Modal auxiliary verbs are used to express concepts such as competence, obligation, and repetition. They can also be used to conjugate verbs in tenses other than the present. It is also possible to conjugate verbs in tenses other than the present tense.

Here are some of the most commonly used auxiliary verbs

Can: the ability, possibility, or permission to do something.

Horatio can smell the animals from a distance in the jungle. Horatio can smell the animals in the jungle from miles away.

Suzy can’t go today. Susie can’t be with us today.

Do you mind if I borrow this pen? Can I borrow this pen?

Will: Future or wish.

Bruno Delavigne will be here tomorrow. Bruno Delavigne will be here tomorrow.

I’m not calling again. I’m not calling again.

Please don’t make any noise. Please stop the noise.

Duties: work, duty, certainty.

Seat belts must be worn. You are required to wear a seat belt.

Should this conversation be reported to Bruno? Should I report this conversation to Bruno?

Someone is banging on the door, it must be Bob. Someone is knocking on the door, it must be Bob.

May:  Uncertainty Probability, and Possibility

We may be late today. Don’t keep us waiting. There is a possibility that we will arrive late tonight. Please don’t keep us waiting.

Do you have a minute? (Continue studying.

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