Exercises

Exercise 9. Analyse the meanings of may. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. "Sir David has his funny side. You may have noticed it yourself." (K.I.) 2. "Miss Kenton, I wonder if I may draw your attention to the fact that the bed linen for the upper floor will need to be ready by the day after tomorrow." (K.I.) 3. He went about his work with such youthful vigour that a stranger might have believed there were not one but several such figures pushing trolleys about the corridors of Darlington Hall. (K.I.) 4. … she was a malevolent creature and I didn't know what lies she mightn't invent and pour into old Becker's ears. (S.M.) 5. She was a good-natured old soul and I thought it might be just motherliness on her part. (S.M.) 6. I may take this opportunity to say that Larry spoke without haste… (S.M.) 7. "Excuse me, Mrs. Benn. But the fact is we may not meet again for a long time." (K.I.) 8. We don't know whether he [G.Chaucer] received his education at Oxford or at Cambridge. There is some reason to suppose it may have been at both. (F.A.L.) 9. However that may be, he [W.Shakespeare] obtained employment at the Blackfriars theatre … (F.A.L.) 10. "Don't you remember, he never liked telling people where he lived. He may walk in at any moment." (S.M.) 11. His composure had on the others the effect he may have intended. 12. … on the corner outside the petrol station stood a young girl smiling at him invitingly, her mini skirt so short it might have been better described as a handkerchief. (D.Biber) 13. … if they had understood each other's point of view better in the beginning, they might have compromised. (A.H.) 14. "May I come in?" she shortly and unexpectedly asked me in the same sulky way. (Ch.D.) 15. I may mention that Miss Jellyby had relapsed into her sulky manner … (Ch.D.) 16. I may as well say here that having re-read her letter again tonight, I am inclined to believe I may well have read more into certain of her lines than perhaps was wise. (K.I.) 17. If we may judge from his writing he [G.Chaucer] seems to have spent much of his time in reading… (F.A.L.)

Exercise10. Instructions as for 9.

1. Those questions may possibly show some kind of spatial as well as temporal adaptation. (E.Z.) 2. While this may be true in some cases it is certainly not in others. (E.Z.) 3. It could be supposed that Shakespeare had so poor opinion of "Titus" that anyone might print it without hindrance. (E.Z.) 4. "Come on, Taverner. I bet you know who did it. We are not in court, man." "No, and we never may be." "You mean he may not have been murdered?" (A.Chr.) 5. "It's just his death – you see, I think, Charles, that he didn't just die. I think he may have been killed…" (A.Chr.) 6. "Listen, Jen, I may not call you for a few months." (E.S.) 7. He might have realized that you were pulling his leg. (B.D.Graver) 8. "I think he took it because it came from me. He might maybe have hit Jenny." (E.S.) 9. Sir Pitt might have said, "he and his family" to be sure… (W.Th.) 10. That she might, when on her knees, have been thinking of something better than Miss Horrock's ribbons, has possibly struck both of us. (W.Th.) 11. "The ghost!" a rather week voice gulped. "It may have been a flash from a car headlight," a man said firmly. (A.Hit.) 12. As he never spoke a word, he might have been a native, but for his complexion. (Ch.D.) 13. "May I ask you a question?" said I, when we had sat before the fire. (Ch.D.) 14. I do not mind making the admission, however damaging it may be. (S.L.)

Exercise 11. Open the brackets using the appropriate form of the infinitive. Pay attention to the meanings of may.

1. May I (to ask) you to repeat the question? 2. You may (to amaze) to learn what has happened. 3. As it might (to expect) he never came! 4. You might (to meet) him there someday. 5. It may well (to be) that they will offer you more money for the picture. 6. This expedition may (to keep) me away from home for as much as five or six days. 7. She didn't answer at once. She may (to puzzle) a little by my words. 8. He was no gentleman. He may (to have) a lot of money, but he was never a gentleman. 9. "It was so foolish of her to leave the job! She might (to have) a real career in front of her. She had ability." 10. I have not seen him in recent years. He may (to change) a lot. 11. What has happened now might (to happen) long ago! 12. Might I (to know) what you are doing here? 13. Really you might (to do) something to ease her burden a little. 14. However, you may (to have) difficulty in finding the appropriate moment to convey such information. 15. You must come now, or else you may deeply (to regret) it later. 16. "Well, since everyone is giving speeches, I may as well (to take) a turn. 17. You may (to ask) yourself at the moment whether these words impressed the audience. 18. He paused again, looking rather stern. One might even (to think) he was angry. 19. He may not (to be aware) of the existence of this society.

Exercise 12. Make up sentences of your own using the following phrases.

1. to express permission and prohibition: may I …? might we …? you may …; he said we might …; she says they may …; I said you might …; you may not …; she says I may not …; he said we might not…

2. to express supposition implying doubt and reproach: he may have…; they might have…; she might be …; they might have been …; he may (might) +simple infinitive; they may not have …; she might not have been…; we may (might) not + simple infinitive; you might + simple infinitive; you might have …

Exercise 13. Translate the sentences into English using may in different meanings.

1. Возможно, они все еще ждут от нас ответа. 2. Может быть, она еще не проснулась, поэтому и не берет трубку. 3. Ты могла бы позвонить и предупредить нас, что не придешь! 4. Возможно, он не сделал этого из-за страха быть наказанным. 5. Вы можете принести статью завтра. 6. Возможно, он тебя просто не заметил. 7. Чемодан тяжелый. Можно, я помогу тебе нести его? 8. Не трогай мои вещи без разрешения! 9. Может быть, он тебя не понимает (не понял). 10. Возможно, мы получим эту информацию завтра. 11. Может быть, он уже слышал об этом. 12. Вы можете позвонить мне в любое время. 13. Они, возможно, скоро вернутся (уже вернулись). 14. Зачем ты так торопился? Ты мог бы упасть! 15. Мы, возможно, больше не увидимся. 16. Я, пожалуй, подожду еще немного. (may as well) 17. Они, возможно, уже давно находятся дома. 18. Можно, я немного убавлю радио? 19. Возможно, он опять не сдал экзамен. 20. Не волнуйся, он скоро поправится; все могло быть и хуже! 21. "Обещаю, что помогу тебе завтра." "Тогда вообще можешь мне не помогать!" (may just as well not…).

Revision exercises on can and may

Exercise 14. Analyse the meanings of can and may. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. Australia can bring forth writers, orators, financiers, singers, musicians, actors, and athletes which are second to none of any nation under the sun. (M.F.) 2. I can see several tents rigged for the night, looking like white specks in the distance. (M.F.) 3. He threw his handkerchief over my chest, saying I might catch cold, but I scouted the idea. (M.F.) 4. I was afraid the boat might have stunned you in capsizing, and you would be drowned before I could find you. (M.F.) 5. "Harold, it is shameful to teach a little innocent child such abominable slang; and you might give her a decent nickname." (M.F.) 6. There was little I could do for Mr. Farraday to prevent all but Mrs. Clements leaving for other employment. (K.I.) 7. The cause of this illness has not been identified, although recent research suggests that the problem may stem from an immune system reacting abnormally to the brain's chemical processes. (N.I.) 8. … so sufferers of this condition can only have their symptoms treated through a combination of counselling and drugs. (N.I.) 9. The roof seemed to be intact. Could it be – could it be? No, it wasn't possible. (M.Mit) 10. The English have no respect for their language… . They cannot spell it because they have nothing to spell it with but an old foreign alphabet. (B.Sh.) 11. Who could deny that Elliott, that arch-snob, was also the kindest, most considerate and generous of men? (S.M.) 12. … any experiment involving a change in the environment will alter many things, which may or may not be important. (E.Z.) 13. Does he constantly criticise and blame you or others for everything that is wrong in his life, rather than accept that he might have made a mistake? (N.I.) 14. Who could Jenny be talking to … ? (E.S.)

Exercise 15. Insert can, may or both in the appropriate form.

1. Neither wanted to bring up the subject for fear of what that … lead to. 2. She … have been a little puzzled by this question, for she was silent for some time before answering. 3. There is little we … do for him now. 4. "… you see what is written there?" "No, I … not. I am short-sighted." 5. "The cost of such a trip … come to a surprising amount. Are you sure you have enough money to afford it?" 6. "Let's go to the countryside. At this time of the year we … get some work on a farm." 7. "I see you have so much time on your hands if you … simply wander about this house doing nothing and poking your nose into other people's affairs." 8. She used to hope ardently that her daughter … have a better life than she herself had. 9. I … not say I felt greatly excited at hearing the news. 10. He … sense the steep drop to his left, though he … not see it due to the trees and thick foliage that lined the roadside. 11. You … be amazed to hear that this obvious mistake for a long time escaped my notice. 12. You have made several spelling mistakes. You … have been more attentive translating such an important text! 13. I am sure America … offer you more opportunities than your motherland. Try to emigrate. 14. He refused to help you? He … not be so callous! 15. … he have misunderstood us? 16. Nobody … have supposed that you quarrelled. 17. It is time for the woman to take her own decisions, however slow the progress … be. 18. "It is quite clear they suspect that something is wrong, and their suspicions … be quite justified! 19. Nobody else … have done it better than you did! 20. … I smoke here?

Exercise 16. Paraphrase the following sentences using can or may in the appropriate form.

1. Perhaps, he has forgotten it. 2. I don't believe that he has forgotten it. 3. It is possible that he will forget it soon. 4. Is it possible that he has forgotten it? 5. Did he allow you to take his books? 6. I forbid you to speak to me in such a tone! 7. It is impossible that they didn't find the place. 8. They will perhaps discuss the question at the next meeting. 9. Did he give you permission to come here? 10. Perhaps, he didn't notice us. 11. I am sure she hasn't fallen ill. 12. Is it possible that they didn't congratulate you? 14. Perhaps, he doesn't know it. 15. I am not able to stand here any longer! 16. Maybe he has been taken to hospital. 17. It is possible to see the lake and the forest through this window. 18. He was unable to find it out.

Exercise 17. Translate the sentences into English using can, may or both.

1. Мы встречались и прежде, но, возможно, вы забыли об этом. 2. Не может быть, чтобы мы встречались прежде. Я уверена, что вижу вас впервые. 3. Где мы можем с вами встретиться? 4. Неужели вы прежде не встречались? 5. Не может быть, чтобы она нас обманула. 6. Возможно, она нас обманула. 7. Может быть, она нас и не обманула. 8. Возможно, она нас обманет. 9. Неужели она нас обманывает. 10. Можно я принесу статью завтра? 11. Вам нельзя оставлять это дело без внимания. 12. "Она убежала (to run off) с Хитклиффом!" "Не может этого быть!" 13. Я не мог не пойти на эту встречу. 14. Возможно, мы скоро получим ответ на этот вопрос. 15. Он не смог ответить даже на этот простой вопрос. 16. Неужели он не ответил даже на этот вопрос. 17. "Мам, можно я возьму еще одну конфету?" "Тебе нельзя есть много сладкого." 18. Нам, пожалуй, лучше сходить в кино. 19. Он мог бы оставить ей побольше денег перед отъездом. Сейчас ей просто не на что жить. 20. Вряд ли она была красавицей даже в юности. 21. Возможно, ты встретишь там настоящих друзей.

Must

6.5. The modal verb must has the following meanings:

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 1143