In Modal verbs^x, Negatives^x

What's the past of "could"Aarrgghh! could is a past form already! There are two series of forms to consider with modals. The interactions and combinations are the subject of entire books. So, in a way, a modal like may has "two pasts": might and may have. To make things even more...

Argh! The adverb question again! Have you gone through this one yet? Post:258302 Here's a new take on the subject. If it doesn't appeal to you, toss it in the trash! Safe and typical practice: Use contracted forms wherever possible. Then place the adverb of frequency after the...

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyoneCan someone tell me the difference between use to and used to? Or is use to wrong?'Used to' refers to what we usually did before.We used to swim in the river. (We don't do so now.)'Use to' is used in in questions and negative sentences.Did you use to work here?We...

Cool Breeze wrote: Mightn't does not exist. It should always be might not. Oxford Advanced: "might modal verb (negative might not, short form mightn’t ) " Cambridge: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=***+0&dict=A Websters online:...

The auxiliary "do" is used in questions, negatives, emphatic expressions, and tags. You liked her. Did you like her? You didn't like her. Didn't you like her? You did like her. You liked her, didn't you? You did like her, didn't you? As for emphatics, they frequently occur in the "but"...

we use: must = when the speaker decides it is necessary have to = suggests that someone else or some outside circumstances or authority makes something necessary compare: I have to see the head teacher. (..she has called me to her office) I must see the head teacher. (... I...

Hello all, I am applying to take a CELTA course and they gave me an application task to do before I can enter the program. I am having some difficulty with some parts and was wondering if some one would be willing to help me. I use msn messanger under hpainter24@hotmail.com feel free to add me...

Hi Globetrotter-- welcome to EF! 1-- Of the following 20 concordances for amazing, only one seems to me to be negative. As Dave says, the word itself is neutral, but I think that usage leans heavily toward the positive side of amazement: 1 colleagues and teachers, was his amazing...

is just a weakened form of "let's do something this way". Instead of stating that you are certain something would be the best way to proceed, you make it less direct, more deferential, more polite by weakening it with 'may or might'. 'Might as well' has a different sense in BrE, and would not...

Dear users of EnglishForums, I believe I’ve finally understood the English uses of the modal verb “used to”. Would you be so kind to read this summary and comment it? I’ve included my Spanish translation of the English sentences in order to help Spanish students (I wish!) and also to receive your...