This kind of modality is realized in both languages via modal verbs/their lexical equivalents plus the infinitive of the notional verb. These constructions perform the function of the compound modal verbal predicate and express different meanings predetermined by the modal verb in the main, which can be observed in many citations and their Ukrainian translations on the forthcoming pages.
1. Thus, the modal verb can/could expressing physical or mental ability is usually translated into Ukrainian with the help of the modal verbs , or by means of their equivalents /, / :
a)l saw that he could hardly , / take his eys off her. (Maugham) .
| Now, you pray, Harold, she said. I can't, said. Krebs. (Hemingway) I haven't been able to do what I meant. (E. Warton) |
, , - . . .
, ...
b) When expressing doubt, distrust, uncertainty, etc. (mainly in interrogative and negative sentences) the meaning of can/could is mostly enforced in Ukrainian with the help.of the particles , or the adverb :
| () , ? . / ?/ . |
Can't you believe me, mother? (Hemingway)
It can't be the same man -
(Christie)
It can't possibly be Walter. (Maugham)
) When expressihg the meaning of reproach, surprise or permission the lexical equivalent of the modal verb can in Ukrainian is mostly the stative :
| / ? ? , . |
How can one promise that? (Greene)
Can I come up and see your pictures? (Hemingway)
Having it all, one can't leave a woman without a bob. (Maugham)
d) When the modal verb can expresses irrefutability of action or assuredness of statement, it may be conveyed in Ukrainian, where this kind of modal meaning is usually expressed implicitly, through a definite word-order and sentence stress (prosodic means):
You can't teach an old dog -
new tricks. (D. Lessing) .
There was nothing, the boy could do but run. (J.K. Jerome) , .
Can the leopard change his -
spots? (Saying) .
e) Some modal meanings of can/could are expressed in Ukrainian either lexico-grammatically or through phonological means. The choice of the means rests then exclusively with the translator. Thus, in the sentence below the meaning of the modal verb could is under logical (or emphatic) stress which may be marked (pointed out) accordingly in Ukrainian: / could know it without your telling me. (B.Shaw) .
The same could in the isolated sentence may also be treated as a form of the subjunctive mood, marked by the participle /: / .
|
|
|
can't recollect him. /
(Greene) .
Why can't he go to a hospi-
tal? (Christie) ?/
?
Note. Some English modal meanings of can have no corresponding equivalents in Ukrainian. Cf.: / can see in this picture. ... can hear you well. . you see me? ?
f) In some contextual environment the modal meaning of can may be expressed in Ukrainian through other modal verbs:
How can you talk to me like 쳺
that. (Fitzgerald) .
We had an awful time get- . ting back, I can tell you. (Ibid.)
.
The modal verb can/could followed by the perfect infinitive
and expressing a probable, doubtful, uncertain, incredible, etc. action is usually translated into Ukrainian depending on its contextual meaning. The latter may be expressed: 1) through the past form of the corresponding verb (indicative mood) or 2) through its subjunctive mood form ( ). For example:
| 1) She can't have neglected all that. (F.King) |
?
| 2) How could she have been like that? (Fitzgerald) Nobody could have saved him. (W.Trevor) But he could have lived, this boy. (Hailey) |
/ ?
ͳ / .
/ .
Exercise I. Offer appropriate Ukrainian particles or modal adverbs (or both) to convey the phonologically expressed (through emphatic stress or intonation) modality in the English sentences below.
Model: I did have ideas that way. For a time. (Hailey) / , (modal particle ', modal particle plus the modal adverb ).
1. Wouldn't you like me to read? she asked. 2. Wouldn't you like some broth? 3. I wouldn't know what to do. Honestly. 4. Behave yourself. Why don't you try behaving? (Hemingway) 5. Oh, I am longing to see it, Iris said. 6. Sweety, I don't honestly like this very much. (F.King)?. I know you didn't mean to. but you did it (hurt). (Fitzgerald) 8. John, it was you who initiated the Joe Black Memorial Award. (B. Glanville) 9. I do apologise, Madam. I feel so... I would not have troubled. (S.Hill) 10. Now I caught you! she said. Now you can't get away! 11. It (music) seems to be right in them. 12. Wait till I tell him I met Walter Williams, she said. 13. Why don't you have another concert, some time? 14. Well, I'll be there. be there, if I possibly can. You can count on me. 15. I just caught myself in time. (D.Parker) 16. You think so? Why not. I said. (Hemingway) 17. I'm not hungry. Dave. I wouldn't lie to you. (Caldwell)
