
1. Don't worry that Carol is late, she ... missed the train.
2. I begged David to accept some money, but he ... hear of it.
3. That was a lucky escape! You ... been killed!
4. It was supposed to be a secret! You ... told her!
5. I spent last week at the beach because I didn't ... go to school.
6. The plane is late. It ... landed by now.
7. You ... met my brother. I haven't got one!
8. There is only one solution. The butler ... done it.
9. So it was you who set off the fire alarm for a joke! I ... known!
10. Pay attention to what Martin said. He ... serious.
11. Fancy accepting the job like that! You ... asked me first!
12. The test was no problem at all. It ... easier in fact!
13. I'm sure Jack didn't mean to ignore you. He ... noticed you.
14. Hello, I'm home early. I ... late at the office after all.
15. The meat is a bit burnt. You ... cooked it for so long. I did tell you!
16. There were plenty of tickets left for the concert. We ... them in advance.
17. Sally got home at four this morning. The party ... really good!
18. This homework is not as good as usual. I think you ... more time on it.
19. A child ... given everything he or she wants.
20. You ... here when Helen told the boss not to be so lazy!
21. Peter wasn't here then, so he ... broken your vase.
22. If you felt lonely, you ... given me a ring.
23. It's been more than a week. You ... have some news by now!
24. You really ... have gone to so much trouble!
25. I ... have thought that it was rather difficult.
26. You should have seen Jim's face! He ... happier!
27. I'm sorry. I suppose ... been a bit rude.
28. Surely it ... been Ann who told you.
29. You really .... so much trouble over me.
30. One thing is for sure, someone ... known about it.
31. Was it really necessary? You ... to tell the police, you know.
32. They ... saved her from the fire, but the ladder didn't reach her window.
33. Keep your fingers crossed. The traffic warden ... noticed
the car is parked on double yellow lines!
34. It's funny ... bought exactly the same dress as me!
XVIII. Correct any errors in these sentences.
1. You mustn't have forgotten already! (error: can't have forgotten)
2. Paul shouldn't have been more helpful if he had tried.
3. Frank might not have understood what you said.
4. It was funny that she should have remembered me.
5. Harry may have won the match with a bit more effort.
6. You must have told me you had already eaten.
7. Fortunately I needn't have gone to the bank in person.
8. You mustn't have been so unkind!
9. I couldn't have managed without you.
10. I have no idea who it was, but I suppose it would have been Ann.
XIX. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains a modal verb and so that the meaning stays the same.
1. The police refused to do anything about my noisy neighbours.
2. Why didn't you back me up!
3. Our worrying so much was a waste of time.
4. It's just not possible for the cat to have opened the fridge!
5. George knew how to ride a bicycle when he was five.
6. I wanted to go to the party, but it was snowing hard.
7. It would have been possible for Helen to give us a lift.
8. It's possible that the last person to leave didn't lock the door.
9. School uniform wasn't compulsory at my school.-
10. It's possible that they didn't notice us.
XX. Choose the correct completion.
1. Dick painted his bedroom black. It looks dark and dreary. He____a different colour.
A. had to choose B. should have chosen
C. must have chosen D. could have been choosing
2. Tom is sitting at his desk. He's reading his chemistry text because he has a test tomorrow. He____.
A. could study B. should be studying
C. will study D. must be studying
3. When Mr Lee was younger, he____work in the garden
for hours, but now he has to take frequent rests because he has emphysema.
A. has got to B. can
C. should be able to D. could
4. Whenever my parents went out in the evening, I____the
job of taking care of my younger brother.
A. would get B. should get
C. must have gotten D. had better get
5. Yesterday I ____to a furniture store. I bought a new
lamp there.
A. could go B. went
C. could have gone D. ought to have gone
6. Jimmy and Maria were naughty children. They___tricks
on their teachers, which always got them into a lot of trouble.
A. could play B. used to play
C. could have played D. may have played
7. Robert has a new car. He___it for a very good price.
He paid 30 percent less than the regular retail cost.
A. could buy B. had to buy
C. was supposed to buy D. was able to buy
8. 'Why are you so sure that Ann didn't commit the crime she's been accused of committing?'
'She___that crime because I was with her, and we were
out of town on that day.'
A. may not have B. wasn't supposed to
committed commit
C. committed D. couldn't have committed
9. 'Since we have to be there in a hurry, we___take a
taxi.' 'I agree.'
A. had better B. may
C. have been used to D. are able to
10. 'It___rain this evening. Why don't you take an umbrella?'
'That's a good idea. May I borrow yours?'
A. had better B. could be
C. must D. might
11. '____you hand me that pair of scissors, please!'
'Certainly.'
A. May B. Shall
C. Will D. Should
12. Larry drove all night to get here for his sister's wedding.
He___exhausted by the time he arrived.
A. ought to be B. could be
C. must have been D. will have been
13. 'What are you doing here now? You ___be here for
another three hours.'
'I know. We got an early start and it took less time than we expected. I hope you don't mind.'
A. couldn't B. might not
C. had better not D. aren't supposed to
14. ' ___ taking me downtown on your way to work this
morning?'
'Not at all.'
A. Can you B. Why don't you
C. Would you mind D. Could you please
15. 'I locked myself out of my apartment. I didn't know what to do.'
'You___your roommate.'
A. could have called B. may have called C. would have called D. must have called
16. 'You haven't eaten anything since yesterday afternoon. You___be really hungry!'
'I am.'
A. might B. will
C. can D. must
17. 'I____there at 6 p.m. for the meeting, but my car won't
start. Could you please give me a lift in your car?' 'Sure. Are you ready to go now?'
A. will be B. may be
C. supposed to be D. have got to be
18. 'I left a cookie on the table, but now it's gone. What happened to it?'
'I don't know. One of the children___it.'
A. may have eaten B. could eat
C. had to eat D. should have eaten
19. Peter___rather sleep on a matress than on the floor.
A. shall В. could
С. would D. must
20. 'My boss is always looking over my shoulder whenever I do anything.'
'That__bother you.'
'But it does.'
A. shouldn't B. might not
C. may not D. won't
21. 'This movie is boring and too violent.' 'I agree.___leave?'
A. Will we B. Why don't we
C. Must we D. Would we
22. 'Chris, you ___ the fish in the refrigerator before it
spoils.'
'You're right. I didn't know it was still in the shopping bag.'
A. had better put B. had to put
C. would rather put D. may put
23. 'What does Mr Griffin do for a living?'
'Nothing. He's very rich. He___work for a living.'
A. must not B. shouldn't
C. doesn't have to D. hadn't better
24. 'Why are you so late?'
'I___my aunt to the airport. The traffic was terrible!'
A. could take B. must have taken
C. should take D. had to take
25. 'I heard that Laura was offered a job at a top computer firm in Chicago.'
'Oh? That's wonderful! She __ very pleased.'
A. is supposed to be B. might be C. must be D. is
26. 'The hot weather doesn't seem to bother you.'
'When I had my farm, I__work in the hot fields for
hours.'
A. used to B. ought to
C. must D. had better
27. 'I need some help with this table.__you lift the other
end, please?'
'Sure. Just a second.'
A. May B. Should
C. Could D. Shall
28. 'How did you get my telephone number? It's not listed
in the phone book, so you __ have found it in the
directory.'
'I got it from your mother.'
A. may not B. won't
C. might not D. couldn't
29. 'Is littering against the law?'
'Yes. There's a law that says that you___throw trash
on the streets.'
A. don't have to B. must not
C. couldn't D. might not
30. 'Do you like to play tennis?'
'Yes. When I worked at the embassy, I__meet a friend
at 5 every afternoon for a game.'
A. would B. should
C. had better D. would rather
31. 'Harry's new jacket doesn't seem to fit him very well.' 'He___it on before he bought it.'
A. must have tried B. was able to try
C. should have tried D. may have tried
XXI. Use a modal with each verb in parentheses. More than one modal may be possible. Use the one that seems
most appropriate to you.
1. I've never seen a London policeman. — You (see) one! You've been in London a week already! 2. ... I (call) for
you? — No, I (get) a taxi and meet you at the station. 3. I heard their. telephone ringing. — You (not hear) their
phone ringing. They haven't got a phone. 4. Don is putting on a little weight around his middle. He (get) more
exercise. 5. Jack: I've finished. Ann: But you were only half way through when I went to bed. You (work) all night!
6. I'm sleepy. I (not keep) my eyes open. I (go) to bed before I fall asleep right here. 7. Zoo keeper: In spite of all the
notices, people (feed) these animals. 8. In my country, a girl and boy (not go) out on a date unless they are
accompanied by a chaperone. 9. The instructions were in French. I translated them into English for him. — You (not
translate) them. He knows French. 10. Jones: Stand away from that door! You can't keep me here against my will.
Smith: You (not go) till you have given me an explanation! (I won't let you go.) 11. You can trust me; nobody
(know) that you are here. (I promise to keep it secret.) I (not) even (tell) my wife. 12. My wife and ten children are
coming to join me here. They (not live) in my dormitory room. I (find) an apartment. 13. A: ... I (speak) to Peggy?
B: She (not come) to the phone right now. ... I (take) a message? 14. Jimmy was serious when he said he wanted to
be a cowboy when he grew up. We (not laugh) at him. We hurt his feelings. 15. ... you (cash) this check for me? 16.
A: How are you planning to get to the airport? B: By taxi. A: You (take) a shuttle bus instead. It's cheaper than a
taxi. You (get) one in front of the hotel. It picks up passengers there on a regular schedule. 17. You (not feed) the
bears! (It was foolish of you to feed them.) Now they'll be angry if the next campers don't feed them too. 18. 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. 19. Let's go shopping. The shops (not be) crowded. Monday morning's usually quiet. 20.
Why ... everyone (promote) except me? It's not fair. 21. A: Why didn't you come to the party last night? B: I (study).
A: You (come). We had a good time. 22. A: I (go) to the University of Iowa or Iowa State University? B: Think it
over for a few
days. You (not make) up your mind right now. There's no hurry. 23. A: The phone's ringing again. Let's not answer
it. Just let it ring. B: No, we (answer) it. It (be) important. 24. We (start) yesterday (this was the plan); but the flight
was cancelled because of the fog, so we're still here, as you see. 25. I left my car here under the No Parking sign;
and now it's gone. It (steal). — Not necessarily. The police (drive) it away. 26. 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 not allowed. 27. Jane's looking at the test paper the teacher just
returned. She's smiling. She (pass) the test, 28. It's not like Tony to be late. He (be) here an hour ago. I hope nothing
bad happened. 29. He used to have a day off once a week, and on that day he (get) up early, have a hasty breakfast
and set out for the river. 30. I know that it will be difficult to pick him out in such a crowd, but if you (happen) to
see him give him this packet. 31. Why didn't you wait for me yesterday? — I waited five minutes. — You (wait) a
little longer! 32. 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. 33. Police Officer (in a loud speaker van beside a motorway In thick fog): They
are going much too fast. I keep warning them to reduce speed but they (not do) it. 34. Ann: She says she'd rather go
to prison than pay the fine. Tom: She (not go) to prison. (I won't let this happen.) I (pay) her fine for her! 35. A:
Somebody called you while you were out, but she didn't leave her name. B: Who did it sound like? Anybody you
know? A. Well, it (be) Phyllis, but that's just a guess. I (ask) who was calling, but I didn't. B: That's okay. 36. (Alice,
staying at a hotel for the first time, carefully washes up the early morning tea things.) Mother: You (not do) that.
The hotel staff do the washing up. 37. Mrs Smith: I've cooked scrambled eggs for Mr Jones, because of his diet, and
steak and onions for everyone else. Mr Jones: You (not cook) anything special for me, Mrs Smith; I'm not on a diet
any longer. 38. Tom (looking out of the window): Fortu-
nately that teapot didn't hit anyone, but you (not throw) it out of the window, Ann! You (kill) someone. 39. 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. 40. It looks like rain. We (shut) the windows. 41. Ann, ... you (hand) me that dish? Thanks. 41. I returned
a book to the library yesterday. It was two weeks overdue, so I (pay) a fine of $ 1.40. I (return) the book when it was
due. 42. Spring break starts on the thirteenth. We (not go) to classes until the twenty-second. 43. ... I (make) an
appointment to see Dean Witherspoon? 44. Neither of us knows the way to their house. We (take) a map with us or
we'll probably get lost. 45. You (not tell) Jack about the party. It's a surprise party for him. 46. Secretary: There's a
Mr Peterson in the outer office, sir. He says he has an appointment. ... you (see) him now? Mr Smith: I (not see) him
now or at any other time. I told him so when we last met. And he hasn't an appointment! 47. Excuse me. I didn't
understand. ... you (repeat) what you said? 48. In the United States, elementary education is compulsory. All
children (attend) six years of elementary school. 48. There was a long line in front of the theatre. We (wait) almost
an hour to buy our tickets. 49. I wonder who carried the piano upstairs. — I suppose it was Paul. — Paul (not carry)
it by himself. Someone (help) him. 50. The car (not start) so we had to ring for a taxi. 51. The people in the flat
above us were members of a band. We liked them very much but they (practise) the drums at night. Nothing we said
made any difference. 52. I don't feel like going to the library to study this afternoon. I (go) to the shopping mall than
to the library. 53. Do you know where Tom is? — He (be) in the canteen. He's usually there between twelve and
one. 54. She asked me what she (do) if any letters came for me while I was away. I told her that my brother would
come every day to pick up my mail. 55. When I rang the exchange and asked for the number the operator said, 'You
(not ring) the exchange! You (dial) direct!' However, he put me through. 56. Bill proposed that women (allow) to
join the club. 57. A:
This is Steve's tape recorder, isn't it? B: It (not be) his. He doesn't have a tape recorder. It (belong) to Lucy or to
Linda. They sometimes bring their tape recorders to class. 58. A: Why is Margaret in her room? B: I don't know.
She (do) her homework. 59. A: Did Ed really mean what he said yesterday? B: No, I don't think so. I think he (kid).
60. Johnny! You (not play) with sharp knives. 61. We (not go) to the concert if you don't want to, but it might be
good. 62. I'm taking my exams in two days. I know I (study) tonight, but I think I'll watch TV instead. 63. It is
essential that everyone (be able) to see the stage. 64.1 suggested that they (have) a hot breakfast and a cold supper.
65. You (love) your father. (It is natural and right.) — Why ... I (love) him? I've never seen him. 66. Remember that
we (be) at his place not later than eight. 67. Ann's birthday was on the 5 th, and now it's already the 8 th. Her
birthday card (send) a week ago. Maybe we (give) her a call to wish her a belated happy birthday. 68. The entire
valley (see) from their mountain home. 69. According to our teacher, all of our compositions (write) in ink. He won't
accept papers written in pencil. 70. Last semester's class was too large. It (divide) in half.
71. Tom: What's 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 (go) and look
for him.
XXII. Study and practise.
1. Dear Brenda,
Thanks for replying so quickly to my last letter. You must have been surprised when you received a letter from me.
I'm glad you will be able to put me up when I come to London. Could you possibly give me some directions for
your flat? I'm bound to get lost. Do I have to take a taxi from the station, or is it near enough to walk? Perhaps I
should buy a street map of Birmingham when I arrive. And is it all right if I bring my little brother, Tim? By the
way, congratulations on your new job. You must be very happy. Do you think that you made the right decision,
though? I think you should have gone to university like me. I'm sure that you would have enjoyed it. I have to study
a lot, but with any luck I should get a good job when I finish. I'd better post this letter now.
Best wishes, Sheila
2. Residents in the Blackwood area complained last night that they should have been warned about the escape of a
dangerous snake. The snake, a python, is three metres long, and can kill pets. 'I heard about it on the radio,' said Mrs
Agnes Bird. 'I had to lock my dog in the kitchen this morning, because I thought the snake could easily attack it.
Now I am not sure what I ought to do.' The snake, called Lulu, disappeared from Blackwood Zoo. 'It must have
found a hole in the wall, or it might have slipped out while the door was open,' said zoo director Basil Hart. Mr Hart
said that people needn't have been alarmed. 'A local radio must have mixed up its reports,' he went on. 'We found
Lulu a few minutes after we missed her. We had to climb a tree and bring her down. So you see, you should never
believe silly stories you hear on the radio!'
XXIII. Give general advice to people who want to:
a. improve their health.
b. get good grades.
c. improve their English.
d. make a good first impression.
e. find a job.
f. live life fully every day.
g. get married.
Say: Do this. Don't do that. You should do this. You shouldn't do that. You ought to do this. You don't have to do
that. You must do this. You must not do that. You can do this. You had better do that, etc.
XXIV. Directions: Go to a public place, a place where there are people whom you do not know (a cafeteria, store,
street corner, park, zoo, lobby, etc.). Choose three of these people to write a composition about. Using a paragraph
for each person, describe his/her appearance briefly and then make 'guesses' about this person: age, occupation,
personality, activities, etc.
Example I'm in a hotel lobby. I'm looking at a man who is wearing a blue suit and carrying a briefcase. He is talking
at the registration desk, so he must be registering to stay in the hotel. He couldn't be checking out, because people
have to check out at a different desk. He might be simply asking a question, but I doubt it. Judging from his clothes,
I'd say he's probably a businessman. But he could be something else. He might be a doctor, or a funeral director, or a
professor. He has salt-and-pepper hair and not too many wrinkles. He must be about 50 or 55. He doesn't have any
luggage with him. The porter must have taken his luggage. The hotel clerk just handed the man a key. Aha! I was
right. He is registering to stay at the hotel.
XXV. Work in pairs. Using the given situations, create dialogues of 10 to 20 sentences or more. Then present your
dialogues to the rest of the class. For each situation, the beginning of the dialogue is given. Try to include
appropriate modals in your conversation.
1. Situation: The two of you are roommates or a married couple. It is late at night. All of the lights are
turned off. You hear a strange noise. You try
to figure out what it might or must be, what
you should or should not do, etc. Dialogue: A: Psst. Are you awake?
B: Yes. What's the matter?
A: Do you hear that noise?
B: Yes, what do you suppose it is?
A: I don't know. It ...
B: ...
2. Situation: Your teacher is always on time, but today it is
fifteen minutes past the time class begins and he/she still isn't here. You try to figure out why he/she isn't here yet
and what you should do.
Dialogue: A: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/ Dr/Professor____should
have been here fifteen minutes ago. I wonder where s/he is. Why do you suppose s/he hasn't arrived yet? B: Well, ...
3. Situation: The two of you are planning to go on a picnic.
You are almost ready to leave when you hear a loud noise. It sounds like thunder. You are supposed to meet Nancy
and Paul at the park for your picnic.
Dialogue: A: Is the picnic basket all packed? B: Yes. Everything is ready to go. A: Good. Let's get going. B: Wait.
Did you hear that? A: ...
4. Situation: It is late at night. The weather is very bad.
Your eighteen-year-old son, who had gone to a party with some of his friends, was supposed to be home an hour
ago. (The two of you are either a married couple or a parent and his/her friend.) You are getting worried. You are
trying
to figure out where he might be, what might or must have happened, and what you should do, if anything.
Dialogue: A: It's already____o'clock and____isn't home
yet. I'm getting worried.
B: So am I. Where do you suppose he is?
A: ...
XXVI. Choose three of the following topics. Write a short paragraph on each.
1. Write about when, where, and why you should (or should not) have done something in your life.
2. Write about a time in your life when you did something you did not want to do. Why did you do it? What could
you have done differently? What should you have done?
3. Look at your future. What will, might, should it be like? Write about what you should, must, can do now in order
to make your life what you want it to be.
4. Write about one embarrassing incident in your life. What
could, should, might you have done to avoid it?
5. Look at the world situation in relationships between nations. What could, should (or should not), must (or must
not) be done to improve understanding?
6. Choose one of the environmental problems people are considering today. What could, should, may, must, might
be done to solve this problem?
XXVII. Translate from Russian into English.
1. Ему необязательно об этом говорить. 2. Погода, безусловно, будет хорошая. 3. Он не принес книгу, хотя
ему бы следовало сделать это еще на прошлой неделе. 4. Неужели тебя не укачало? Море было таким
бурным. 5. Стоит ли ее ждать? Возможно, она вообще не придет. 6. Он спросил, может ли он положиться на
меня. 7. Ей придется пройти рентген. 8. Вряд ли она оценит его доброту. Она такая эгоистка. 9. Он сказал,
что она уже взрослая и должна помогать матери. 10. Мне не нужно было гото-
вить обед. Мы договорились пообедать сегодня в ресторане. 11. Она понимала, что он должен чувствовать.
12. Можно (вы можете) пройти много миль и никого не встретить.
13. Его зовут Добсон. Возможно, вы слышали его имя.
14. Не может быть, чтобы дверь осталась открытой. Я сама ее запирала. 15. Он предложил, чтобы собрание
провели в среду. 16. Не будете ли вы любезны немного подождать? Ваши документы еще не готовы. 17. Я
могу выучить это и обязательно (непременно) выучу. 18. Он, вероятно, получит телеграмму не позже, чем
через два часа. 19. Многое может показаться вам необычным в чужой стране. 20. Возможно, их не
предупредили, что их сын болен и что жизнь его находится в опасности. 21. Неужели он говорил это
серьезно? 22. Трудно было поверить, что туристы смогли подняться на такую высокую гору. Это, должно
быть, были смелые ребята. 23. Я должна с ним увидеться во вторник вечером. 24. Я не слышал, как подъехал
автомобиль. Вероятно, я еще спал. 25. Им следовало бы удержать его от такого неразумного шага. Они еще
пожалеют об этом. 26. Зря ты пришел. Собрание отменили. 27. Мне очень хотелось поехать в горы, но я не
осмеливался спросить разрешения у родителей, так как знал, что они будут против. 28. В конце концов мы
решили, что нам не следует там дольше оставаться и что нужно отправляться в горы. 29. Мы можем не
спешить. Поезд задерживается на два часа. 30. Он сказал, что ему придется уехать через несколько дней, но
мы и слушать не хотели. 31. Он должен был приехать пятичасовым поездом. Неужели он опоздал на него?
— Откуда мне знать? 32. Я считал, что мне следует поставить вас в известность об этом. 33. Автобусом вы
туда не доедете. 34. Она не могла этого сделать! 35. Весьма странно, что он сказал это. 36. Ты мог бы быть
повнимательнее по отношению к своей сестре. 37. Делать все равно нечего, я могу (с таким же успехом)
лечь спать. 38. Удивительно, до чего он неразумен (глуп)! 39. Он, бывало, часто заходил к нам. 40. Вы
говорите, что не желаете этого делать, а я вам говорю, что вы это сделаете. 41. Мы должны подчиняться
законам. 42. Стоянка у этих ворот
запрещена. 43. Если он это говорит, то это, должно быть, правда. 44. Не пойти ли нам на прогулку? 45.
Сейчас они, наверное (пожалуй), уже там. 46. Это, наверное, наш поезд. 47. Ящик стола никак не
открывается. 48. Он выехал в 7.00. Он скоро здесь должен быть. 49. Студентам не полагается выносить
книги из читального зала. 50. Когда мне нужно прийти? 51. Не видно было ни облачка. 52. Их не было дома,
когда я приехал. Должно быть, они не ожидали меня. 53. Наши футболисты в хорошей форме. Они должны
выиграть матч. 54. Почему ты не аплодируешь? Тебе, очевидно, не нравится, как она поет. 55. Ребенок
ничего не хочет есть. — Возможно, он не голоден. 56. Они близкие друзья. Не может быть, чтобы она не
помогла ему. 57. Ваш сын мог бы быть поосторожнее. Он мог сбить моего ребенка. 58. Может быть (могло
быть и так, что), он и не слышал эту новость. 59. Он мог бы поспеть вовремя, если бы бежал быстрее. 60.
Пожалуйста, отправьте письмо без задержки. 61. После экзаменов вы должны сдать все учебники в
библиотеку. 62. По моему мнению, следует избрать ее, потому что она честная, умная и компетентная. 63.
Мы больше не можем ждать! Необходимо что-то немедленно предпринять!
KEY
§1. Exercise XVIII, p. 17
1. I think you would be able to persuade him if you tried. — I'll try to. 2. In spite of the storm he was able to reach
the shore. 3. He will be able to speak French fluently if he spends a couple of years in Paris. 4. When I was young I
could/was able to walk thirty kilometres in a day. 5. Why didn't you tell me before? — I could have bought this
book in London. 6. I wish you could join us. — I'm sorry but I can't. 7. Can/ Will you be able to take me to the
airport tomorrow? — Certainly. 8. You can buy this book at any shop. 9. I'll be able to translate this article if you
give me a good dictionary. 10. The weather was fine and we could walk in the park every morning. 11. The weather
is fine today and we could go out for a walk. 12. I wish my brother were at home. He would be able to help you. 13.
She had studied hard and she was able to pass the exam. 14. Were you able to repair/to fix the TV set yesterday? -
No, I'll try to do it today. 15. If you had asked me I could have helped you. I was free at that time. 16. We were able
to transport all the goods in ten days. 17. When he came to London he could/was able to conduct talks with the firms
without an interpreter. 18. He said that he wouldn't be able to give an answer until he thought over the matter
properly. 19.1 could come earlier, if necessary. 20. It was so dark we could see nothing. 21. You won't be able to
translate the headline without reading the whole article. 22. Although the pilot was badly hurt he was able to explain
what had happened. 23. The baby will be able to walk in a few weeks. 24. I can't pay you today. Can you wait till
tomorrow? 25. Since his accident he hasn't been able to leave the house. 26. Could you run the business by yourself?
27. He said that he had lost his passport and hadn't been able to/couldn't leave the country. 28.1 could have lent you
the money. Why didn't you ask me? 29. Winter here can be really cold. 30. We were able to get tickets for the match
yesterday. 31. We weren't able to/couldn't get tickets for
the match yesterday. 32. He could be very naughty when he was a boy. 33. Was he able to/Could he meet you at the
station? — Yes, but he wasn't able to/couldn't take us to the hotel. 34. It can be done and it must be done. 35. My
God! You could have been killed.
§2. Exercise XIII, p. 32
1. Yesterday the children were allowed to stay home from school because of the weather. 2. You can/may use my
library. 3. Doctor, can/may/could/ might I swim in the sea? — Yes, you can/may, but don't stay in the water too
long. 4. You can/may take any of these books. 5. You can't/aren't allowed to cross the street here. It is very
dangerous. 6. May I ask you a question? — Of course, you may, but I don't know whether I'll be able to answer it. 7.
The doctor said I might/ could phone him after 5.00. 8. Tell her that she can/may send me a telegram if she needs
my help. 9. May I take your dictionary? — I'm afraid not. I need it myself. 10. I think you'll be allowed to use the
laboratory. 11. Are you allowed to use a dictionary? 12. He has just been allowed to go home after three hours at the
police station. 13. Can the children go to the skating rink? — No, they can't, it's too late. 14. Ask the coach whether
we can see the gymnasium. 15. May I leave earlier today? — What's wrong? — My mother is ill. — Certainly, you
may leave right now. 16. Could I have a look at your composition? — I'm afraid not. I haven't finished it yet. 17. He
asked if he might leave the book with you. 18. Since his accident he hasn't been allowed to drive. 19. The boss said
that I might/could use his telephone. 20.1 had a visa so I was allowed to cross the frontier. 21. As a child he was
allowed to do exactly what he liked. 22. May they come and see you? 23. You can't/may not/mustn't smoke here. 24.
You're not allowed to talk during a test.
§3. Exercise IX, p. 50
1. Could you give me a consultation today? 2. Will you please fetch me a glass of water? 3. Will you please drop
this letter into a letter box on your way to work? 4. Can you help me translate this article? 5. Would you mind if I
invited my friends? — No, of course not. I'd be delighted. 6. May I switch on the TV set? — I'm afraid not. It's late
already and it's time to go to bed. 7. Will you tell me where I must get off to get to the stadium? 8. Can you call on
me tonight? 9. Could I take your opera glasses for a minute? I want to see the singer's face. 10. Would you help me
with my suitcases? — Certainly. 11. Will you please wait for me a little? — OK. 12. Could you take me to the
station? — Yes, I'd be glad to. 13. Could you help me move to my new flat? — I'm afraid I can't. I'm going away on
business. 14. Come after dinner, will you? 15. Would you mind if I opened the window? It's too stuffy in here. 16.
Can I sit beside you? — Please do. 17. Could you help me pack our things? — I'd be happy to. 18. Would you help
me choose a present for my wife? 19. Would you mind if I took your umbrella? — No, of course not. 20. Could you
take us sightseeing? — I'd be delighted. 21. Will you pass me the salt? — Here you are. 22. Can I leave my brief-
case in the cloak-room? — Sure. 23. Would you mind if I left my things here till I return? — No, not at all. 24.
Would you mind dining in the kitchen? It's too cold in the dining room. 25. Will you please phone the booking
agency and book the plane tickets? 26. Will you show me the train schedule please? 27. Would you mind if I
returned the rest of the money in a week? — No, that would be fine. 28. Would you mind if I used your computer?
29. Could you lend me some money? 30. Could you take my book to the library?
§7. Exercise XIII, p. 89
1. If you are in trouble you must send for me. 2.1 shall have to think it over and make up my mind. 3. But if you
come here to work you've got to work. 4. You must learn to face life seriously, Stephen. 5. You are to come down,
miss, this minute: your mother says so. 6. I told the story because someone had to talk. 7. I must get better. It is
costing Bart too much. 8. Again he had to work at night and again it was
slow business. 9. I was somewhat surprised to find so many people in the hall in which I was to speak. 10. I didn't
have to introduce them. They appeared to have met before. 11. You'll have to take your coat. It's getting cold. 12.
The lake was so near that even Alan who hated walking agreed that they needn't take his car. 13. He knew he did not
need to explain anything to anyone. 14. You are to hand in your test papers in ten minutes. 15. He is supposed to
know that. 16. You needn't have carried all these parcels yourself. The shop would have delivered them if you had
asked them. 17. You needn't take the umbrella. There isn't a cloud in the sky. 18. One of the guests sat down beside
me. I didn't have to be told who it was. 19. Sorry I'm late. I had to take the children to school. 20.You must use a
dictionary. I'm tired of correcting your spelling mistakes. 21. You needn't have changed buses. The number 8 bus
takes you straight to my house. 22. The notice said that visitors mustn't feed the animals. 23. The concert was to
have taken place on the fifth of February but it was put off because of the conductor's illness. 24. Children, you
mustn't play with matches. 25. Why did Tom have to leave work so early yesterday? 26. Don't you have to return
these books to the library today? Aren't they due? 27. The doctor said that the child must be well looked after. 28.
Can you wait for half an hour? — I'm afraid I can't. I have to be at home at 2 o'clock and I've got to hurry up
because it is 1.40. 29. If the pain has gone he needn't take the medicine. 30. He is good at languages and he doesn't
have to study hard. 31. Rudy was invited for dinner at Mary's house. After dinner they were to go to a movie. 32.
You are to do this work by Thursday. 33. I shan't have to take this exam. 34. If I hadn't prepared everything in good
time I would have to do it now. 35. He was to have left by the morning train but something kept him and he had to
go by the evening train. 36. You are not supposed to talk during a test. 37. He said I needn't pay the bill till the 31st.
38. Must I meet them at the station? — No, you needn't. You are to wait for them here. 39. Someone will have to see
her off. I shan't be able to do it.
§8. Exercise XX, p. 122
1. You ought never to have married me, David. It was a great mistake. 2. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. 3.
You'd better stay at home. It looks like rain (raining). 4. I should have invited him too. 5. I think you ought to show
more respect for your elders. 6. Morris said that if it was a duty it ought to be done. 7. You ought to be ashamed of
yourself for using such wicked words. 8. She deserted me. She ought to pay for it. 9. You ought to have chosen a
more suitable time to tell me. 10. When is he going back? — How should I know? 11. It's his own fault. He ought to
have divorced you when he could. 12. You should buy this dress. It suits you. 13. You'd better not go there alone.
14. Well, you were right. I shouldn't have done it that way. 15. Why didn't you come yesterday? You ought to have
phoned me if you were busy. 16.1 wanted a copy of the letter, so I typed it twice. — You needn't have typed it
twice. You could have used a carbon. 17. You shouldn't have mentioned that in his presence. 18. You needn't phone
her. She has already come. 19. You shouldn't spoil your eyes. Switch on the light. 20. You should speak to the
manager once again before you go to London. 21. You'd better go and speak to him now while he is still here. 22.
We'd better not tell Ann. She'd get angry. 23. He's a lawyer and he ought to know such things. 24. They must do as
they are told. 25. You ought to make your own living. 26. You mustn't strike a match. The room is full of gas. 27.
He said that I was not to/mustn't open the door. 28. Should she take up sports seriously? — I think so. 29. You look
tired. You should go out of town for the weekend. 30. You mustn't get up so early. You'll wake up everybody. 31.
He said that we were to meet him at the station. 32.1 thought you ought to know about it. 33. They shouldn't allow
parking here: the street is too narrow. 34. You have to wear a uniform on duty, don't you? 35. She said that I
shouldn't have acted like that. 36. She should be told the news as soon as possible. 37. She should have been told the
news a long time ago.
§9. Exercise XXII, p. 153
1, Where's Tom? — He may/might/could be in the library. 2.1 wonder why Bill isn't here. — He may/might/could
still be waiting for a bus. 3. Do you think the plane will be on time? — I don't know. It may/might/could be delayed
by fog. 4. He may/might not be driving the car himself. 5. I wonder how Tom learnt about Ann's engagement. — He
may/ might/could have heard it from John. 6. He may/might emigrate. 7. It's five o'clock. The meeting
may/might/could have finished already; let's wait a little, he may/might come soon. 8. He may/might/could have
seen her at the concert, but he may/might/could have been mistaken. He's too shortsighted. 9. He may/might/could
have called on me yesterday, but I wasn't at home. 10. She may/might not have received our telegram. 11.1 thought
if his watch was there, the money might/could be there too. 12. The TV set may/might/could have been repaired
already and we may/might be able to see the film. 13. I may/might not be able to go to the concert today. 14. Victor
and Helen aren't at home. They may/might/ could be in the pub. 15. It may/might rain towards evening. 16. They
may/might not have been in the town yesterday. 17.1 may/might/could have been listening to music. I didn't hear the
telephone ring. 18. He may/might not have noticed you, that's why he passed without greeting you. 19. She
may/might/could have been hurt by your tone. You ought to/should be more tactful. 20. Don't take the book to the
library; you may/might need it for your report. 21. She wasn't at the party. She may/might not have been invited. 22.
Why isn't he here? — He may/might not know how to get here. 23. She was afraid she might have forgotten to
switch off the electric iron before she left the house. 24. They may/ might not have come yet. 25. He may/might not
believe you. 26. He said that he might hire a car. 27. I knew that we might have to wait at the frontier. 28. Tom
may/might lend me the money. 29. Do you think he may/might not be able to pay? 30. They may/might/could be
working at the same problem. 31. Good news! I may be offered a job soon. I had an interview at an engineering firm
yesterday.
10. Exercise VI, p. 167
1. He has a house in London and another in Paris, so he must be rich. 2. I keep meeting him on the bus. He must
live/must be living nearby. 3. He must have taken sleeping pills last night. He didn't wake up till lunch time. 4. What
explosion? I didn't hear any. — You must have heard it! The whole town heard it. 5.1 waited under the clock! — So
did I, but I didn't see you! We must have been waiting under different clocks. 6. There's a lot of noise from upstairs.
It must be Tom. — Why should it be Tom? Other people use that flat too. 7. You haven't eaten anything since
morning. You must be hungry. 8. John has got married! — You must be joking/kidding! 9. You must be tired after
the journey. 10. I hear that your examinations are next week. You must be studying hard at the moment. 11. The
phone rang but I didn't hear it. I must have been sleeping. 12. I made a lot of noise when I came home. You must
have heard me. 13. I haven't seen Jim for ages. He must have gone away. 14. When I woke up this morning, the light
was on. I must have forgotten to turn it off. 15. She knew about our plans. She must have overheard our
conversation. 16. The letter must have been delivered in the morning. 17. Look! There's something lying on the
table. He must have left a note for you. 18. She must be about twenty-five now. She was at school with my sister.
19. This article must have been written five years ago. 20. I did not see Jim but I knew he must be waiting
somewhere. 21. What a wonderful TV set! It must have been expensive. 22.1 wonder who took the money. — It
must have been Tom. He's the only one who was there. 23. I waited about half an hour, and was just thinking that
something must have happened to Kathy when she arrived in a taxi.
§10. Exercise IX, p. 169
A. 1. Evidently the students didn't know (The students must have been unaware) that the timetable had been
changed.
Nobody had told them. 2. He was surprised to hear that. He must have heard nothing of it before. 3. You must have
been unjust to him. 4. Evidently, he didn't manage to persuade her to come with us. 5. He must have had no time for
you so far. 6. They must have failed to meet him at the station. 7. He must have failed to recognize me, that's why he
didn't come up to me. 8. You must have . made no attempt to do it, otherwise you wouldn't have said that it was
easy. 9. The foreigner must have mispronounced the name of the dish, and the waiter brought him another dish. 10.
Evidently you haven't been there for a long time. 11. She must have been told nothing about it. 12. They must have
missed the train as they left the house too late. 13. He must have never guessed why we were laughing. 14. You
must have put the key in the wrong place, so I couldn't get into the house. 15. They must have been misinformed.
They were to have come today. 16. He must have had no chance to talk to her before. 17. You shouldn't be angry
with him. Evidently he didn't want to hurt you. 18. There must be no one at home now. 19. Evidently she doesn't
realize her error.
B. 1. It is not likely to rain tomorrow. 2. Evidently I shall be sent away on business. 3. He's sure to pass the exam. 4.
He is not likely to wait for her arrival. 5. He is unlikely to finish the work by Friday. 6. She is sure to help you. 7.
The director is not likely to receive her tomorrow. 8. She is not likely to take the child with her. 9. She is not likely
to come. 10. It is sure to rain today. 11. Our team are not likely to win the match. 12. I am not likely to see Mary. I
shan't probably be in Minsk at that time. 13. Could I talk to you tomorrow morning? — I shall probably be busy in
the morning. 14. He will probably try to get tickets for the cup game.
§10. Exercise XIX, p. 174
1. Can/Could it be true? 2. It can't/couldn't be true. 3. Can/ Could they have lost the match? 4. They can't/couldn't
have
lost the match. 5. Can/Could he believe that? 6. She can't/ couldn't have told you that. 7. She can't/couldn't have
failed to tell you that. 8. He can't/couldn't have said that. 9. They can't/couldn't have finished the work. They started
it only yesterday. 10. Can/Could they have quarrelled again? 11. He can't/ couldn't have got lost. He has been here
several times.
12. Can/Could he have used the car during/in my absence?
13. Doesn't she like ballet? 14. Can/Could they have been waiting for us all this time? 15. They can't/couldn't be
close friends. 16. He can't/couldn't have given up music. 17. She can't/couldn't have made a mistake. 18. Can/Could
the sisters be so much alike? 19. He can't/couldn't have failed the exam. 20. You can't/ couldn't have got hungry. We
had a good dinner two hours ago. 21. They can't/couldn't have arrived already. The train is to arrive at 7. 22. Hasn't
he invited you to the wedding? 23. She can't/couldn't have been so foolish. 24. He can't/couldn't have failed to see it.
25. You can't/couldn't have been sent to me. I have nothing to do with this. 26. Can/Could he have seen them? 27.
Where can/could he have seen them? 28. They can't/couldn't be waiting ; for us. 29. Can/Could they be waiting for
us? 30. Who can/ could they be waiting for? 31. Can/Could you have written it yourself? 32. He can't/couldn't have
been unaware of the danger. 33. Didn't he phone you yesterday? He said he was going to. 34. Kate is late. What
can/could have happened to her? 35. The children are not at home. Where can/could they have gone?
§10. Exercise XXXIV, p. 186
1. They must be speaking German, but I don't understand much. 2. It must have taken her a lot of time to get here. 3.
He is not likely to object to our proposal. 4. The match is not likely to take place. 5. The accident must have
happened due to his carelessness. 6. He must have failed to notice her leave the hall. 7. We must have been driving
about an hour but the camp is nowhere to be seen. 8. He said that I must know her. I met her at the conferences. 9.
Probably she
hadn't been sent an invitation card, that's why she didn't come. 10. His mother is in hospital again. She must be
seriously ill. 11. He must be waiting for us at the Institute.
12. He must have forgotten that he promised to come. 13. Pro-
bably he doesn't want to interfere. 14. He must have been sleeping for about three hours. 15. The parcel is likely to
be sent before the fifth of July. 16. You must have never put on this dress. It's quite new. 17. They must have
quarrelled. I haven't seen him at our house lately. 18. Where is Nick? — He must have gone sightseeing. 19. She
must be staying with her friends. She wrote that was going to spend her holiday with them. 20. Where is the letter?
— It must have been posted already. 21. He must have failed to recognize her. She has changed so much. 22. The
goods must have been packed very carelessly. 23. They must have been informed about it some days ago. 24. She
must have been glad to see you. 25. I don't see the documents anywhere. He must have taken them with him. 26.
Probably it wasn't done in time. 27. It is quiet in the house. The children must be at school. 28. She has the most
beautiful garden in the village. She must be proud of it. 29. She can't/couldn't have married him. She didn't use to
like him. 30. Can/Could she have gone to the match? I thought she didn't like football. 31. Can/ Could you have
been sleeping all this time? It's three o'clock already. 32. He can't/couldn't have left without asking permission. It
isn't like him. 33. She can't/ couldn't have said that. She is always so tactful. 34. He must have already left. -
/He can't/couldn't have left without seeing me. 35. Can/Could he have received my letter already? 36. Can/Could he
have failed to receive my letter? 37. They can't/couldn't be working in the garden now. It is raining heavily. 38. No,
I don't believe it, she can't/couldn't have deceived me. 39. Your friends can't/couldn't have failed to help you. 40.
Can/Could he have met her before? 41. Can/Could you be indifferent to politics? 42. He can't/couldn't have broken
his promise. 43. They can't/couldn't have noticed us. We were rather far from them. 44. They can't/couldn't have
failed to notice us. We were quite near. 45. Evidently he was not informed
that the meeting had been put off. 46. Evidently the figures haven't been checked. 47. He must have received our
telegram and he may come tomorrow. 48. This book may/might have seemed boring to him, but he must have read it
carefully as he remembers all the details. 49. He said that he might return in May. 50. If all the measures had been
taken, this might not have happened. 51. Can/Could he have said that? He must have been very angry with you. 52.
Probably my words didn't convince him. He went on arguing. 53. You needn't have gone there. They could/might
have come themselves. 54. Can/Could you have believed them? They must have played a joke on you. 55. I can't
understand why Ann didn't come to the meeting. She can't/ couldn't have forgotten about it; she must have fallen ill.
56. She can't/ couldn't have read this book in two days; she may/might/ could only have looked it through. 57. I
can't/couldn't have lost the ticket, I might/may/could have put it into my bag.
58. He couldn't get the book, because the library was closed.
59. He can't/couldn't have got the book; the library was closed. 60. Where's the key? — I don't know. Olga might/
could/may have taken it by mistake. — She can't/couldn't have taken it. She had nothing in her hands when she was
leaving. 61. He may/might not have been there yesterday. 62. Could/Can he have been there yesterday? 63. He can't/
couldn't have been there yesterday. 64. Can/Could he have failed to prove his point of view? 65.1 couldn't help
thinking about it.
§11. Exercise VII, p. 207
1. It's 5.30. The guests should/ought to be here soon. 2. I think you've understood what you have (are) to do. This
homework shouldn't/oughtn't to take you too long. 3. Do you think Rita will pass the exam? — Well, she should/
ought to pass it. She has studied hard. 4. Do you think Rita has passed the exam? — She should/ought to have
passed it. She has studied hard. 5. My question might/may puzzle you, but still I'd like to ask it. 6. He must have told
them nothing
about it. 7. You should/ought to read your composition once again. There must be some mistakes there. 8. You
shouldn't have talked to him like that. He might/could have been hurt. 9. The party ought to/should be interesting.
The students have been preparing it for such a long time. 10. It's not funny at all. You ought to be more serious. 11.
He should/ought to have received my letter. I sent it a week ago. 12. There is no answer. He may/might not have
returned from work yet. 13. I could/ might have done it long ago if I had known that it was so urgent. 14. It's a story
by O'Henry. It ought to/should be interesting. 15. There must be nobody there. 16. They can't/ couldn't have returned
from the zoo. It's their first visit there and they may/might stay there for a long time. 17. They may/ might have been
at the party but I didn't see them. 18. Where is my key? — You must have lost it. — I can't/couldn't have lost it. I
may/might/could have left it in the pocket of my overcoat. 19. They were afraid that they might be asked why Tom
hadn't come with them. 20. He can't/couldn't have cheated them, he is an honest man. 21. You shouldn't have
bothered the professor. I could/might have given you all the necessary information. 22. He is her brother. He ought
to/should know her address. 23. It's 10 a.m. They should/ought to have already arrived in London. 24. I'm to take
this exam in a week. 25. Though it's a very unpleasant mission I feel I ought to tell you the truth. 26. She shouldn't
have said such things in her child's presence. 27. I saw this book not long ago. It should/ought to be here, on the top
shelf. 28. Do you think you'll come home late tonight? — I don't think so. I should/ ought to be home at the usual
time.
§12. Exercise VI, p. 212
1. You might/could haven given your sister a present. Why didn't you? She was offended. 2. You might/could come
on time. Why are you always late? 3. You might/could help me carry this heavy suitcase, Nick. 4. At last you have
come! You might/could have come earlier, you knew I was ill. 5. You might/could have returned earlier and spent
the evening
with the child. 6. You weren't all that busy. You might/ could have helped us. 7. He might/could do it for you. It isn't
difficult for him. 8. You might/could be more polite to her. 9. You might/could have let me know that the meeting
was put off. Why didn't you? 10. He might/could have said something in my favour. 11. She was worried. You
might/ could have phoned her. 12. You might/could have waited for me five minutes. It isn't my fault that I was late.
13. I may/might as well be off. 14. I may/might just as well stay home. 15. The medicine didn't do me any good. I
might as well have drunk water instead of it. 16.1 may/might as well wait a little. 17. I may/might as well send him a
telegram. 18.1 didn't enjoy the outing at all. I might just as well have stayed in town.
§13. Exercise VI, p. 219
1.1 will lend you my typewriter if you need it. 2. Would you like a cup of coffee? — Thank you. I'd prefer a glass of
tea. 3. Shall I buy this dictionary for you? I'll be at the bookshop tomorrow. — I'd be much obliged to you. 4. Shall I
call for your umbrella on the way home? — Please do. 5. I'll look after your house while you are away. — Thank
you. That's very nice of you. 6. I'm going to the country tomorrow. Would you like to join me? — Willingly. 7.
Would you like to go to the theatre with me? — I'd love to. 8. Shall I help you with your homework or will you
manage yourself? 9. Shall I lay the table? — Please do.
§14. Exercise VI, p. 223
1. When we got into the car, he said, 'We could go for a drive now. There is a place near here I'd like to show you.'
2. I'd rather not tell you what I know about him. 3. I do not really want to go to the party. I'd rather stay at home and
talk to my parents. 4. He would rather listen to others than talk himself. 5. He'd rather not leave yet. 6. I'd rather read
the letter first. 7. What shall we do tonight? — We could go
to "the cinema. — Good idea. 8. How much shall I pay the porter? — It's up to you to decide. 9. Shall we dine out
today? — I'd love to. 10. Where shall we stay in Moscow? — We could stay at the Minsk hotel. It is a very good
hotel and it is located in the centre of the city 11. Shall we go out of town on Sunday? — I'd be delighted. 12. What
shall we do now? Shall we watch TV? — I'd rather go for a walk than watch TV. 13. I have bought tickets for the
eight o'clock show. — All right, where and when shall we meet? — Outside the cinema at 7.40.
§15. Exercise VI, p. 233
1.1 will do the work in time. I promise you. 2. I will make you work. 3. If you do it again I will punish you. 4. Stop
swearing or I will call the police. 5. I will finish typing the documents even if I have to stay up the whole night. 6. I \
will certainly follow your advice. 7.1 won't leave until you listen to me. 8. He tried to explain himself but I wouldn't
listen. 9. Fetch another piece of chalk. This chalk won't write. 10.1 tried to open the window but it wouldn't open.
11. This knife won't cut. 12. The pen won't write. 13. The kettle won't boil. 14. He made two or three attempts to
strike his lighter, but it wouldn't work. 15.1 asked his wife what was wrong with his, but she wouldn't answer. 16.1
have paid my money and I will stay here. 17. He turned off the light but sleep would not come. 18.1 won't do what
you ask me to do. 19. There is something wrong with her stomach but she won't consult a doctor. 20. We were
hopefully looking at the sky but the sun wouldn't rise. 21. What's wrong? — The key won't turn in the lock. 22. In
spite of all our efforts the car wouldn't start.
§16. Exercise IX, p. 239
1. He would spend most evenings playing chess. 2. He would often fall asleep with a book in his hands and
spectacles on his nose. 3. After work he would wait for us at the bridge. 4. When I was a student, I would spend the
weekends in the
library. 5. John is very fond of reading. He will sit for hours reading books. 6. In summer we would go to the forest
to pick mushrooms and berries. 7. He will phone me late at night when I'm already sleeping.
§17. Exercise III, p. 244
1. You shall not do it. Remember that! 2. You shall answer for what you did! 3. Don't worry. You shall get your
money back. 4. Well, when we have found out anything you shall hear about it. 5. It can be done and it shall be
done. 6. If you behave like that you shall be punished. 7. If you study hard you shall have a new bicycle. 8. You can
work here. You shan't be disturbed. I will see to it. 9. You shall not be kept long. They will only check your
documents. 10. You shall be sorry! 11. I'll be much obliged to you if you will wait for me.
§18. Exercise V, p. 248
1. We might be late. I suggest that we should take a taxi.
2. My husband insists that we should spend our holiday in Paris. 3. My father demanded that I should give up
smoking. 4. The doctor recommended that I should spend the summer at the seaside. 5. Mary suggested that we
should buy a present for John who was soon leaving the firm. 6. My father agreed that I should take part in the trip.
7. After supper he suggested they should go to a movie but she refused. 8. They all agreed that something should be
done about the boy. 9. He insisted that I should take a holiday. 10. Well, I thought it was too absurd that we should
live next door and not speak. 11. It is important that you should mention it. 12. I'm sorry that you should think so
badly of me. 13. It was strange that at her age she should be so indifferent to parties. 14. I was surprised that he
should have failed the exam. 15. It is necessary that she should come earlier. 16. He was pleased that Kate should
have called the child after him. 17. If it should rain, I'll stay at home. 18. Should she come, I'll let you know. 19. If
anyone should call, tell them I'll be back by 5 o'clock.
Revision. Exercise XXVII, p. 285
I. He needn't be told (about it). 2. The weather is sure to be fine. 3. He hasn't brought the book, though he should
have done it last week. 4. Didn't you become seasick? The sea was rough. 5. Should we wait for her? She may/might
not come at all. 6. He asked if he could depend on me. 7. She will have to be X-rayed. 8. She is not likely to
appreciate his kindness. She is so selfish! 9. He said that she was already grown up and she must/ought to help her
mother. 10. I didn't have/ need to cook dinner. We are to dine at a restaurant today.
II. She knew what he must be feeling. 12. You may walk miles without seeing anyone. 13. His name is Dobson.
You may/might have heard his name. 14. The door can't/couldn't have been left unlocked. I had locked it myself. 15.
He suggested that the meeting should be held on Wednesday. 16. Would you mind waiting for a while? Your
documents aren't ready yet. 17.1 can and I will learn it. 18. The telegram ought to reach him within two hours. 19.
Many things may seem strange to you in a foreign country. 20. They may/ might not have been warned that their son
is ill and his life is in danger. 21. Can/Could he have meant it? 22. It was hard to believe that the tourists had been
able to climb such a high mountain. They must have been brave boys. 23. I am to see him on Tuesday night. 24. I
didn't hear the car drive up. I must have been sleeping. 25. They should have kept him from taking such a foolish
step. They shall be sorry about it. 26. You needn't have come. The meeting is cancelled/ called off. 27. I was eager
to go to the mountains but I didn't dare to ask my parents' permission, as I knew that they wouldn't let me go. 28.
Finally we decided that we shouldn't stay there any longer and that we should go to the mountains. 29. We needn't
hurry. The train is delayed for two hours. 30. He said that he would have to leave in a few days but we wouldn't hear
of it. 31. He was to have come by the five o'clock train. Can/Could he have missed it? — How should I know? 32. I
thought I ought to let you know about it. 33. You cannot go there by bus. 34. She can't/couldn't
have done it! 35. It is strange that he should have said it. 36. You might/could be more considerate to you sister. 37.
There's nothing to do, so I may as well go to bed. 38. It is surprising that he should be so foolish! 39. He would often
call on us. 40. You say you will not do it, but I say you shall (do it). 41. We must obey the laws. 42. You can't
(mustn't) park in front of this gate. 43. If he says so it must be true. 44. Shall we go out for a walk? 45. They should
be there by now. 46. This'll/must be our train. 47. The drawer will not open. 48. He left at 7.00. He ought to be here
soon. 49. The students are not supposed to take the books out of the reading room. 50. When am I to come? 51. Not
a cloud was to be seen. 52. They weren't at home when I came. Evidently they hadn't been expecting me. 53. Our
football players are in good shape. They are sure/bound to win the match. 54. Why aren't you applauding? Evidently
you don't like her singing. 55. The child won't eat anything. — He may not be hungry. 56. They are close friends.
She can't/couldn't have failed to help him. 57. Your son might have been more careful. He could have knocked
down my child. 58. He might not have heard the news. 59. He might/could have arrived in time if he had run
quicker. 60. Will you please post the letter without delay? 61. After the exams you are to take all the books to the
library. 62. In my opinion, she should be elected because she is honest, clever, and competent. 63. We can't wait any
longer! Something must be done immediately!