В пособии рассматриваются основные моменты английской грамматики: части речи имя существительное, имя прилагательное и наречие; видо-временные формы глагола; модальные глаголы; неличные формы глагола

2. Modal Auxiliary Verbs With Perfect Infinitives

Modal verbs usually refer to the present, or the future (except for certain uses
of could, would and must). However, all modal verbs (except shall) in some
of their meanings can be used together with perfect infinitives to talk about
the past. ( The perfect infinitive without to is used, except after ought.) This
structure has a special meaning: it is used for speculating (thinking about what
possibly happened) or imagining (thinking about how things could have been
different).


She’s two hours late - what can have happened?
You could have told me you were coming.
I think I may have annoyed Aunt Mary.
You were crazy to ski down there - you might have killed yourself.
John is behaving very strangely. I think he must have been drinking.
We ought to have got here earlier: the train’s packed.
You needn’t have brought wine - we’ve got plenty.

3. CAN, COULD and BE ABLE for ABILITY

The general meaning of can and could is connected with the idea of freedom.
If you say that you can do something, you mean that there is nothing to stop
you doing it if you want to; you are strong enough, or you have learnt how to
do it, or you have been given permission, or it is physically possible: you are
free to do it.


A. Present and Future
Can is usually used to talk about the present, or about ‘general ability’ - the
ability to do something at any time you want to.
Can you do this sum in your head?
You can cook even if you can’t do anything else.