Lesson 1 Theme: Topic: Latest achievements of Uzbekistan Grammar: The Future Simple Tense

Some equivalents of modal auxiliary verbs

Be able to instead of can and could

He is able to do it on his own. (= He can do it on his own.)

The watchman was able to catch the thief. (= The watchman could catch the thief.)
She was able to solve the problem. (= She could solve the problem.)
Be to instead of will/shall

He is to retire next year. (= He will retire next year.)

We are to have a test in English next week. (= We will have a test in English next week.)
The structure ‘be to’ indicates simple future, like will or shall, but with a slight degree of uncertainty. The sentence ‘He is to retire’ means that ‘He is likely to retire’. It is not quiet certain whether he will actually retire or not.

Be to may also express a stronger meaning, almost like must, but it is not quite strong or blunt.

You are to take this medicine whether you like it or not.

Had better instead of should or ought to

You had better consult a doctor. (= You should consult a doctor.)

Had better may also express a threat.

He had better mend his ways.

Have to and have got to instead of must

I have to report for duty within a week. (= I must report for duty within a week.)

I have got to talk to her. (= I have to/must talk to her.)
Did you have to do that? (was that necessary?)
Have got to means the same as have to in most situations. It is more common in an informal style.
Modal verbs are for example may, can, must, should, need. They express an ability, permission, wish etc. to do something. (I may, can, must swim.) Many modal verbs cannot be used in all of the English tenses. That's why we need to know the substitutes to these modal verbs.

Modal Verb	Substitute	Example
must	to have to	I must swim. = I have to swim.
must not	not to be allowed to	I must not swim. = I am not allowed to swim.
can	to be able to	I can swim. = I am able to swim.
may	to be allowed to	I may swim. = I am allowed to swim.
need	to have to	I need to swim. = I have to swim.
need not	not to have to	I need not swim. = I don't have to swim.
shall / should/ ought to	to be supposed to / to be expected to / to be to	I shall / should / ought to swim. = I am supposed to swim. / I am expected to swim. / I am to swim.