Дипломная работа: Modal verbs

E.g. He had got to sell his car.

A few drops begun to fall “We’d better take shelter,’ she said. (Нам лучше укрыться).

She didn’t like to say that she thought they had better not play cards when the guest might come in at any moment.

Had better is followed by the infinitive without to .

We can compare the usage of this verb in American and British literature:

You’ve got to be kidding – American English.

You’ve got to be joking – British English.

To be to

To be to as a modal verb is used in the present and past tenses.

E.g. We are to meet at six.

We were to meet at six.

To be to as a modal verb has the following meanings:

1) a previously arranged plan or obligation resulting from the arrangement

E.g. We are to discuss it the following week.

Is he to arrive tomorrow?

Who was to speak at the meeting?

Mass struggle is vital if the elimination of the evils of racial hatred is to be guaranteed.(Daily Worker)

This meaning of to be to is found in affirmative and interrogative sentences in the present and past tenses. To be to is followed by the simple infinitive.

The past tense of the verb to be to in combination with the Perfect infinitive denotes an unfulfilled plan.

E.g. I promised to go to a club with her last Tuesday, and I really forgot all about it. We were to have played a duet together.

2) orders and instructions , often official (frequently in reported speech).

E.g. I just mention it because you said I was to give you all the details I could.

Norman says I am to leave you alone. All junior officers are to report to the colonel at once.

The Prime Minister is to go to Paris next week. (Daily Worker, London)

In this meaning to be to is found is affirmative and negative sentences and followed by the simple infinitive.

3) something that is destined to happen

E.g . He was to be my teacher and friend for many years to come.

He did not know at the time that he was never to see his native place again.