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  • English Modal Verbs
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    English Modal Verbs

    Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that express modality in the English language. Modality is the grammaticalized expression of the subjective attitude of the speaker, which includes opinions about possibility, probability, necessity, obligation, permissibility, ability, desire, and contingency. The nine English modal auxiliary verbs are: can could may might must shall should will […] More

  • Grammatical Functions of English Auxiliary Verbs
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    Grammatical Functions of English Auxiliary Verbs

    English verbs and verb phrases perform four primary and six nominal functions within English grammar. Auxiliary verbs, however, differ from prototypical verbs in that auxiliary verbs perform a limited set of grammatical functions. The auxiliary verbs in English include the modal verbs and quasi-modal verbs, the do-operator, perfect have, progressive be, and passive be. The […] More

  • Grammatical Functions of Verbs in Predicate Verb Phrases
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    Grammatical Functions of Verbs in Predicate Verb Phrases

    A predicate is defined as a word or phrase that expresses the action performed by the grammatical subject or the state of the grammatical subject. Within the predicate, individual verbs perform specific grammatical functions. The six grammatical functions performed by verbs within the predicate are: Predicate Progressive Perfect Passive Modal Operator The following sections explain […] More

  • The Modal in English Grammar
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    The Modal in English Grammar

    Modals are words that express modality. Modals function within verb phrases functioning as predicates. Only one grammatical form can perform the function of modal in English. The one grammatical form that can function as the modal is the verb. Only the modal verbs can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would and the […] More

  • Witchy Speech
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    Witchy Speech

    Witches and wizards found in fantasy literature reveal themselves as magical not only through their actions and outward appearances but also through their speech. In The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Gandalf adorns his head with a pointy gray hat and carries a wooden staff. The witches in Whispering to Witches by Anna Dale dress in […] More