MODAL VERBS A modal verb is a type of auxiliary or helping verb that helps the main verb by indicating the mood of the subject. Modal verbs indicate ability, possibility, obligation, or necessity. The main modal verbs are can, could, may, might, will, would, must, shall, and should. There are also quasi-modal, or semi-modal, verbs. …
What are Linking Verbs? A linking verb is a type of auxiliary verb that links the subject of a sentence to the subject complement. In today’s lesson we will learn about linking verbs. A linking verb does not show any action. It just links, or joins, the subject of a sentence to a word that …
Recognizing text structure will help you be a better reader. Once you are familiar with the text’s organizational pattern, you can make predictions as you read and form a mental map. In this lesson, we cover eight elements or structure of literary text and five basic structures of expository text.
For most verbs, in order to form the past tense, you simply add the suffix -ed to the main form of the verb called the infinitive. And to form the regular past participle which can be a verb form or an adjective, you usually keep the past tense form of the verb, that is the …
Common Irregular Verbs: Past Tense and Past Participle Read More »
When forming the regular simple past, we add the suffix -ed. Adding this suffix can change the pronunciation of the verb and may even add an extra syllable. In this lesson, we look at the three pronunciations of -ed and how the verb endings determine the pronunciation. Examples are given.
There are three basic verb tenses: the simple past, simple present, and simple future. These are used to make other complex verb tenses. In this lesson, we will look at the regular forms of the simple tense. Examples are given.
Many people confuse lay and lie and with good reason. In this video, we will look at the differences between lay and lie, provide many examples, give you tips to remember the differences, and practice exercises.
In this lesson, you will learn about irregular comparatives and superlatives that do not follow the standard inflection rules. These modifiers do not take -er to form the comparative or -est to form the superlative. You do not use the adverbs more or most either. Examples are given.
Most modifiers change their spelling when -er or -est is added. This applies to modifiers ending in e, y, and one-syllable modifiers with a short vowel sound. These inflectional endings change the base word and indicate degree or form. In today’s lesson, we will learn about the rules of spelling of comparatives and superlatives.
In today’s lesson, we will learn about uncomparable modifiers. These modifiers don’t allow for comparisons because they describe absolute states or conditions. These concepts express the highest degree of quality. Examples are given.