Auxiliary Verbs

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What is an auxiliary verb?

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An auxiliary verb, also known as a helping verb, is a verb that adds functional or grammatical meaning to the main verb in a sentence. Examples include 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were', 'have', 'has', 'will', 'shall', 'can', 'may', 'must', 'should', and 'could'.

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What is the purpose of the auxiliary verb 'may'?

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The auxiliary verb 'may' is used to express possibility or permission. For example, 'You may go to the party if you finish your homework.'

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What is the purpose of the auxiliary verb 'can'?

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The auxiliary verb 'can' is used to express ability or possibility. For example, 'I can swim.'

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What is the purpose of the auxiliary verb 'should'?

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The auxiliary verb 'should' is used to give advice or express obligation. For example, 'You should eat your vegetables.'

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What is the purpose of the auxiliary verb 'must'?

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The auxiliary verb 'must' is used to express necessity or strong obligation. For example, 'You must wear a seatbelt in the car.'

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What is the difference between 'may' and 'might'?

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'May' is used to express a possibility that is more likely to happen, while 'might' suggests a lower probability. For example, 'It may rain tomorrow' vs. 'It might rain tomorrow.'

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What is the purpose of the auxiliary verb 'would'?

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The auxiliary verb 'would' is used to express a hypothetical situation or a polite request. For example, 'I would like some ice cream.'

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What is the purpose of the auxiliary verb 'could'?

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The auxiliary verb 'could' is used to express past ability or a polite request. For example, 'I could ride a bike when I was younger.'

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How do auxiliary verbs change the meaning of a sentence?

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Auxiliary verbs change the meaning of a sentence by adding context such as time, ability, permission, or obligation. For example, 'I can go' (ability) vs. 'I must go' (obligation).

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What is an example of a sentence using 'can' to express ability?

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An example is: 'She can play the piano very well.'