DAY 5: HELPING VERBS & MODALS

Helping verbs “help” the main verb in a sentence by adding detail to the main verb. They always appear with ACTION VERBS. So far we have met 2 HELPING VERBS:

  • We use forms of BE to show CONTINUOUS tense:
    • Marissa is making dinner for us now.
  • We use forms of DO on PRESENT SIMPLE to:
    • I do sleep at 8 every night. (Emphasis the positive sentences)
    • I do not sleep at 8 every night. (Make negatives)
    • Do you sleep at 8 every night? (Make questions)
  • Remember that we use DOES for SHE/HE/IT/SINGULARS:
    • My baby sleeps at 8 every night.
    • My baby does sleep at 8 every night. (Emphasis)
    • My baby does not sleep at 8 every night. (Negative, we don’t add ‘-s’ after the MAIN VERB “sleep”)
    • Does your baby sleep at 8 every night? (Question, we don’t add ‘-s’ after the MAIN VERB “sleep”)

MODALS are helping verbs that show possibility, ability, suggestion, necessity, or permission. Here are some examples:

We use “CAN” to talk about:

  • Used to express someone’s ability to do something.
  • Example: He can play the guitar.
  • Used to talk about something that is possible.
  • Example: You can see the mountains from here.
  • Used to ask for or give permission.
  • Example: Can I use your phone?

We use “MUST” to talk about:

  • Used to express something that is necessary or obligatory.
  • Example: You must wear a seatbelt while driving.
  • Used to strongly recommend something.
  • Example: This movie is fantastic; you must see it!

We use “SHOULD” to talk about:

  • Used to give advice or make suggestions.
  • Example: You should eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Used to express something that is expected or likely.
  • Example: The train should arrive at 10 AM.

We use “MIGHT” to talk about:

  • Used to express a lower probability or possibility. It indicates that something is possible but not certain.
  • Example: It might rain later, so take an umbrella just in case.

PATTERN

Semua MODAL VERBS hanya memiliki satu versi dan tidak akan berubah siapapun subjeknya. Yang perlu kita perhatikan adalah VERBS yang kita gunakan setelah MODAL VERBS haruslah VERB 1:

  • I should to go there soon. ❌
  • I should go there soon. ✅
  • She should goes there soon. ❌
  • She should go there soon. ✅

Mastering MODAL VERBS can improve your overall fluency significantly. Happy learning, Gems!

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