Will and Would
A modal auxiliary verb is used to modify the mood of a verb. Here is a list of the modal auxiliary verbs:
Will: “Will” is used whenyou are volunteering to do something in the future, or when
you are deciding at the time of speaking to do something in the future. The negative of
will is “will not” or the contraction “won’t” (See “Using will and going” in the future
tense folder of the advanced section of this website for more information on “will”).
Example: I will cook dinner.
In this example “will” is used to volunteer to cook dinner in the future.
Example: I think I will go to the beach this Sunday.
In this example “will” is used to express a future action that is being decided upon at the
time of speaking.
Directions: Make your own sentences using “will”.
1) ________________________________________________________________
2) ________________________________________________________________
Would: “Would” has several functions. First, it functions as the past tense of “will”.
Second, it functions as the conditional mood of “will”. Third, it is used to be polite. The
negative of would is “would not” or the contraction “wouldn’t”.
Example: I would try to act like my father when I was young.
In this example “would” functions as the past tense of “will”.
Example: I would get a tan if I worked at the pool.
In this example “would” functions as the conditional mood of “will”.
Example: I would like more tea please.
In this example “would” is used to be polite.
Directions: Circle the correct auxiliary modal verb in each sentence.
1) My dog and I (would, will) go for walks when she was younger.
2) I (will, would) buy new shoes if I had enough money.
3) I am feeling tired. I think I (would, will) go to sleep now.
4) I (will, would) like more milk when you get a chance.
5) I don’t think we (will, would) ever win the game.
6) If you get in trouble, I (won’t, wouldn’t) help you.
7) When we were in sixth grade, we (will, would) usually play kick ball at recess.
8) (Will, Would) you like steak or chicken?
9) If I was a famous tennis player, I (won’t, wouldn’t) like to lose.
10) I am hungry. I (will, would) get something to eat.
Directions: Now make your own sentences using “would”.
1) ________________________________________________________________
2)_______________________________________________________________
Shall and Should
A modal auxiliary verb is used to modify the mood of a verb. Here is a list of the modal auxiliary verbs:
Shall: “Shall” is to express a future action. It is different than “will” in that it is used
to express an order or prophecy. The negative of shall is “shall not” or the contraction
“shan’t”.
Example: I shall become a doctor.
In this example “shall” is used to express the prophecy of me becoming a doctor in the
future.
Example: Tomorrow, you shall climb to the top of Mt. Everest.
In this example “shall” is used to order or command a future action.
Directions: Make your own sentences using “shall”.
1) ________________________________________________________________
2) ________________________________________________________________
Should:“Should” is used to express the ideal (best) action which happens in the
past, present, or future. The negative of should is “should not” or the contraction
“shouldn’t”.
Example: I think I should make chicken for dinner tonight.
In this example “should” is used to express that making chicken is the best future action.
Example: I should get paid more for the hard work that I do.
In this example “should” is used to express that it would be ideal for me to get paid more
for my present action.
Directions: Circle the correct auxiliary modal verb in each sentence.
1) Mom thinks you (should, shall) clean your room.
2) Trains (shall, should) go faster.
3) This weekend (should, shall) be the best weekend ever!
4) I (should, shall) be a writer when I get older.
5) Police (shan’t, shouldn’t) be allowed to drive so fast.
6) Our team (should, shall) have tried harder.
7) After you are finished washing my car, you (shall, should) get me something to
eat.
8) (Shall, Should) we be ready by ten?
9) If we want to make money, we (should, shall) get a job.
10) The world (should, shall) be peaceful.