1 7-1 THE FVKM OF MODAL AUXILLAKIES
The verbs list4 below are called "modal auxiliaries." They are helping verbs that express a wide range of
meanings (ability, permission, possibility, necessity, etc.). Most of the modals have more than one meaning.
AUXILIARY + THE SIMmE FORM OF A VERB
can (a) Olga can eeah English.
could @) He couldn't come to class.
may (c) It may min tomorrow.
might (d) It mipht rain tomorrow.
should (e) Mary should study harder.
had berm (f) I had betfor study tonight.
must (g) Joe must see a doctor today.
will (h) I will be in class tomorrow.
would (i) Muld you please close the door?
AUXIXJARY + TO + THE SIMPLE FORM OF A VERB
have to (j) I haw to study tonight.
hawe got to (k) I have got to study tonight.
ought to (1) Kate ought to study harder.Can, could, may, might, should, had better, ma, d,
and would are immediately followed by the simple
form of a verb.
They are not followed by to.
INCORRECT: Olga can to speak English.
The main verb does not have a final -s.
INCORRECT: Olga can speaks English.
The main verb is not in a past form.
INCORWCT: Olga can spoke English.
The main verb is not in its -ing form.
INCORRECT: Olga can speaking English.
To + the simpleform is used with these auxiliaries:
haw w, have got to, and ought to.EXERCISE 2. The form of modal auxiliaries. (Chart 7-1)Directions: Add to where necessary. If no to is necessary, write 0.
- I have +o go downtown tomorrow.
2. Tom must d see his dentist.
- Could you please open the window?
- May I borrow your pen?
- A good book can be a friend for life.
- I ought go to the post office this afternoon.
- Jimmy is yawning and rubbing his eyes. He must be sleepy.
- I have got go to the post office this afternoon.
- Shouldn't you save a little money for a rainy day?
- Poor Edward. He has go to the hospital for an operation.
- Alex! Stop! You must not run into the street when there's traffic!
190 CHAPTER 7