LoginModal Verbs vs. Auxiliary Verbs
What Is Their Main Difference?
The main difference between modal verbs such as 'can', 'could', 'would', 'may', etc. and auxiliary verbs ('be', 'do', and 'have') is that modal verbs do not change their appearance while auxiliary verbs change according to certain factors in the sentence.
Similarities
With Main Verbs
Both auxiliary verbs and modals must be used with a main verb and cannot be used alone (unless they are used in a short answer such as "I can." or "I am."). Have a look:
I shall send him a letter. (Not "I shall him a letter.")
She has been talking when they called. (Not "She has been when they called.")
Negation and Questions
Much like auxiliary verbs, modals can create a negative sentence. In this case, we add 'not' after the modal or the auxiliary verb. For example:
I cannot finish all of these candies by myself.
I don't understand this.
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We can also ask questions using modals and auxiliary verbs. To do so, we invert the modal or the auxiliary. Look:
She is waiting for me. → Is she waiting for me?
She could be a threat. → Could she be a threat?
Tip!
When the sentence consists of a modal verb and one or more auxiliary verbs, the modal verb will act as the head of the verb phrase and take 'not' to negate the meaning of the sentence. Watch:
I may have been trying to reach her. → I may not have been trying to reach her.
Differences
Function
Modals are used for communicative purposes such as:
Talking about possibilities, probabilities, etc.
I may have texted the wrong number.
Here, we are talking about a possibility.
You should consider buying a new car.
Here, we are suggesting something.
Auxiliary verbs, however, are used to help express the properties of the main verb, such as:
Harry is studying law.
Here, the auxiliary verb 'be' helps express the continuous tense.
She has been helping me with work.
Here, the auxiliary verb 'have' helps form the perfect aspect of the verb.
Conjugation
Modals cannot be conjugated and are always used in their base form. Auxiliary verbs, however, can be conjugated. They change their appearance according to the subject or tense of the verb. Take a look at the following examples:
Ariana must have been here. (Not "Ariana musted be here.")
She was late yesterday.
The auxiliary verb 'be' changes its form based on tense and subject.
With Other Verbs
Modals can be used with as many auxiliary verbs as possible in one sentence:
I should have visited her more.
'Should' is a modal verb and 'have' is an auxiliary verb.
Also, several auxiliary verbs can be used at the same time in one sentence:
She hasn't been running as much as se used to.
However, use of multiple modals in one sentence is not grammatically correct.
She could help you. (Not "She will could help you.")
Quiz:
Which of the following is a similarity between modal verbs and auxiliary verbs?
Both can be used alone without a main verb.
Both always change their form based on subject and tense.
Both express the properties of the main verb, such as tense, mood, and aspect.
Both can be used to create negative sentences and questions.
Which of the following accurately describes the primary functions of modal and auxiliary verbs?
Modals express tense, auxiliaries express permission.
Modals express possibilities, auxiliaries express tense and aspect.
Modals form negative sentences, auxiliaries form questions.
Modals are used for mood and aspect, auxiliaries for possibility.
Which of the following describes conjugation of modal and auxiliary verbs accurately?
Neither modal verbs nor auxiliary verbs can be conjugated.
Modal verbs cannot be conjugated, while auxiliary verbs change based on the subject or tense.
Modal verbs can be conjugated, while auxiliary verbs always remain in their base form.
Both modal verbs and auxiliary verbs can be conjugated.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a modal verb and auxiliary verb together?
She will could help you.
I should have visited her more.
I am should visit her.
He can was late yesterday.
Sort the words to create a correct sentence.
Match the incomplete sentences in Column A with the correct corresponding parts in Column B to form grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the modal and/or auxiliary verb specified in the parenthesis to complete the sentence.
She
(be) working on her project all day yesterday.
He
(should) gone to the meeting if he had been feeling better.
I
(can) help you with that task if you ask.
They
(be) not finished their homework yet.
He
(may) forgotten about the meeting.
Complete the table below by choosing whether the description applies to a modal verb or an auxiliary verb.
Can be conjugated and changes form based on tense or subject | |
Used to express ability, possibility, or permission | |
Always used in its base form | |
Helps the main verb express tense, mood, or aspect | |
Cannot be used with another of its kind in the same sentence |
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