Auxiliaries & Modal Verbs - GE 9 - Unit 1

Use of  Auxiliaries

(kata kerja bantu)

A. In verb forms

B. Other uses

Auxiliaries

Be (is, am, are)

Do (do, does, did)

Have (have, has)

In verb forms

Make continuous forms with be+verb+ing

I am doing a Master’s.

She was hoping to do her first degree in four years.

Make perfect verb forms with have+past participle.

It is something I have wanted to do for ages.

Make all passive verb forms with be+past participle.

I was told you were really enjoying it.

Make questions and negatives (in Present Simple and Past Simple)

Does she know this guy?

I don’t think you were coming.

Other uses of auxiliaries

1. In question tags

You are doing an open university course, aren’t you?

2. To add emphasis

Don’t worry. It does get easier.

3. In short answer to yes / no questions

Do you think you will have finished your degree by next year?

No, I don’t.

4. To say it is the same for you or other people, with so or nor

I found the first new assignments a bit scary.

So does everyone.

How do you manage to do everything?

Sometimes I don’t.

Nor do I.

5. To avoid repeating a verb or phrase.

How do you manage to do everything?

Sometimes I don’t.

6. In echo questions to show interest.

She was hoping to do her first degree in four years – it actually took eight.

Did it?

Tips:

In the positive forms (Present Simple and Past Simple), we use auxiliaries (do, does, or did). To emphasis we stress these auxiliaries.

I do understand.

I am going to do it.

The modal verbs are:

Will – would

Can – could

May – might

Shall – should – ought to

Must – have to

Modal verbs are different from auxiliaries (be, do, have) because they have their own meanings.

Most also have more than one meaning.

1. A promise = I will see you at six.

2. A prediction = I think we will win.

3. A request = Can you pick me up?

4. Ability = He can play the piano.

5. Obligation = You must be here at nine.

6. Strong recommendation = You must see that film.