2 3 4 Flashcards
(26 cards)
Q: What is the importance of auxiliary and modal verbs in English grammar?
They are essential for forming tenses, voices, questions, and expressing modality (e.g., ability, permission, obligation, probability).
How do Quirk et al. describe modal auxiliaries?.
As a bridge between grammar and meaning, linking syntax with the speaker’s attitude.
What approaches underpin the study of auxiliary and modal verbs?
Structuralist (form-focused) and functionalist (use-focused) approaches.
What’s the main difference between lexical and auxiliary verbs?
Lexical verbs carry meaning (e.g., “run”); auxiliary verbs support grammatical structures (e.g., “have”, “do”).
What are the two types of auxiliary verbs?
Primary auxiliaries and modal auxiliaries.
Name the primary auxiliaries.
. Be”, “Have”, and “Do”.
What are modal auxiliaries used for?
To express modality: ability, permission, obligation, and probability.
What are semi-auxiliaries?
Multi-word expressions like “be going to” or “have to” that show aspect/modality.
What are modal idioms?
Fixed expressions like “had better” or “would rather” used for advice, preference, or obligation.
What are catenative verbs?
Verbs that link to other verbs in non-finite forms, e.g., “seem to”, “keep”, “get”.
What constructions use “be” as an auxiliary?
Progressive aspect (“is working”) and passive voice (“was written”).
What are examples of semi-modal structures with “be”?
Be going to”, “Be about to”, “Be likely to”.
What functions does “do” perform as an auxiliary?
Negation (“She doesn’t know”), questions (“Do you play?”), emphasis (“I do like it”), and substitution.
What is the function of “have” as an auxiliary?
It forms the perfect aspect (e.g., “have seen”).
Where do modal verbs appear in a sentence?
A: Before the main verb, without “to”.
. What modal verb expresses ability, permission, and logical possibility?
Can
How is “could” used to express a polite request?
Example: “Could you help me with this?”
Which modal verb indicates weak probability and is more tentative than may
Might
.
What modal verb is commonly used in formal requests for permission?
May
What modal verb expresses strong obligation or logical deduction?
Must
What does would express in conditional sentences?
Hypothetical situations (e.g., “If I had time, I would help.”)
What is a semi-modal verb that expresses moral obligation and includes “to”?
Ought to
