Особенности модального значения глагола “ to be ” в английском языке

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

To be to expresses:

1. An obligation arising out of an arrangement or plan. It is found in statements and questions.

We are to complete this work by tomorrow. (Somebody expects it.)

I am to go down in my car and pick up the parcels.

When is the wedding to be?

Who is to be the first?

The ship was to dock on Sunday.

I was to meet Mother at the dentist’s at 11.

The last two sentences in which to be is in the past indefinite do not indicate whether the action did or did not take place.

On the other hand this form is the only way to indicate a fulfilled action in the past.

I was to meet Mother at 11 (and I did).

To emphasize that the action did not take place the perfect infinitive is used after the past indefinite of the verb to be to.

She was to have graduated in June, but unfortunately fell ill.

The present indefinite may signify an arrangement (especially official) for the future, or referring to no particular time. The German Chancellor is to visit France. A knife is to cut with.

2. A strict order or an instruction given either by the speaker or (more usually) by some official authority.

He is to return to Liverpool tomorrow (he has been given orders to return to Liverpool).

You are to stay here until I return (I tell you to...).

You are to do it exactly the way you are told.

Note the difference between to be to and to have to:

Soldiers have to salute their officers (such is customary obligation, the general rule).

All junior officers are to report to the colonel at once (an order).

3. Strict prohibition (only in the negative form).

You are not to do that.

You are not to tell anybody about it.

We are not to leave the place until we are told to.

You are not to smoke in this room.

4. Something that is destined to happen or is unavoidable. It corresponds to the Russian суждено, предстоит.

I didn’t know at the time that she was to be my wife (что ей суждено было стать моей женой).

As a young man he didn’t know that he was to become a famous scientist (ему суждено было стать

знаменитым ученым).

If we are to be neighbours for life we should be on friendly terms (если нам предстоит всю жизнь быть

соседями...).

Не was never to see her again (ему больше никогда не суждено было ее увидеть).

It was not to be (этому не суждено было сбыться).

Sometimes it may be translated by the Russian verb хотеть, especially after the conjunction if.

If we are to get there on time, we must start at once (если мы хотим прийти вовремя, надо сразу

отправляться).

5. Impossibility. In negative sentences or in sentences containing words with negative meaning the verb to be to implies impossibility. In this case the passive form of the non-perfect infinitive is used, unless it is a question beginning with the interrogative adverbs how, where.

They are not to be trusted.

Nothing was to be done under the circumstances.

He was nowhere to be found.

Where is the man to be found?

How am I to repay you for your kindness?

This meaning is similar to the meaning of can and may.

Here are some set expressions with the verb to be to:

What am I to do? Что мне делать? Как мне быть?

What is to become of me? Что со мною станется (будет)?

Where am I to go? Куда же мне деваться?

Способы выражения упрека (REPROACH) в английском языке. Особенности употребления глагола “ dare ” в английском языке.

Reproach, implying that a person should have done something, or behaved in a certain way, but didn’t do it. This meaning can be expressed with the help of modal verbs may and can, their past forms might and could.

Reproach (could)

You could at least have met me at the station, couldn’t you?

In this sense could is interchangeable with might.

Reproach (might)

This meaning is found only in positive statements and only with the form might as it is a reproach made about something that has not been done and thus implies some unfulfilled action.

You might at least offer to help.

In combination with the perfect infinitive it renders irritation (annoyance) that the action was not carried out.

You might have opened the door for me.

Dare

The modal verb dare may be defective or regular.
As a defective verb dare has two forms: dare for the present tense and dared for the past tense. It is used chiefly in interrogative and negative sentences. It has the meaning - to have the courage or independence to do something, to venture.

How dare he speak to you like that? (I wonder at such impudence.)
How dare you sneak into my room like this?
He daren’t write anything in case it isn't good (he hasn’t got the courage).
Dare you ask him? (Are you brave enough to ask him?)
That’s as much as I dare spend on it.
As a regular verb dare has a limited paradigm of finite forms and no verbals. It may have two meanings:
1. To venture, to have the courage or impudence (like the defective dare). In this sense it is used mainly

in negative statements.

He didn’t dare to stop me (he didn’t have the courage).
She doesn’t dare to answer.
Don’t you dare to touch me.

2. To challenge, to defy.
I dared him to jump (I challenged him to do it).
I dare you to say this straight to her face. - Попробуй, скажи ей это прямо в лицо.
Note the following combinations with the modal verb dare.
I dare say — I suppose, no doubt.
I dare say you are right. - Очень возможно, что вы правы.
I dare say he will come later. - Полагаю (пожалуй), он придет позже.