What Are Auxiliary Verbs?

Auxiliary verbs are helping verbs that cannot stand alone as the main verb in a sentence. They must always be followed by a main verb to complete their meaning. In this post, we’ll focus on will, would, shall, and should.

Using “Will”

The auxiliary verb will is versatile and often used in the following ways:

1. To Express Desire, Preference, Choice, or Consent

• I will take this duty.
• Will you stop talking like that?

2. To Express the Future

• It will rain tomorrow.
• The news will spread soon.

3. To Express Capacity or Capability

• This bucket will hold two gallons of water.
• This airplane will take 200 passengers.

4. To Express Determination, Insistence, or Persistence

• I will do it as you say.

Using “Would”

Would is the past form of will and is often used in these contexts:

1. To Express Preference

• I would rather go shopping today.
• We’d rather say something than stay quiet.

2. To Express a Wish or Desire

• I would like to have one more pencil.

3. To Express Contingency or Possibility

• If I were you, I would be so happy.

4. To Express Routine or Habitual Actions

• Normally, we would work until 6 p.m.

Using “Shall”

Shall is used less frequently in American English but remains common in British English. Here are its primary uses:

1. To Ask Questions Politely

• Shall we dance?
• Shall I go now?
• Let’s drink, shall we?

2. To Express Obligation or Requirement (Formal Settings)

• You shall abide by the law.
• There shall be no trespassing on this property.
• Students shall not enter this room.

Using “Should”

Should is the past form of shall, but it has distinct uses:

1. To Express Opinions, Suggestions, or Preferences

• You should rest at home today.
• I should take a bus this time.
• He should be more thoughtful in decision-making.

2. To Express Regret or Missed Opportunities (Should + Have + Past Participle)

• You should have seen it. It was really beautiful.
• I should have completed it earlier to meet the deadline.

3. To Ask for Opinions

• What should we do now?
• Should we continue our meeting?

4. To State Something Expected or Correct

• There should be an old city hall building here.
• Everybody should arrive by 6 p.m.