What are Auxiliary and Modal Verbs?


Auxiliary verbs arehelper verbsused in combination with other verbs to assist in stating tone, tense, condition/state, voice or mood. A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb that expresses possibility, necessity or obligation. Because of their commanding tone, modals must be used carefully, and some writers attempt to avoid them entirely.

Nobody likes to be told what to do. If a reader senses this is happening, he becomes defensive and reads more skeptically. Sometimes, this is completely subconscious, but it is no less of a problem. Limiting those bullying, bossy modals can make writing more pleasant.

Dare

The most feisty of modal verbs, whendareis used as a modal, it has a very specific and negative purpose.
Dont you dare!” orHow dare you tell her about that?”

Need

Needis a black or white word, so use it sparingly.
You need this.”
Possible alternative: “Would you like this?”

Must

You must come with us.”
Possible alternative: “Wed love to have your company.”

Should

You should eat more vegetables.”
Possible alternative: “Vegetables are nutritious, and some of them even taste good.”

Will

You will like this.”
Possible alternative: “I hope you like this.”

Ought

Polly ought to try a new hair style.”
Possible alternative: “I wonder if Polly likes any of the new hair styles.”

Can

This verb sounds like the writer/speaker is granting permissionlittle better than the commanding tone.
You can come with.”
Possible alternative: “We would like for you to come with.”

May

Likecan”, this verb also tends to sound like a parent voice granting permission.
Yes you may.”
Possible alternative: “Please do.”

Shall

You shall not pass!”
Possible alternative: “Please consider an alternate route!”

Рубрика: Грамматика

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