5. Auxiliary verbs

Remember that we have learned that there are two types of auxiliary verbs:

1. Primary auxiliary and

2. modal auxiliary.

Both work together with lexical verbs to form a verb phrase. However, their functions are different.

1. Primary Auxiliary Verbs

A primary auxiliary verb (or helping verb) accompanies a main verb to help express

1. 1. tense (present or past),

   2. voice (active or passive) and

   3. mood (indicative, interrogative, imperative, or subjunctive).

The most common auxiliary verbs are "be," "do," and "have" (in their various forms). These three words can also be lexical verbs if they are the only verb in a clause. For example,

• • • I am happy.

    • I did my homework.

    • Everyone has a dream.

That is why they are called primary auxiliary verbs.

A modal auxiliary verb is used to express ideas such as ability, possibility, permission, and obligation.

Modal auxiliary verbs include "can," "could," "may," "might," "shall," "should," "will," "would", "must," and "ought to" .

For example:

1. Lee can eat a lot of pies.

(Here, the modal verb "can" helps to express the idea of ability.)

2. Lee might eat that pie before he gets home.

(Here, the modal verb "might" helps to express the idea of possibility.)

3. Lee may eat as many pies as he likes.

(Here, the modal verb "may" helps to express the idea of permission.)

4. Lee should give you some of that pie given you bought it.

(Here, the modal verb "should" helps to express the idea of obligation.)

Click here to read more about auxiliary modal verbs.