Mastering Appositives: From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Mastering Auxiliary Verbs in English

What is a auxiliary verb? There are four main types of auxiliary verbs, and we will understand this one by one.

Let’s get started with the very first one:

Primary auxiliary verbs.

Be, Have and Do are the main primary auxiliary verbs used in the English Language. They demand some tricks to master them because they can also be used as the primary verb in a clause, and each one of them should be able to connect so that they can show plurality and tense at the end. “

For perfect, continuous and perfect continuous tenses, “Be” and “Have” are used. Do is primarily used to create interrogative sentences and convert the main verbs to negative ones. 

Now let’s understand the auxiliary functions while forming tenses.

To form different tenses of primary verbs, “Be” and “Have” are used as auxiliary verbs.

Understanding Do

If there is no auxiliary verb along with the main verb in the sentence, then we make use of the auxiliary verb, that is, do/does, to the primary verb in a negative way.

Some examples are:

• I take two days off in a week. (affirmative)
• I do not take two days off in a week. (negative)
• He plays basketball. (affirmative)
• He does not play basketball. (negative)

Modal auxiliary verbs:

And we have the second category of auxiliary verbs, and it is Modal auxiliary verbs. They are used with the primary verb of the sentence. Some famous modal auxiliary verb examples are should, could, must, may, and many more are there. 

In spite of being tricky in nature, one can learn it simply. 

Let’s get started with a more detailed discussion. Generally, modal auxiliary verbs are used to define some specific hypothetical situations, such as requests, capabilities or advisability. The meaning of the main verb gets affected by the usage of such verbs. 

For example:

• I play soccer every day.
• I can play soccer every day.

Some commonly used modal auxiliary verbs are:

• shall
• can
• should
• may
• will
• must
• could
• might 
• should

Situations when modal auxiliary verbs are used:

• Possibility: It implies a situation when something is not so sure or certain, but it is possible, at that time could, may or might are used.
  
  Example: He might play today.
  
  
• Permission: If someone needs permission at that time, the modal verbs used are can, may or could.
  
  Example: Can I leave this meeting? 
  
  
• Ability: When a situation is related to someone’s potential or ability at that time, can is used. And in a negative way, cannot or can’t be used.
  
  Example: He can’t play cricket.
  
  
• Likelihood: Some facts that seem to be correct or likely true, but it is not sure at that moment should or must can be used to define the probability of the situation.
  
  Example: He must be proud of his son.
  
  
• Request: If you need any help or you want to approach someone to do you a favor at that time, start your statement with a will, can, would, could.
  
  Example: Can you please help me with this work?
  
  
• Habit: While representing a habitual action, you can use modal verbs such as would for past tense and will for present tense.
  
  Example: I will wake up early in the morning.
  
  
• Command: While commanding someone, you can make use of modal verbs such as need, have, or must.
  
  Example: You must complete your work by this evening.
  
  
• Suggestion/advice: Use the modal verb should while advising, recommending or suggesting something to someone.
  
  Example: You should try cold coffee once.
  
  
• Obligation: While using obligatory statements, use modal verbs like must, need, and have.
  
  Example: We have to wait for the boss to come. 

Semi-Modal auxiliary verbs:

The third category of auxiliary verbs is known as Semi-Modal auxiliary verbs and can also be referred to as semi-modal verbs. They are also used along with the main verbs to give a unique meaning. 

Dare, need, used to and ought to are some commonly used semi-modal verbs. They are used in conjunction with the main verbs to give a definite expression of the verb. Also, in the case of third-person singular subjects, they do not conjugate; they are unable to form the structure of infinitives, present participles, or past participles.

Let’s examine these semi-modal verbs one by one:

1. Dare: Dare as a semi-modal verb is used when it is necessary to describe a situation that involves actions related to somebody indicating the nature of being brave, reckless or rude. While functioning modally, it doesn’t bind to a person or a tense. Example: If he dares to cross his limits, I’ll teach him a proper lesson. Dare also forms negative or interrogative sentences such as: How dare you talk to me like that? He daren’t give me a reason to get angry.
   
   
2. Used to: It’s clearly visible that when someone uses used to, they refer to the past. While conveying a habitual action, “Used to” is brought into the action. Example: I used to play badminton for my state.
   
   
3. Ought to: A semi-modal verb that is followed by a “to” or “not to.” It is considered as similar as should. It is being used to express a situation that involves moral obligation, service or duty. Example: You ought to stand with the truth. Example: You ought not to spend too much money on entertainment.
   
   
4. Need: While communicating a necessity or a situation involving an obligation, it is necessary to use this semi-modal verb. Also, while forming negative statements, need is used without “to” just before the main verb. 

Example: I need to pay attention to my work.  I needn’t go to such trouble. They need to practise harder this season.

Dummy Auxiliary Verbs

The fourth and the last category in this list is known as dummy auxiliary verbs. These are generally used to form the structure of questions and negative statements. Also, they do not have any meaning of their own, as they just help the sentences’ primary verbs to form a definite meaning. 

The primary objectives of dummy auxiliary verbs are an indication of tenses and, meanwhile, forming negative statements and questions.

Here are some uses listed below:

1. Formation of questions or interrogative sentences: The auxiliary verb “do” is most prominently used in English to form questions. Example: Do you like Italian food? Example: Does she like to go to parties? Example: Did he attend the meeting?
   
   
2. Formation of negative statements: “Do” is also used to form the structure of the negative statements. Example: I don’t like Thai food. Example: He doesn’t have that much sense of the game. Example: They didn’t submit the project within the deadline. 

In the examples mentioned above, the tense (present or past) is indicated by the auxiliary verb “do.” and accordingly, the negative statements and questions are formed.