carissa  +  572008 Tue, 30 Sep 08 09:55 PM Good day! I am a future English educator and I would just like to clarify some things which I usually encounter. How would you know if IN BEHALF or ON BEHALF is to be used?? How would you also know if WILL,SHALL,CAN or WOULD,SHOULD,COULD is to be used?? I would appreciate your responses very much. Thank you. carissa Joined on Sat, Sep 27 2008 Philippines New Member 01 Grammar

	Goodman  +  572024 Tue, 30 Sep 08 11:35 PM Hi Carissa, Welcome to the forum,   I have never seen or heard anyone who would use ‘in behalf” in any context. The expression is always “on behalf”, meaning representing.   On behalf of my family, I would like to take this time to thank everyone for coming.   As to the auxiliary words usage, it’s often depending on the mood and intent of the writer to express the willingness and certainty.   I will come to her wedding. Very certain I would come if I have time- it’s conditional but possible. I won’t go to her weeding- definitely not, a negative certainty. I shall (rarely used) perhaps, I needed to …iffy I must go to her wedding- very certain, a strong will I might go to her wedding. Not very sure.   I hope this helps. Goodman Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005 Senior Member 3,816 The name says it all! Grammar, Weddings, Negatives, Auxiliaries, Conditionals

	RayH  +  572035 Wed, 01 Oct 08 01:18 AM carissa “How would you know if IN BEHALF or ON BEHALF is to be used??” In AmE "on behalf" is by far the most common of the two but I don't think I would find "in behalf" unacceptable, unusual but not incorrect. You will not go wrong if you stick with "on behalf." "will" and "shall" express certainty. I will/shall go on vacation next week. ("will" is more common in AmE) "can" expresses ability or makes a request. Can you come over to my place tonight? Yes, I can be there at eight. "would", "should", and "could" have so many different uses and nuances that it would take far more time and expertise that I have to do them justice. RayH Joined on Sat, Mar 22 2008 Contributing Member 1,555 Native speaker of U. S. English. Not a grammar expert. Grammar

	CalifJim  +  572102 Wed, 01 Oct 08 05:26 AM Welcome to English Forums! carissa “How would you also know if WILL,SHALL,CAN or WOULD,SHOULD,COULD is to be used??” This subject requires several books.  It is far too broad a topic for a forum thread.  Use the search box at the upper right of the page, and you may be able to find hundreds of threads on these topics. CJ  CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,389 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Grammar