Употребление и перевод глаголов may, might, could

Глаголы may и might в качестве модальных были рассмотрены выше, в разделе «Инфинитив и инфинитивные обороты» (см. стр. 40—43).

В случае употребления may и might в качестве вспомогательных глаголов сложной формы сослагательного наклонения они обычно не переводятся.

В уступительных придаточных предложениях:

However difficult this book may be from the point of view of the language, you are to read it.

Как ни трудна эта книга с точки зрения языка, вы должны читать ее.

Don't contradict him, whatever he may say.

He противоречьте ему, чтобы он ни сказал.

В придаточных предложениях цели:

Try to speak clearly, so that you may be understood better.

Старайтесь говорить ясно, чтобы вас лучше поняли.

Глаголы might, could в сослагательном наклонении в значении возможности употребляются:

в простых предложениях

This rule might be applied here.

Это правило можно было бы применить здесь.

в определительных придаточных предложениях

I can give you some materials that might be helpful in your work.

Я могу дать вам некоторые материалы, которые могли бы быть полезны в вашей работе.

Упражнения

1. Переведите.

1. Не could do this, if he tried.

2. The letter said that the materials might be used by us.

3. There was no rope whereby the boat might be tied to the river's bank.

4. He spoke so rapidly that we could not clearly understand him.

5. He drew the plan of the building more skillfully than any one else could have done it.

6. Could I but see that thing myself, I would believe in its existence.

7. He had come here that he might help me to finish the task.

8. Whatever may happen, we must accomplish this task in time.

9. You may have noticed it before.

10. The work could not have been done during such a short period.

11. The book may have been left here by some of our students.

12. I have some documents here that might be of some interest to you.

13. He tried to behave as if nothing had happened, so that nobody might notice the change.

14. I couldn't have been seen at the Institute on that day for the simple reason that I wasn't there.