Auxiliary verbs

Used to express ability (to be able to do something)

• I can make jewelry

• He can't speak French

• Can you open this Jar?

• Can

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Describes an ability that someone had in the past

• I could swim when I was young

• You could see the boat sinking

• They could I take this Jacket with me

• Could

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Used to ask for formal permission

• May I come in?

• May I say something now?

• Used to suggest something that is possible

• May

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Used to suggest smaller possibility that may does, is more common that may

• He might have finished it

• I might go see a doctor

• You might have lost it

• Might

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Used to express something formally required or necessary:

• Must

• He must be a genius

• I must complete the project by this week

• The government must provide health care for everybody

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B