1

The Modal Verbs

A Short Theoretical Overview

There are only twelve modal auxiliary verbs but they are
used with very great frequency and in a wide range of meanings.
They express concepts or attitudes relating to: recommendation,
obligation, necessity, and prohibition; permission and refusal,
possibility, expectation, probability and certainty, promise and
attention, ability and willingness. There are four paired forms
can/could, may/might, shall/should, will/would and four single forms
must, ought to, need, dare.



Common Characteristics
1. they are defective verbs = some of their forms are missing:
they do not have Long Infinitive: *to can, *to must, etc
they do not have -ing forms: *musting, *maying, etc.
they do not have forms for all the verbal tenses. In this case,
certain substitutes are used: to be able to (can), to have to
(must), to be allowed to / to be permitted to (may)
2. they are not followed by Short Infinitives (except ought to)
e.g. May I come in? Yes, you may (come in).
3. they are uninflected = in the case of the Simple Present Tense,
they get no s in the third person singular:
e.g. He can walk.
He must go home.
4. they form interrogation and negation like the auxiliary verbs:
e.g. He can swim. Can he swim? No, he cannot / cant swim.
They must do their duty. Must they do their duty? They
must not / mustnt do their duty.
2

5. they form incomplete predication and must always be completed
by a verb in the Infinitive, either expressed or understood.
e.g. * They must. * We may.
They must write. We may go home.
6. there is no co-occurrence with the modal verb
e.g. *I must can *I used to can



CAN
1. natural or learned ability
e.g. He can run very fast.
She can speak French.
2. offer, suggestion
e.g. Come earlier and we can have a drink.
3. polite requests:
e.g. Can we call on you later?
4. permission (in informal English) you have permission rather
than I give you permission
e.g. Can I smoke here? Yes, you can. (rules allow it)
5. strong recommendation
e.g. You can forget about your holiday.
6. can is frequently used with verbs of the five senses (see, hear,
smell, taste, feel)
e.g. I can see Central Park from my apartment.
6. a general characteristic or quality that may show itself from time
to time (be able to is not used as a substitute for can or could in such
sentences)
e.g. Lightening can be very dangerous.
This street can be very crowded at times.
A house in London can cost a lot of money.
3

7. logical conclusion
a. to make a negative deduction about something in the present, we
use cant + simple infinitive (usually the verb to be) or continuous
infinitive:
e.g. The office is closed now so he cant be there.
He cant be driving here: he hasnt got a car.
b. to make a negative deduction about something in the past, we use
cant/couldnt + perfect infinitive (simple or continuous)
e.g. He cant have forgotten.
He cant have been waiting for you for so long.


COULD
1. past physical or mental ability
e.g. When she was young, she could swim very well.
2. polite request (more polite than can)
e.g. Could you lend me your text book?
3. past permission
e.g. We could smoke in that room.
4. present / past Conditional
e.g. You could do better if you wanted to.
You could have done it if you had wanted to.
5. logical conclusion
e.g. He has always been a very good child. He couldnt have
broken the window.

Obs.: in the past, we do not normally use could for something which
happened on a particular occasion. We use was able to or managed:
e.g. The boat was in difficulties, but in the end it managed to / it
was able to reach the port (* it could reach the port).

4

Grammar Practice 1


I Replace can with correct forms of be able to:

1. She cant get this job.
She . because she doesnt know any foreign language.
2. We couldnt understand this lecture.
We .. because he spoke with a Scottish accent.
3. They could earn a lot of money.
They . because they worked very hard.
4. You cant go out. It is too late.
You .. when you are 18.
5. He can repair your car at once.
He . if you pay him well.
6. They couldnt arrive on time.
They .. because of the traffic jam.
7. He cant save any money.
He ... unless he stops gambling.
8. I cant translate this article.
You .. if you use a dictionary.
9. She couldnt come to the seminar.
She ... because her car broke down.
10. I cant invite more than 10 people.
My apartment is small. I ....





5

II Replace the words in italics, using can or could together with
the words given in brackets:

Model: Learning a foreign language isnt always easy.
(sometimes difficult)
Learning a foreign language can sometimes be
difficult.

1. She doesnt always remember everything. (quite forgetful)

2. Holidays abroad arent necessarily expensive. (quite cheap)

3. Racial harmony isnt always easy to achieve. (difficult)

4. When I was at school, discipline wasnt generally lax. (very strict)

5. He wasnt miserable all the time. (occasionally, quite high-
spirited)

6. September isnt by any means a bad month for taking a holiday
in England. (wonderful)


7. She doesnt always look so plain. (quite pretty at times)

8. English cooking isnt necessarily bad. (in fact, excellent)





6

III Disagree with the statements below using can:

Model: I saw Tom going to the Opera House. (He was abroad.)
You cant have seen Tom going to the Opera House because
he was abroad.

1. I left my keys at the office. (I saw you putting them into your bag.)

2. She is certainly waiting for us. (She hates waiting.)

3. I was taken for Marks sister. (She is much taller than you are.)

4. The Browns have bought a Rolls. (They have already got one.)

5. He walked from Trafalgar Square to the Tower in 30 minutes. (It
is too far.)


6. I heard Jim speaking French. (He doesnt know French.)

7. He says he is hungry. (He has just had his dinner.)

8. We spent $ 1,000 in one day. (Its a lot of money.)

9. They are doing their homework now. (They have done it at
school.)


10. She is a very rich person. (She has a part-job only.)


7

IV Translate into English:

1. He (nu se poate s fi picat ) ..this exam.
He was so well prepared.
2. They (nu se poate s fi vzut) .me with Tom.
He left Romania about two months ago!
3. She (nu se poate s fi pltit) . $2,000
for such a luxurious car!
4. You (nu se poate s fi uitat) about
your mothers birthday!
5. He (nu se poate s fi plecat)
without saying a word.
6. You (nu se poate s fi invitat) . the
Carters to the party!
7. The (nu se poate s fi ateptat) ... the
visa for three months!
8. She (nu se poate s se fi cstorit) ..!
9. George (nu se poate s-i fi schimbat) his
citizenship!
10. His daughter (nu se poate s fi refuzat) ..
to help her mother!


V Express surprise or disbelief at the statements below:

Model: I told Mary I didnt love her.
You couldnt have told her that!
1. I paid $100 for a pair of shoes.

2. She argued with the Customs officer.

8

3. The policeman gave us a ticket for slow driving.

4. He spent all his money on horses.

5. She went to the fortune-teller instead of going to the doctor.

6. I told him he was a liar.

7. They put all the blame on John.

8. He had an argument with his boss.

9. He didnt want to support our proposal.

10. He forged his fathers signature.



VI Complete the sentences with the correct form of can, could or
be able to. Use be able to only where absolutely necessary.

1. He is very fit for his age. He . (run) really fast.
2. Id like . (work) with you one day.
3. He .. (not climb) up to the top: he
was too scared.
4. If they hadnt phoned for an ambulance, he
(die).
5. I love .. (spend) all morning in
bed at the weekends.
6. We (go) to that concert tomorrow
if the tickets havent sold out.
9

7. I think you should go in the spring: it
(be) very crowded there in the summer.
8. I . (not understand) what he says: he
speaks too quickly.
9. Do you know where Nicks glasses are? He
(not see) very much without them.
10. (speak) another language
fluently is a great advantage when youre looking for a job.
11. Jonathan .. (not say)
anything until he was about three years old.
12. We .. (not phone her up) because
her phone had broken, but fortunately we ..
(get) a message to her.
13. Amys exam results werent very good. She ..
.. (do) better.
14. I .. (not sleep) very well for
the last four nights. Its been to hot.
15. She tried to think of other things but she
(not put) that awful memory out of her mind.
16. You should .. (go out) when you want to.
17. (you come) to the party on
Saturday?
18. I .. (ride) this bike soon: I just
need more time to practice.
19. He doesnt do very much when hes here. He (be)
more helpful.
20. I . (play) tennis really well a few
years ago, but not anymore.



10

VII Translate into English:

1. Ziarul poate merge la tipar aa cum e acum.
...............................................................................................................
2. Nimeni nu se poate preface c e o doamn la fel de bine ca ea.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
3. Aceasta e o mas veche, pe care nimeni nu o poate ridica.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
4. Ai s-i poi face pe plac, tiind c e att de sensibil?
...............................................................................................................
5. L-ai putea atepta n birou dac ai vrea.
...............................................................................................................
6. Savantul a spus c tie de mult s numere.
...............................................................................................................
7. Speram c pot merge pe jos pn la gar, dar m-am oprit la o staie
de autobuz.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
8. Poi spune cum se scriu numele tuturor elevilor?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
9. Nu se poate s se fi refugiat ntr-o staiune att de aglomerat.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
10. i vei putea afla planul dac ai s-o ntrebi pe nevasta lui ce haine
i-a luat cu el.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
11

11. N-a putea sprijini un om care a fcut o crim, i nici ea n-ar
putea.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
12. Traducerea ta ar fi putut s fie mult mai corect dac-i ddeai
osteneala s caui cuvintele necunoscute.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
13. Nu se poate s fi uitat cu totul rudele lui de el.
...............................................................................................................
14. Niciodat n-am fost n stare s in minte propoziii ntregi.
...............................................................................................................
15. Puteai s te uii pe gaura cheii, dac erai aa de curios.
...............................................................................................................
16. Nu pot s fac un avion dintr-o hrtie mototolit.
...............................................................................................................
17. Nu se poate s te fi hotrt s-i refuzi orice ajutor tocmai cnd are
mai mare nevoie de el.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
18. Ar fi putut s se aeze pe un scaun gol, dar a preferat s stea n
picioare.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
19. Cnd i s-au umplut ochii de lacrimi ar fi putut s o consoleze, dar
nu a fcut-o.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
20. Strinii nu au dreptul s intre n aceast zon fr permis special.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
12

MUST

1. obligation, necessity, command subject oriented = must
expresses the speakers authority, or a decision or firm opinion on
the speakers part:
e.g. Candidates must attempt all the questions. (instruction,
something compulsory)
I simply must tell you what happened. (a sense of inner
compulsion)
We must make an early start tomorrow. (something
necessary or inevitable in the speakers opinion)
You must see the film if you get a chance. (stronger than
should)

Obs.1: if obligation or necessity is imposed by a person other than
the speaker, or by force of circumstance, we use have to:
e.g. You have to answer all the questions. (the teacher explains to
students the requirements of the examiners)
I have to tell you what happened. (Those are the instructions
Ive been given)
We have to make an early starts tomorrow. (circumstances or
arrangements make it necessary)
Youll have to see the film tomorrow if you dont want to
miss it. (It wont be showing any longer)

Obs.2: must not shows prohibition, interdiction, the obligation not to
do something:
e.g. Cars must not stop in the middle of the road.
The absence of obligation / lack of necessity is never rendered by
must not, it is rendered by dont have to or need not / neednt
e.g. Must I stay here? No, you dont have to / neednt to.
13

2. deduction, logical conclusion (in the affirmative) it indicates
knowledge arrived at by inference or reasoning rather than by direct
experience
e.g. Ive had no sleep for 48 hours.
Oh, you must be exhausted.

a. to make a positive deduction about something in the present, we
use mustt + simple infinitive (usually the verb to be) or continuous
infinitive:
e.g. Its 10 p.m. He must be at home now.
Its 10 a.m. He must be working now.
b. to make a positive deduction about something in the past, we use
mustnt + perfect infinitive (simple or continuous)
e.g. He knows the city very well. He must have lived here.
He must have been taking a shower when you called him.


Obs.3: only must can be used to express a logical conclusion; to
have to is used only to express obligation, necessity. Compare:
You must be mad to do that. conclusion
You have to be mad to do that. necessity (being mad is a
necessary condition)

14

Grammar Practice 2

I Put the correct form of must or have to in these sentences:

1. I ... leave the party early last night, I wasnt very well.
2. Im sorry, you .. smoke in here.
3. The children are happy because they
do any homework today.
4.You .. get up early tomorrow if you want
to catch the bus.
5. . (you) have a visa to come here?
6. It was a very bad accident. You . be more careful in
future.
7. Hes been ill. He . stay in bed since last month.
8. Ive told the children that they come
home before ten on Saturday nights.


II Fill in the blanks with mustnt or dont / doesnt have to:

1. I will tell you this secret but you ... tell anybody about it.
2. We still have plenty of time so we .... hurry.
3. You ..... cross the street till the traffic light is green.
4. I think your leg is broken. You . move it.
5. We have enough bread, so you ... go to buy any.
6. I may get up later on because I .... go to school today.
7. Granny is sleeping, so we .. make any noise.
8. It isnt raining any longer, so you .... take your umbrella.
9. Tom, you ... be late for school again!
10. The weather is fine today, so we ... put on our
warm clothes.
15

III Use must not or do not have to in the following:

1. Ive 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. weve
already met.
4. In order to be a good salesclerk, you . be
rude to a customer.
5. A person become rich and
famous in order to live a successful life.
6. Johnny! You .. play with sharp knives.
Put that knife down immediately!
7. I . go to the doctor. Im feeling much
better.
8. We .. go to the concert if
you dont want to, but it might be good.
9. Robin! What are you doing? No, no, no. You .
.. put your vitamin pill in your nose!
10. Bats . see in order to avoid obstacles.
They can navigate in complete darkness.
11. If you encounter a growling dog, you ..
show any signs of fear. If a dog senses fear, it is most likely to attack
a person.
12. A person . get married in order
to lead a happy and fulfilling life.





16

IV Use the form must have + Past Participle:

1. She looks very happy. She (get) good news.
...
They know London very well, they (live) there for a long time.
...
The car is out of order. He (drive) it too fast again.
...
This essay is very well. Someone (help) Sue to write it.
...
I cant find my key. Your husband (take) it by mistake.
...
We went to Spain for our holiday. You (see) a lot of interesting
things.
...
You are wearing a wonderful necklace. It (cost) a fortune.
...
I remember his face very well. You (meet) him at the reception last
Sunday.
...
She spent more than a month in hospital. She (have) an operation.
...
His car is German. He (buy) it when he was studying in Germany.
...


V Translate into English:

1. You (va trebui s scrii) . the test on
Friday.
17

2. We (a trebuit s ateptm) .for the results for
about one month.
3. You (trebuie s spui) .. us when you are
leaving.
4. (Nu trebuie s-i asiguri) your car if
you dont want to.
5. Tom feels much better now. You (nu trebuie s chemi)
a doctor.
6. When the police come we (va trebui s informm) ....
them about the money.
7. You (nu trebuie s rezervi) .. the
tickets. Ive already done it.
8. The conference (a trebuit s fie amnat).
.
9. He says that he (nu va trebui s lucreze) ...
.on Saturday.


VI Translate into English:

1. Neaprat s-mi ari rochia ta cea nou!
...........................................................................................................
2. Neaprat s-mi spui de unde ai cumprat haina aceasta!
...........................................................................................................
3. Trebuie s te ajute s-i faci temele, sunt mult prea grele.
...........................................................................................................
4. A replicat c trebuie s aib grij de siluata ei.
...........................................................................................................
5. Nu tiam c trebuie s pltesc amend dac-mi parchez maina
aici.
...........................................................................................................
18

6. A trebuit s ascult de dou ore vorbele lui suprtoare, dar n-am
de gnd s mai tolerez acest lucru.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
7. Vine ploia, aa c trebuie s ne grbim.
...........................................................................................................
8. Nu te neliniti. Trebuie s fie nc devreme.
............................................................................................................
9. Nu trebuie s mai facei asemenea greeli.
...........................................................................................................
10. Friorul tu se odihnete, aa c nu trebuie s facei glgie.
...........................................................................................................
11. E precis la birou, completnd formulare, cum face zilnic.
............................................................................................................
12. Bate cineva la u; trebuie s fie fiul vecinului.
...........................................................................................................
13. E precis foarte curajos, dac a salvat o fat din ghearele
balaurului.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
14. Ce vezi acolo trebuie c e un spiridu i n-o s-i fac niciun ru
dac-l lai n pace.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
15. Trebuie c vorbete despre coala pe care tocmai a absolvit-o.
...........................................................................................................

16. Nu-l vd pe aici, trebuie c joac baschet pe undeva.
...........................................................................................................
17. Precis minte, chiar dac i-a spus c ce are e contgios.
...........................................................................................................
19

18. Vd c John nu a ajuns nc; trebuie c a pierdut autobuzul.
...........................................................................................................
19. Se uit fix la mine; trebuie s m fi vzut undeva.
...........................................................................................................
20. Bunicul nu-i gsete ochelarii; trebuie s-i fi uitat din nou n
parc.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
21. Se vede c studia la bibliotec atunci cnd l cutai.
...........................................................................................................
22. Se vede c directorul citea o revist cnd a btut ceasul ora 12,
fiindc a uitat s-i comande prnzul.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
23. Copiii nu trebuie s vorbeasc cu primarul cnd e ocupat.
...........................................................................................................
24. Nu trebuie s iei niciun medicament fr sfatul medicului.
...........................................................................................................
25. Cnd ne-am ntlnit, se vede c ncerca s-i gsesc permisul de
conducere, pe care l-a pierdut acum mai multe sptmni.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................

20

NEED

It is both a regular and a modal verb. As a regular verb it means to
require, to be in need of and it is chiefly used in affirmative
sentences
e.g. She needs an umbrella. / Does she need an umbrella?
As a modal verb it is equivalent to to have to. In this case it has the
same form for all persons, being chiefly used in interrogative and
negative.
e.g. Need she get up early? Yes, she must.
We neednt come to the office tomorrow.
She hardly need show us her ID, since we already know her.

Past actions expressed with the help of need.
a. didnt need to an unnecessary action which was not performed
e.g. I didnt need to knock at the door since it was open (I didnt
knock)
b. neednt + Perfect Infinitive - an unnecessary action which was
nevertheless performed
e.g. You neednt have carried all these parcels yourself. The shop
would have delivered them if you had asked them. (You
carried them)

Obs.: must not expresses a negative obligation imposed by the
speaker or a very emphatic advice
e.g. You must not repeat this to anyone.
Need not expresses absence of obligation; the speaker gives
permission for an action not to be performed or sometimes merely
states that an action is not necessary.
e.g. You neednt make two copies. One will do.

21

Grammar Practice 3

I Complete the sentences with must, mustnt or neednt.

1. We havent got much time. We . hurry.
2. Weve got plenty of time. We ...... hurry.
3. We have enough food at home, so we go
shopping today.
4. Gary gave me a letter to post. I . remember to
post it.
5. Gary gave me a letter to post. I .. forget to post it.
6. Theres plenty of time for you to make up your mind. You
.. decide now.
7. You wash those tomatoes. Theyve already
been washed.
8. This is a valuable book. You . look after it
carefully and you .. lose it.
9. What sort of house do you want to buy? Something big? Well,
it be big thats not important. But it
. have a nice garden thats essential.


II Read the situations and make sentences with neednt have:
1. Paul went out. He took an umbrella because he thought it was
going to rain. But it didnt rain.
He
2. Linda bought some eggs when she went shopping. When she got
home, she found that she already had plenty of eggs.
She
3. A colleague got angry with you at work. He shouted at you, which
you think was unnecessary. Later on you say to him:
22

You
4. Brian had money problems, so he sold his car. A few days later he
won some money in a lottery.
He
5. We took a camcorder with us on holiday, but we didnt use it in
the end.
We
6. I thought I was going to miss my train, so I rushed to the station.
But the train was late and in the end I had to wait twenty minutes.
I .


III Write didnt need to or neednt have and the correct form of
the verb to complete these sentences:

1. I (catch) the bus this morning,
because Vic gave me a lift.
2. I (lend) him that money. I found
out later that he had already borrowed all the money he wanted.
3. I .. (do) that homework the
teacher didnt even look at it.
4. I (take) a ten, because I
knew I could hire one at the campsite.
5. You (buy) such an expensive
present, but Im very glad that you did.
6. I (take) any money: they
had already told me that it wasnt necessary.
7. I . (count) the money: they had
already told me that it was done automatically.
8. I (work) so hard for my
exams: they were much easier than I expected them to be.
23

IV Translate into English:

1. E nevoie s vin azi la bibliotec, sau poate atepta pn mine?
...
2. Nu cred ca e nevoie s cumpere dicionarul acela, are deja unul de
acelai fel.
...
...
3. Mi-a spus c nu-i nevoie s m duc la mare dac nu vreau.
...
4. Nu era nevoie s vin aa de curnd, puteam atepta.
...
5. Nu era nevoie s cumpere ea plria, avea el de gnd s i-o
cumpere.
...
...
6. Nu trebuia s vii atta drum numai ca s-i aduci o revist pe care a
citit-o deja.
...
...
7. Nu trebuia s munceasc att, nu i-a cerut nimeni s aduc
lucrarea mai curnd dect i se spusese la nceput.
...
...
8. Nu trebuiau s alerge pn aici, puteam s atept orict de mult.
...
...
9. Nu trebuiau s cumpere flori, grdina noastr are o grmad de
trandafiri care puteau fi tiai pentru acest prilej.
...
...
24

10. Nu trebuia s curee singur apartamentul, puteam s-o ajut cnd
m ntorc.
...
...



25

SHOULD

1. obligation, advice, recommendation (asking for or giving advice,
saying what is the correct or best thing to do). It is weaker than must.
e.g. You should listen to your parents.
We should be wearing seat belts.
You should have solved the problem by now.
(unfulfilled obligation)
2. it is used when something is not right or what you expect
e.g. I wonder where Tina is. She should be here by now.
3. it is used to show that we expect something to happen
e.g. There are plenty of hotels in the town. It shouldnt be
difficult to find somewhere to stay.




OUGHT TO

1. duty, moral obligation (it is used when we are talking about a duty
or a law). It is weaker than must. The action is not necessarily
fulfilled.
e.g. I saw a robbery. What should I do?
You ought to report it to the police.
Obs.: ought to is rarely used in interrogative and negative, where
should is the preferred form.





26

Grammar Practice 4


I Complete the sentences with should / should have + the verb
brackets:

1. Diane . (pass) the exam. Shes been
studying very hard.
2. You missed a great party last night. You
(come)
3. We dont see you enough. You (come)
and see us more often.
4. Im in a difficult position. What do you think I
(do)?
5. Im sorry that I didnt take your advice. I
(do) what you said.
6. Im playing tennis with Jane tomorrow. She
.. (win), shes much better than me.
7. We lost he match, but we (win).
We were the better team.
8. Is Mike here yet? Not yet, but he .. (be)
here soon.
9. I posted the letter three days ago, so it
(arrive) by now.


II Read the situations and write sentences with should / shouldnt.
Some of the sentences are past and some are present.

1. Im feeling sick. I ate too much.
I
27

2. That man on the motorbike isnt wearing a helmet. Thats
dangerous.
He
3. When we got to the restaurant, there were no free tables. We
hadnt reserved one.
We
4. The notice says that the shop is open every day from 8.30. Its 9
oclock now, but the shop isnt open yet.

5. The speed limit is 30 miles an hour, but Kate is doing 50.
She
6. Laura gave me her address, but I didnt write it down. Now I cant
remember it.
I ...
7. I was driving behind another car. Suddenly, the driver in front
stopped without warning and I drove into the back of his car. It
wasnt my fault.
The driver in front
8. I walked into a wall. I was looking behind me. I wasnt looking
where I was going.
I


III Translate into English:

1. Pianistului i-ar fi plcut s i se spun ce s cnte.

2. Cntreaa de opera nu tia a cui ofert s-o accepte.

3. Fotograful vru s tie dac s fac una sau dou fotografii.

28

4. Crecettorul se ntreb dac s-i ia o vacan.

5. Copacul ar trebui lsat n pace fiindc e btrn i face umbra vara.

6. Se gndi c ar trebui s se urce n alun dac vine vreun urs.

7. Ar trebui s caui un castan comestibil dac vrei s-i mnnci
fructele.


8. N-ar trebui s te holbezi la castanul Acela de parc ar fi cel mai
mare pom din lume.


9. Trebuia s-i faci temele cnd ai spus c ai s le faci i s e ari
profesorului ca s-i dea o not bun.


10. Ce crezi c ar fi trebuit s fac croitorul cnd ai sunat la u?

11. De ce s m fac pictor, dac n-am chef i n-am putut picta nimic
de cnd sunt?


12. De ce l-ai ajuta, dac nu te roag?

13. Dac s-ar ntmpla s-lgsesc locuind ntr-o colib, l-a lua cu
mine.

14. Dac s-ar ntmpla s se ntlneasc ntr-o cafenea, i-ar vedea toi
mpreun i oamenii ar ncepe s brfeasc.
29



15. Dac s-ar ntmpla ca numele ei s fie scris cu litere mari, ai ti
c interpreteaz un rol principal.


16. Ar trebui s ajui un om nevoia care te roag.

17. Ar trebui s te ocupi de chestiuni economice n loc s rezolvi
exerciiile fiului tu.


18. Ar fi trebuit s-i mrturiseti n cele din urm c i-ai furat ceasul,
fiindc nu voiai s plece att de iute.


19.Studenii ar fi trebuit s asculte expunerea asear.

20. Castelul prginit ar trebui restaurat i deschis pentru vizitatori.


30

MAY

1. permission (asking and giving permission) - formal
e.g. May I come in?- Yes, you may. / No, you may not
2. present or future possibility (in this case the sentence cannot
currently be assumed to be true, nor can it currently be assumed to be
false):
e.g. She may know your address.
Where is Bob? He may be having lunch.
3. past possibility:
e.g. She may have done this.
She is very tired. She may have been working a lot lately.


MIGHT
1. past permission (especially in reported speech)
e.g. I understood then that he might go out of the room whenever
he wanted to.
2. present or future possibility (more remote than the possibility
expressed by may)
e.g. Your cousin might be in the garden now.
They might be waiting at the station when we arrive.
4. past possibility
e.g. He might have gone.
5. reproach, criticism
e.g. You might have told me the bust left at 3.00! I missed it!
6. Present Conditional
e.g. If you speak English, you might get a job.

31

Grammar Practice 5


I Write these sentences in a different way, using might:

1. Perhaps Helen is in her office.

2. Perhaps Helen is busy.

3. Perhaps she is working.

4. Perhaps she wants to be alone.

5. Perhaps she was ill yesterday.

6. Perhaps she went home early.

7. Perhaps she had to go home early.

8. Perhaps she was working yesterday.

9. Perhaps she doesnt want to see me.

10. Perhaps she isnt working today.

11. Perhaps she wasnt feeling well yesterday.





32

II Complete each sentence with a verb in the correct form:

1. Wheres Sam? Im not sure. He might . lunch.
2. Who is that man with Emily? Im not sure. It might
her brother.
3. Who was the man with saw with Anna yesterday? Im not sure,
it may . her brother.
4. What are those people doing by the side of the road? I dont
know. They might for a bus.
5. Do you have a stamp? No, but ask Simon. He may
. one.


III Read the situations and make sentences from the words in
brackets. Use might.

1. I cant find Jeff anywhere. I wonder where he is.
a. (he / go / shopping)
b. (he / play / tennis)
2. Im looking for Sarah. Do you know where she is?
a. (she / watch / TV / in her room) ...
b. (she / go / out) ...
3. I cant find my umbrella. Have you seen it?
a. (it / be / in the car) .
b. you / leave / in the restaurant last night) ..

4. Why didnt Dave answer the doorbell? Im sure he was at home at
the time.
a. (he / go / to bed early) ...
b. (he / not hear / the doorbell)
c. (he / be / in the shower)
33

IV Translate into English:

1.Tom ar putea s vrea s-i schimbe slujba.

2. S-ar putea ca ei s se uite la televizor acum.
...
3. ntr-adevr nu tiu cine poate avea acest articol.
4. Se poate s-i fi lsat cheile la birou.

5. Se poate ca ei s se uite la meci acum.

6. Se poate ca el s fi fost interesat de istorie.

7. Se poate ca maina lui s se fi stricat.

8. Se poate ca ei s fi ieit s se plimbe.

9. S-ar putea s ai dreptate.

10. Poi s iei banii.

11. Poate c se plimb prin grdin, habar n-am unde este.

12.Poate c vorbete cu un client, n-o deranja nainte s termine.

13. Poate c spune adevrul, mai bine ai asculta ce are de spus.

14. mi permii s te ajut?

15. Poate c-mi voi fi terminat lucrarea pn vii tu s m ajui.

34

16. Poate c voi fi cumprat cartea nainte s te hotrti s mi-o dai
pe a ta.


17. Poate c voi fi ajuns la gar pn va pleca trenul.

18. S-ar putea s tueasc dac a rcit.

19. S-ar putea s-i mute limba dac vorbete cnd mnnc.

20. S-ar putea s fac ce l-ai rugat, dar sunt sigur c mai nti ar
rsufla adnc.


21. Dac te duci la mare pentru o lun, mi-ai putea trimite o
scrisoare.


22. L-ai putea ajuta s-i care geanta, dac-l vezi gfind.

23. Ai putea s-o lai n pace, dac vezi c vorbete n oapt cu
altcineva.
..
..
24. Puteai s-i mprumui nite bani, dac tiai c are greuti.

25. Puteai s alegi un stilou mai bun, acesta este de-a dreptul prost.


35

WOULD

1. polite request (more polite than will)
e.g. Would you pass me the salt, please?
2. refusal
e.g. He was angry and he wouldnt go.
3. a habit, a repeated action in the past
e.g. I would meet that man whenever I crossed the road.

Obs.1: would and used to are both used for expressing habit in the
past. Used to can occur both with state verbs and action verbs,
whereas would can occur only with action verbs.
e.g. He used to visit his grandparents a lot when he was younger.
He would visit his grandparents a lot when he was younger.
She used to have long hair when she was younger.
NOT: She would have long hair when she was younger.
When we use would to talk about a past habit, it is necessary to
use a past time reference. Used to can be used with or without a
past time reference.
e.g. I used to go out a lot.
NOT I would go out a lot.
I used to go out a lot when I was younger.
I would go out a lot when I was younger.

Obs.2: pay attention to the difference between Id rather / Id
sooner and Id better
a. would rather / would sooner = preference
e.g. I would rather go for a walk than watch TV.
b. had better = advice
e.g. Youd better go home now because it is late.
36

Grammar Practice 6


I Complete the sentences with would or used to. Where either
form is possible, write them both. Where there is a word in
brackets, put it in the correct position.

1. I . have lots of free time before I started
working here.
2. In the long summer holidays, we .
go out somewhere with a picnic every day.
3. When I was a newly-trained teacher, I .
work till late every night preparing lessons.
4. They . be happy together but they
are not now.
5. When they came to London, they .. (never)
travel anywhere on the tube.
6. When I had a car, I drive
everywhere, but now Im much fitter because I always walk or cycle.
7. During my last year at university, I .. go to
the library to start work at 9 oclock every morning.
8. When we shared a flat together, we
(often) stay up talking late into the night.
9. When Amy was a baby, people ..
(often) come up to me and tell me how beautiful she was.
10. He be very overweight
but hes much slimmer now.
11. When I was at school, I (never) do my
weekend homework until Sunday evening.
12. I .. work in the same department as
your sister.
37

13. When I was a teenager, I (often)
spend the whole evening just listening to music.,
14. She have a lot of
boyfriends when she was younger.
15. He .. go for a run every day.


II In these sentences, use would whenever possible to express a
repeated action in the past. Otherwise, use used to.

1. I . (be) very shy. Whenever a stranger
came to our house, I . (hide) in a closet.
2. I remember my aunt Susan very well. Every time she came to our
house, she ... (give) me a big kiss and pinch
my cheek.
3. Illiteracy is a still a problem in my country, but it ...
(be) much worse.
4. I (be) afraid of flying. My heart
.. (start) pounding every time I stepped on
a plane. But now Im used to flying and enjoy it.
5. I . (be) an anthropology major. Once I
was a member of an archaeology expedition. Every morning, we
.. (get) up before dawn. After breakfast,
we .. (spend) our entire day in the field.
Sometimes, one of us .. (find) a
particularly interesting item, perhaps an arrowhead or a piece of
pottery. When that happened, other members of the group
(gather) around to see what had been
unearthed.
38

6. I got a new bicycle when I was ten. My friends
(ask) to ride it, but for a long time I
(let, never) anyone else use it.
7. When my grandfather was a boy and had a cold, his mother
. (make) him go to bed. Then
she (put) goose fat on his chest.
8. Last summer, my sister and I took a camping trip in the Rocky
Mountains. It was a wonderful experience. Every morning, we
(wake) up to the sound of
singing birds. During the day, we . (hike)
through woods and along mountain streams. Often we
(see) deer. On one occasion we saw a
bear and quickly ran in the opposite direction.
9. When I was a child, I .. (take) a flashlight
to bed with me so that I could read comic books without my parents
knowing about it.
10. I remember Mrs Sawyers fifth grade class well. When we
arrived each morning, she (sit) at her
desk. She (smile, always) .. hello to
each student as he or she entered. When the bell rang, she
.. (stand) up and .
(clear) her throat. That was our signal to be quiet. Class was about to
begin.


III Translate into English:

1. Avea mare grij de tenul ei cnd era tnr.
.......................................................................................................
2. Mnca o mulime de dulciuri cnd era copil.
.......................................................................................................
39

3. i uluia toi profesorii cnd era mai mic.
.......................................................................................................
4. Petrecea zile ntregi n ser cnd era liber.
.......................................................................................................
5. I-am oferit un exemplar vechi, dar n-a vrut s-l ia.
.......................................................................................................
6. Sfatul ei era bun, dar el nu voia s asculte ce spunea ea.
.......................................................................................................
7. I-am spus c prietenul lui e necioplit, dar n-a vrut s m cread pe
cuvnt.
.......................................................................................................
8. I-am artat programul, dar n-a vrut nici mcar s se uite la el.
.......................................................................................................
9. Nu faci tu asta unui vechi prieten!
.......................................................................................................
10. Nu m miniu tu pe mine, sunt sigur.
.......................................................................................................
11. Mai bine ai ine capul sus i ai fi mndru de ce ai fcut.
..............................................................................................................
12. Mai bine nu i-ar opti la ureche cnd nu sunt singuri.
..........................................................................................................
13. Mai bine ai nota dect s citeti pe o aa zi cald.
.......................................................................................................
14. Mai bine ar alerga dac vor s le fie cald.
.......................................................................................................
15. Mai bine ai pleca, dac vrei s ajungi acolo la vreme.
.......................................................................................................
16. Mai bine ar scrie acum eseul, dac vrea s ia examenul.
.......................................................................................................
17. Mai bine am exersa la pian, fiindc a mai rmas puin vreme.
.......................................................................................................
40

18. Mai bine ar dormi, e mult prea obosit s fac altceva.
.......................................................................................................
19. Mai bine ar pleca, altfel o s ntrzie la spectacol.
.......................................................................................................
20. Ai putea dac ai vrea.
.......................................................................................................

























41

WILL
1. volition and resolution; promise or threat
e.g. I will do this, no matter what.
2. polite request
e.g. Will you sit down for a moment?
3. refusal
e.g. Tom wont answer his fathers request.
4. assumption
e.g. Ring his home number. Hell be at home now.
(Im sure hes at home.)
Hell be expecting a call from you.
(Im sure hes expecting a call.)
Hell have finished his supper.
(Im sure he has finished his supper.)



SHALL
1. intention (the speakers intention)
e.g. They shall not pass. (we wont let them pass)
2. command (mainly used in regulations and legal documents)
e.g. A record shall be kept of the number of students attending
each class (college regulations)
3. request for orders, advice
Where shall we put this?
Which one shall I buy?
4. offer, suggestion
Shall I help you to pack?
Lets meet at the theatre, shall we?


42

Grammar Practice 7


I Translate into English:

1. Pot s-i promit c n-am s uit niciodat un vechi prieten.
..
2. Eti bun te rog s descrii personajele principale ale romanului?
..
3. Ua cabinetului nu vrea s se deschid.
.
4. Dac tine s-i sparg toate porelanurile, de ce nu-l lai?
.
5. Dac vrei s te duci la lucru n starea acesta te privete.
..
6. Presupun c fata de acolo o fi sora lui vitreg.

7. Dac tine s fac naveta, habar n-am cum poate fi convins s n-o
fac.
.
..
8. Dac ii s cumperi o busol, cel puin ar trebui s alegi una bun.
.
9. Motorul nu vrea s funcioneze, fiindc mecanicul a uitat s-l
repare.
..
..
10. Copiii rmn tot copii.
...
11. N-ai voie s te duci n oraul acela nenorocit, oricte motive s te
duci ai gsi.
43

..
..
12. S scriu eu rezumatul, sau l scrii tu?
...
13. S-la cazez eu eu sau l cazezi tu?
...
14. S-i ascult tot discursul, ori pot pleca atunci cnd ncepi?
.
15. S-l pedepsesc, ori crezi c-i va recunoate greeala i-i va cere
scuze?
...
..

44

TO BE TO expresses a command or instruction issuing from the
speaker, or imposed on the speaker by external authority:
e.g. You are to give this letter to the manager. (these are the
instructions Im giving you or the instructions Im passing
on from some other authority)
We are to be there by ten oclock. (these are the instructions
we have received)
Obs.: such sentences always have a future time reference, and the
form will be to is never used. To refer to past time, or in reported
speech, we use was/were to.
e.g. I told him he was to give the letter to the manager.
We left at 8 oclock we were to be there by ten.




Grammar Practice 8


I Translate into English:
1. Acest rol urmeaz s fie jucat de un actor vestit, pe care-l cunoate
toat lumea.


2. Spectacolul urma s aib loc n ziua cnd s-a deschis teatrul.

3. Expresia urma s fie explicat n clas, dar profesorul pare s fi
uitat de ea de tot.


45

4. Sunt convins c urma s te fi culcat devreme, dac nu te
mpiedicam.


5. Mscriciul urmeaz s apar ntr-o clip n faa publicului.

6. Stlpul acela urma s fi fost scos acum trei zile.

7. De-ar fi s-I aduc un dar, cu siguran c ea l-ar arunca.


46

MIXED EXERCISES


I Complete the sentences using must or cant and one of the verbs
below:

be / belong / speak / come / spend / have / like / live / want /
remember

1. Anna lived in America for three years, so she
English.
2. Toms brother doesnt know anything about medicine, so he
. a doctor.
3. Jane has an incredible number of compact discs. She
.. music a lot.
4. Peter doesnt speak German, so he from
Germany.
5. This Jacket to Janet because its not her
size.
6. That man around here because he
doesnt know any of the street names.
7. Jack .. a lot of clothes. He wears
something different every day.
8. Sams grandmother is over eighty years old, so she
.. the Second World War.
9. Youve got ten cats already. You to
get another one.
10. Susan buys a new dress every day. She .. a lot of
money on clothes.


47

II Choose the right verb in the brackets

1. (May/Will/Would) I take one of these forms, please?
2. In the street: Excuse me, officer, (could/may/shall) you tell me
how to get to the station?
3. In an office: (Shall/Could/Would) I speak to Mrs Timms, please?
Im afraid shes in a meeting. I see. (Will/Would/Shall) I come back
later? Yes, come back in about an hour.
4. At a railway station: Do you think we (may/can/would) eat our
sandwiches here? - (Couldnt/Cant/Wouldnt) you read? Look at the
notice; it says Food (would/may/could) not be eaten in this waiting
room.
5. Somebody must tell Jenny about next weeks meeting. -
(Will/Would/Shall) I phone her? No, you (may not /cant/will not)
phone her because she hasnt got a phone. Oh, I see. Tell me her
address again, and I (may/ll) take a message to her. - Are you sure
you (could/may/ll be able to) find her house? Well, I
(could/would/managed to) find it the last time that I went there,
without any problem.
6. (May/Could/Shall) someone help me? What (would/can) I do to
help you? We need to move the chairs and clean this room. Can
you help? Im afraid I (may not/cant/would not) move the chairs
because of my bad back. But (Ill/will I/shall I) do the cleaning for
you if you like.


III Respond to the statements or questions using the words in
brackets. Put the verb in its correct form:

Model: Harry is packing his suitcase. (must, go on holiday)
He must be going on holiday.
48

1. Jenny looks really unhappy. (must, miss, boyfriend)

2. Whos at the front door? (will, Tom)

3. Wheres Kate? Its eleven oclock in the morning! (cant, still,
sleep)

4. Where are the scissors? (should, the top drawer)

5.Why are all the lights on in their house? (could, have, party)

6. James has been working all night. (must, deadline to meet)

7. Its been snowing all night. (might, difficult, drive, work)

8. Timmy cant find his little sister. (may, hide, in the wardrobe)



IV Complete the sentences, putting the verbs in brackets into the
correct form:

1. What are all those people doing with those lights and cameras?
They (must/make) a film.

2. I wonder how the thief got into our apartment. He (could/use) the
fire escape or he (might/climb) that tree.


3. I saw Harry waving someone off in a taxi. That (would/be) his
cousin from Australia.
49


4. Bill told me that hed spent 50,000 on a birthday present for his
girlfriend but he (may/joke). He (cant/spent) that much. I think you
(must/mishear) him.


5. Its five past eleven. Ken and Cathys plane (should/touch down)
in Kennedy Airport right now. Your watch (must/be) slow. Its
nearly half past. Their plane (will/land) already.


6. Bring very warm clothes. It (could/snow) when we arrive. It
(can/snow) in the mountains even in summer.




V Use must, cant, couldnt, neednt with the perfect infinitives:

1. Did you hear John come in last night? No, I .
have been asleep.
2. I wonder who broke that window. It . have been my
son for he was at school all day.
3. I had an umbrella when I left home, but I havent got it now. I
.. have left it in the taxi.
4. The prisoner .. have escaped through this window
because it is barred.
5. You . have given such a big tip, twenty
pence would have sufficed.
6. She have seen a tiger, there are no tigers in Africa.
50

7. He brought a boa constrictor home from Africa. His wife
have been flabbergasted.
8. I bought two bottles of wine for the party. You
. have bought wine, all our guests are beer
drinkers.
9. I rang you up at ten a.m. but nobody answered. Im sorry, I
. have been in the garden.
10. The hiker was found unconscious at the foot of the mountain. He
have fallen five hundred feet.
11. She have read War and Peace in 48
hours. It takes at least two weeks to read it.
12. There was a signalmens strike and the train could not leave the
station. The passengers have been outraged.
13. I found the front door ajar. It . have been ajar, I
had locked it myself.
14. You have sent for the doctor. Im perfectly
all right now.



VI Agree with the speaker as in the example:

Model: Tom was told not to wait for us, but he did.
Yes, he neednt have waited for us.

1. Mary was told not to call the doctor, but she did.
...
2. Steve was advised not to take advantage of his position, but he did
it.
...
3. The police was warned not to shoot at the crowd, but they did it.
51

...
4. She was told not to spend so much time on writing the report, but
she did.
...
5. He was advised not to touch this subject at the meeting, but he did.
...
6. John was told not to risk sailing in a stormy weather, but he did.
...
7. I was warned not to invest any money in this business, but I did.
...
8. We were advised not to make our boss angry, but we did.
...
9. She was warned not to argue with a policeman, but she did.
...
10. He was told not to sell his house at such a low price, but he did it.
...


VII Translate into English the part of the sentence, using various
forms of the verb need:

1. You (nu era nevoie s spui) her about the party.
...
2. I had a lot of time and you (n-ar fi fost necesar s iei) a taxi.
...
3. You (nu trebuie s-i faci griji) about your future.
...
4. Theyve got a lot of money. They (n-au nevoie s munceasc) so
much.
...
5. Its going to rain so we (nu-i nevoie s udm) the flowers.
52

...
6. We (nu era nevoie s udm) the flowers because its going to rain
soon.
...
7. When I last crossed the French frontier I (n-am avut nevoie s
art) my passport.
...
8. There was a ski-lift and we (n-a fost nevoie s urcm) the ski
slope.
...
9. You (nu era nevoie s chemi) a mechanic. I could have helped
you.
...
10. I (nu e necesar s fiu) at the meeting. Lets go for a drink.
...


VIII Underline the correct answer:

1. Im sorry Im late, I had to go / should have gone to the post
office.
2. You mustnt / dont have to go to France to learn French, but it
helps.
3. You mustnt / dont have to drive if youve been drinking.
4. Im sorry. I may not / cannot be able to come to your party on
Saturday.
5. You lucky thing! How could you / were you able to get Madonnas
autograph?
6. I just waited outside the stage door and asked her if I could / was
able to have it.
53

7. The car wouldnt / couldnt start this morning, so I was late for
work.
8. I wouldnt / couldnt start the car this morning, so I was late for
work.
9. Do this exercise for homework. You shouldnt / mustnt have any
problems with it.
10. We neednt have paid / didnt need to pay to get into the
museum. It was free.



IX Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence:

1. Theres someone at the door. It can / must be the postman.
2. Dont worry, you dont have to / mustnt pay now.
3. I think you had better / would better take a pullover with you.
4. Jones could / must be president if Smith has to resign.
5. Sorry, I cant stay any longer. I have to / might go.
6. It was 5 oclock an hour ago. Your watch cant / mustnt be right.
7. Its a school rule, all the pupils have to / must wear a uniform.
8. I suppose that our team must / should win, but Im not sure.
9. Lets tell Diana. She could / might not know.
10. In my opinion, the government might / should do something
about this.



X Translate into English:

1. Se poate ca sora ta s nu tie ce s-a ntmplat acolo.

54

2. Ar trebui s cumperi casa; s-ar putea ca preurile s urce.

3. Orict de mult i-ai iubi copiii, nu trebuie s le treci cu vederea
greelile.

4. Nu se poate ca ei s ne fi recunoscut n mijlocul unei asemenea
mulimi.

5. Pot s-i citesc un paragraf interesant?

6. N-am putut merge la cinema ieri fiindc a trebuit s-l ajut pe tata.

7. Dei eram foarte obosii, am putut rezolva pn la urm toate
exerciiile.

8. tiu c au plecat de la teatru la ora 10.30, aa c ar trebui s fie
acas acum.

9. M ntreb de ce n-a venit Lucy la coal astzi; trebuie s se fi
simit tare ru.

10. Nu trebuia s-i pui aceast ntrebare; tiai c nu-i place s i se
aminteasc de acest lucru.

11. Copiii s-ar cuveni s-i respecte pe cei mai n vrst dect ei.

12. Nu se poate ca ea s bnuiasc ce avem de gnd s facem.

13. Ai fi putut s ne spui asta de la bun nceput!

14. Se poate ca prietenul tu s fi ajuns la gar.
55


15. Am putut s te ajut atunci i sper c voi putea s te ajut i data
viitoare.

16. E posibil s nu vin la ntlnire disear.
...............................................................................................................
17. N-ar trebui s fii ngrijorat din cauza ei pentru c e complet
vindecat.


18. Nu-i nevoie s zburm pn la Bucureti dac te temi de avioane.
Putem merge cu maina.


19. oferii ar trebui s respecte regulile de circulaie, n special n
oraele aglomerate.


20. Nu trebuie s uii de programarea la dentist.

21. i-ar fi putut uura munca scriind lucrarea pe computer.

22. Poi umbla liber prin ora, dar nu ai voie s-l prseti.

23. Cu ani n urm mi-ar fi plcut s ntlnesc o fat ca tine.

24. Trebuie s ai oarecare experien pentru a solicita acest post.

25. Ben nu putea rspndi asemenea brfe.


56

The Participles

1. The Present (or Active) Participle
Use
to form the continuous tenses: He is working. // Youve been
dreaming.
as adjectives: running water; floating wreckage; dripping
taps; leaking pipes
after have + object: He had me swimming in a week.
We have people standing on our
steps all day.
I wont have him cleaning his bike in
the kitchen.
for replacing a relative clause:
e.g.: a map that marks/marked political boundaries = a map
marking political boundaries
people who wish/wished to visit the caves = people wishing
to visit the caves
present participles/participle phrases such as adding/pointing
out/ reminding/warning can
introduce statements in indirect speech:
e.g.: He told me to start early, reminding me that the roads would
be crowded.
after verbs of sensation: the basic verbs of sensation see,
hear, feel, smell, and the verbs listen (to), notice and watch
can be followed by object + present participle:
e.g.: I see him passing my house every day.
Didnt you hear the clock striking?
I felt the car skidding.
She smelt something burning and saw smoke rising.
I watched them rehearsing the play.
57

The action in the present participle may be either complete or
incomplete: I saw him changing the wheel. could mean that I
watched the whole action or that I saw only part of it.
Obs.1: These verbs of sensation can also be followed by object +
bare infinitive:
e.g.: We saw him leave the house.
I heard him make arrangements for his journey.
The infinitive implies that the action is complete. I saw him change
the wheel. means that I saw the whole action. The participle is the
more generally useful as it can express both complete and incomplete
actions. But the infinitive is useful when we want to emphasize that
the action is complete. It is also neater than the participle when there
is a succession of actions.
e.g.: I saw him enter the roam, unlock a drawer, take out a
document, photograph it and put it back.
In the passive the full infinitive is used after verbs of the senses:
e.g.: He was heard to say that the minister had been bribed.
after catch, find, leave + object
e.g.: I caught them stealing my apples.
I found him standing at the door
I left him talking to Bob.
after go, come, spend, waste, be busy
e.g.: They are going riding/skiing/sailing.
Im going shopping this afternoon.
(go and come can be followed by the participles of verbs of physical
activity and the verb shop)
He spends two hours (a day) travelling.
He doesnt spend much time preparing his lessons.
We wasted a whole afternoon trying to repair the car.
She is/was busy packing.

58

The Present Participle used for replacing a main clause
(mainly in written English):
when two actions by the same subject occur simultaneously
it is usually possible to express one of them by a present
participle. The participle can be before or after the finite
verb:
e.g.: He rode away. He whistled as he went. = He rode away
whistling.
when one action is immediately followed by another by the
same subject, the first action can often be expressed by a
present participle; the participle must be placed first:
e.g.: He opened the drawer and took out a revolver = Opening the
drawer he took out a revolver.
We take off our shoes and creep cautiously along the passage
= Taking off our shoes we creep cautiously along the
passage.
Obs.: it would seem more logical here to use the perfect participle
and say Having opened, Having taken off, but this is not
necessary except when the use of the present participle might lead to
ambiguity. Eating his dinner he rushed out of the house. would
give the impression that he left the house with his plate in his hand.
Here, therefore, it would be better to say Having eaten his dinner...
when the second action forms part of the first, or is a result
of it, we can express the second action by a present
participle:
e.g.: She went out, slamming the door.
He fired, wounding one of the bandits.
Obs.: generally, the subject of the main clause is the same as the
subject of the participle construction, but there might be cases when
the participle does not have the same subject as the first verb:
e.g.: The plane crashed, its bombs exploding as it hit the ground.
59

I Rewrite the sentences below using a present participial phrase:
1. I smelt something. It was burning.
2. I went round to see her. I was hoping for a reconciliation.
3. While he hated the job, he did it for many years.
4. She came in. She looked furious.
5. I had plenty of time to spare so I had a good look round into the
town.
6. He was wearing only a pair of shorts. He walked out into the
darkness.
7. I had been out all day so I was quite happy to stay in for the
evening.
8. The bedrooms that overlook the sea are the best ones in the hotel.
9. Were wasting time. Were sitting here and doing nothing.
10. I have changed my job since I last wrote to you.
11. Before I make a decision, I need to discuss it with my partner.
12. We had been friends for twenty years and suddenly we had a big
argument and havent seen each other since.
13. I had failed one of my exams so I couldnt get into university.
14. Because he loved her so much, he forgave her for everything.
15. I left them. They were doing the washing-up.


The Present Participle used for replacing a subordinate
clause (mainly in written English):
clauses of time (after, before, since, while, on)
e.g.: While I was walking to class, I ran into an old friend.
While walking to class, I ran into an old friend.
After he (had) finished his homework, Peter went to bed.
After finishing / having finished his homework, Peter went to
bed. (no change in meaning)
clauses of reason (as, since, because)
60

e.g.: Since I was happy with my results, I decided to go out and
celebrate.
Being happy with my results, I decided to go out and
celebrate.
clauses of concession (although, while)
e.g.: Although I fully understand your problem, I cant allow you
to break the rules.
Although fully understanding your problem, I cant allow
you to break the rules.

Obs.: an adverb clause can be changed to a modifying phrase
(participial phrase) only when the subject of the adverb clause and
the subject of the main clause are the same.
e.g.: While I was sitting in class, I fell asleep. change possible
While the teacher was lecturing to the class, I fell asleep.
no change possible


II Change the time adverb clauses to participial phrases where
possible:
1. While Joe was driving to school yesterday, he had an accident.
2. While Joe was watching TV last night, the telephone rang.
3. Before I came to class, I had a cup of coffee.
4. Before the student came to class, the teacher had already given a
quiz.
5. Since I came here, I have learned a lot of English.
6. Since Bob opened his new business, he has been working 16 hours
a day.
7. After Omar (had) finished breakfast, he left the house and went to
his office.
8. Alex hurt his back while he was chopping wood.
61

9. You should always read a contract before you sign your name.
10. Before the waiter came to our table, I had already made up my
mind to order fish.
11. Before you ask the librarian for help, you should make every
effort to find the materials yourself.
12. While Jack was trying to sleep last night, a mosquito kept
buzzing in his ear.
13. While Susan was climbing the mountain, she lost her footing and
fell onto a ledge several feet below.
14. The Wilsons have experienced many changes in their lifestyle
since they adopted twins.
15. After I heard Mary describe how cold it gets in Minessota in the
winter, I decide not to go there for my vacation in January.


III Change the reason adverb clauses to participial phrase:
1. Because Sam didnt want to hurt her feelings, he didnt tell her the
bad news.
2. Because the little boy believed that no one loved him, he ran away
from home.
3. Because she was not paying attention to where she was going,
Rosa stepped into a hole and sprained her ankle.
4. As I had forgot to bring a pencil; to the examination, I had to
borrow one.
5. Since Chelsea is a vegetarian, she does not eat meat.
6. As he has already flunked out of school once, Mike is determined
to succeed this time.


IV Change the adverb clauses to participial phrase:
1. Before I talked to you, I had never understood that formula.
62

2. Because he did not want to spend any more money this month,
Larry decided against going to a restaurant for dinner.
3. After I read the chapter four times, I finally understood the
authors theory.
4. Because I remembered that everyone makes mistakes, I softened
my view of his seemingly inexcusable error.
5. While I was travelling across the United States, I could not help
being impressed by the great difference in terrain.
6. Before he gained national fame, the union leader had been an
electrician in a small town.
7. Because we were enjoying the cool evening breeze and listening to
the sounds of nature, we lost track of time.



2. The Perfect Participle (active)
a. Form: having + past participle: having done.
b. Use:
the perfect participle can be used instead of the present
participle in sentences where one action is immediately
followed by another with the same subject:
e.g.: Tying one end of the rope to his bed, he threw the other end
out of the window.
Having tied one end of the rope to his bed, he threw the other
end out of the window.
The perfect participle emphasizes that the first action is
complete before the second one starts, but is not normally necessary
in combinations of this kind, except when the use of the present
participle might lead to confusion. Reading the instructions, he
snatched up the fire extinguisher. might give the impression that
the two actions were simultaneous. Here, therefore, the perfect
63

participle would be better: Having read the instructions, he snatched
up the fire extinguisher.
the perfect participle is, however, necessary when there is an
interval of time between the two actions:
e.g.: Having failed twice, he didnt want to try again.
it is also used when the first action covered a period of time:
e.g.: Having been his own boss for such a long time, he found it hard
to accept orders from another.


3. The past participle (passive) and the perfect participle
(passive)
a. Form: the 3
rd
form of the verb
b. Use
as an adjective:
e.g.: stolen money; a written report; broken glass
to form the perfect tenses/infinitives and participles and the
passive voice:
e.g.: he has seen; to have loved; it was broken
it can replace a subject + passive verb
e.g.: She enters. She is accompanied by her mother.
She enters, accompanied by her mother.
He was aroused by the crash and leapt to his feet.
Aroused by the crash, he leapt to his feet.
the perfect participle passive (having been + past participle)
is used when it is necessary to emphasize that the action
expressed by the participle happened before the action
expressed by the next verb:
e.g.: Having been warned about the bandits, he left his valuables
at home.
64

Having been bitten twice, the postman refused to deliver our
letters.
participial phrases beginning with upon / on usually have
the same meaning as the clauses introduced by when:
e.g.: When he reached the age of 21, he received his
inheritance.
Upon / on reaching the age of 21, he received his
inheritance.



I Combine the two sentences, making a participial phrase out of
the first sentence if possible.
1. The children had nothing to do. They were bored.
2. I heard that Nadia was in the hospital. I called her family to find
out what was wrong.
3. We slowly approached the door to the hospital. The nurse stepped
out to find out what was wrong.
4. I live a long distance from my work. I have to commute daily by
train.
5. Heidi lives a long distance from her work. She has to commute
daily by train.
6. Abdul lives a long distance from his work. His car is essential.
7. I am a married man. I have many responsibilities.
8. The little boy was trying his best not to cry. He swallowed hard
and began to speak.
9. Anna kept on the steering wheel. She opened a can of soda pop
with her free hand.
10. Anna kept on the steering wheel. Bob handed her a can of pop to
hold in the other hand.