When “job” Sounds Like a Threat: How a Mispronunciation Can Harm You
14.07.2025

15.07.2025

泰穆尔-列维廷
泰穆尔-列维廷
翻译系教师。专业认证翻译员,拥有英语和德语翻译和教学经验。我在世界 20 个国家从事教学工作。我的教学和授课原则是摒弃死记硬背规则的做法,而是要学会理解语言的原理,并像说话一样凭感觉正确发音,而不是在脑子里逐一复习所有的规则,因为在实际讲话中没有时间这样做。你总是需要根据情况和舒适度来进行练习。
查看简介

Author: 泰穆尔-列维廷, founder, director, teacher and interpreter at Levitin Language School.
🌍 选择语言

Why Modal Verbs Are More Than Just “Can” and “Must”

Most learners know the basics: can, must, should, may. But modal verbs are far more than that — they’re how English expresses attitude, logic, prediction, criticism, doubt, and permission in the subtlest ways.

The Core Modal Structures (Level A2–B1)

◽ Present/Future Possibility or Ability

  • can drive.
  • She may join us.

◽ Obligation and Necessity

  • You must call him.
  • They should study harder.

◽ Permission

  • 五月份 I speak to the manager?
  • You can leave early today.

Modal + Perfect Infinitive: Talking About the Past

Structure: modal + have + past participle

◽ Examples:

  • You should have called me.
  • He must have forgotten.
  • They might have misunderstood.
  • She could have helped, but didn’t.

🧠 Use these forms for regretcriticism或 speculation about past events.

Modal Verbs + Passive Voice

◽ Present/Future Passive:

  • The letter must be sent today.
  • This can be done remotely.

◽ Past Passive (Perfect):

  • It should have been delivered already.
  • The form might have been lost.

Modal Verbs + Continuous Aspect

◽ Present Continuous:

  • She must be joking.
  • They might be lying.

◽ Past Continuous:

  • He must have been sleeping.
  • You could have been waiting there.

Modal Verbs in Conditional Sentences

◽ Type 1 (Real):

  • If you study, you will be able to pass.

◽ Type 2 (Unreal Present):

  • If I were you, I would leave now.
  • You might succeed if you tried.

◽ Type 3 (Unreal Past):

  • If she had studied, she could have passed.
  • You should have checked before submitting.

Modal Verbs in Reported Speech

  • “I can help.” → He said he could help.
  • “You must go.” → She said I had to go.

Some modals stay unchanged: shouldcouldmightwouldought to.

Semi-Modals and Alternatives

Semi-modalFunctionExample
have toexternal obligationhave to go.
be able toabilityShe was able to find it.
be allowed to准许Are we allowed to enter?
need tonecessityYou need to bring ID.
dare tocourageHe dares to question them.

Modal Verbs in Inversion and Formal Patterns

◽ Examples:

  • Should you need assistance, let us know.
  • Were he to ask, I’d say yes.
  • Had they known, they would have helped.

Negative Forms and Warnings

  • You mustn’t touch that. (= prohibition)
  • You don’t have to come. (= optional)
  • She might not have seen the message.

⚠️ Avoid double modals: ✘ He might can help → ✅ He might be able to help

Conclusion: Modal Mastery Is Mental Mastery

Modals allow you to express thought, emotion, probability, rules, freedom, confidence, and doubt — often with a single auxiliary.

To speak freely, you must think modally. It’s one of the core differences between textbook English and real English.

🧠 Speak free. Learn smart. Master your modals.

Related Articles from Our Blog

🖋️ 作者:泰穆尔-列维廷Tymur Levitin

Founder, Director & Lead Educator
Levitin Language School / Start Language School by Tymur Levitin
🔗 levitinlanguageschool.com
🔗 languagelearnings.com
👨‍🏫 Author’s page
📲 Telegram: @start_school_tymur_levitin
📞 WhatsApp/Viber: +380 93 291 34 29
📘 Facebook: @timurlevitin
📷 Instagram: @timurlevitin


标签


    在线学习外语
    简便实惠!

      免费培训咨询表格

      50% 第一次课程折扣

      用于指定类别的附加字段

      50% 第一次课程折扣

      zh_CN简体中文