AUXILIARY VERBSAUXILIARY VERBS ARE USED BEFORE INFINITIVES TO ADD A...

5. Auxiliary verbs

Auxiliary verbs are used before infinitives to add a different meaning.

Auxiliary verbs are can, could, would, should, ought to, will, shall, may,

might and must.

Can and could

- Use can and could to say that someone is able to do something.

She can draw really good pictures.

Our teacher said that we could go home early.

- You many also use can and could to say that someone is allowed to do something.

My mum says you can come to our house for dinner.

The big sign on the gate said PRIVATE, so we couldn't go in.

- Can and could are also used for asking for information or help, for offering

something and for suggesting something.

Could you show me where the accident happened?

Your sister could come with us, if she wanted to.

You can ask your dad to help us.

Will and would

- Use will and would when you are asking someone to do something.

Will you please stop making that noise?

Would you pass me that book, please?

- You can also use will and would to offer something or to suggest something.

Will I hold this end of the rope?

Would you like another drink?

Shall and should

- You can use shall and should to ask for advice, offer something and suggest

something.

Should I bring waterproof clothes?

Shall we go home now?

Ought to

- You use ought to to make strong suggestions and talk about someone’s duty.

You look tired. You ought to go to bed early tonight.

The teacher ought to make his classes more interesting.

Must

- Use must to talk about things that you have to do.

You must speak louder. I can't hear you.

May and might

- Use may to ask if you are allowed to do something and to tell someone that they

are allowed to do something.

May I go out?

- Use may and might to talk about things that are possible or likely.

Take an umbrella. It might rain.

You may not have time to go swimming tonight.