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Auxiliary Verbs
1. Introduction
Auxiliary verbs (sometimes known as helping verbs) are verbs that are used to assist the verb.
Primary auxiliaries used mainly to change the tense or voice of the main verb, and in making
questions and negatives.
2. Primary auxiliaries
Be, do, have and their various forms are called primary auxiliaries (trợ từ chính).
Be is used with other verbs to make progressive and passive verbs forms.
I am writing.
Do sit down.
She is writing.
I am working.
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Note that be, do and have can also function as principal verbs (động từ chính). They are called auxiliaries
only when they help other verbs to form their tenses (các thì) and moods (thức).
3. Modal auxiliaries
3.1. Definition
The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, must, ought, and need are usually called
modal auxiliaries (trợ động từ khiếm khuyết/khuyết thiếu). They are used with other verbs to express
actions, events or situations that exist only as conceptions of the mind (nhận thức của trí óc) – permissions,
possibilities, certainty, ability, wishes, obligations etc. They may also express simple futurity.
I can swim.
I must go now.
2
Should I call them?
3.2. Characteristics
1. They are never used alone. A principal verb is either present or implied.
He should behave.
I can swim.
I may pass.
He may pass.
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3. Modal auxiliaries do not have infinitives (to may, to shall etc.) or participles (maying, shalling, shalled etc.).
You cannot say to shall, to must or to may.
To talk about what will Ann will be 10 years old next month.
happen in the future.
Would To talk about the past After dinner we would sit in a common room and chat
habits for a while.
Be willing to She said she would be try her best to finish the work.
Polite requests and offers Would you like another cup of tea?
May
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Need Ask for or give permission You need not work to day.
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