Introduction
Verbs are the engine of every sentence. SSC exams test three verb categories — main verbs
(carry the core meaning), auxiliary verbs (helping verbs), and modal verbs
(express necessity, ability, permission) — each with distinct usage rules.
Main Verbs — Transitive vs Intransitive
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|
| Transitive Verb | Needs a direct object to complete its meaning | "She reads a book." (book = object) |
| Intransitive Verb | Complete in itself, no object needed | "He sleeps." |
⚠️ Common Trap: Some verbs can be both — "She sings" (intransitive) vs "She sings a song" (transitive, "song" is the object). Always check whether an object is present in that specific sentence.
Auxiliary (Helping) Verbs
| Type | Verbs | Function |
|---|
| Primary Auxiliaries | be (is, am, are, was, were), have (has, have, had), do (does, do, did) | Form tenses, questions, negatives |
| Modal Auxiliaries | can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must | Express ability, permission, possibility, obligation |
Modal Verbs — Usage Table
| Modal | Expresses | Example |
|---|
| Can | Ability / informal permission | She can swim. |
| Could | Past ability / polite request | Could you help me? |
| May | Formal permission / possibility | May I come in? |
| Might | Weaker possibility | It might rain today. |
| Must | Strong obligation / certainty | You must submit the form. |
| Should | Advice / recommendation | You should see a doctor. |
| Shall | Formal future (I/We) / offers | Shall we begin? |
| Will | Future / willingness | I will call you tomorrow. |
Key Modal Rule — Always Followed by Base Verb
💡 Golden Rule: A modal verb is ALWAYS followed by the base (first) form of the main verb — never add "-s," "-ed," or "to" after a modal.
Q. Choose the correct sentence: (A) She can sings well. (B) She can sing well.
Modal "can" must be followed by base verb form (sing, not sings)
Correct: (B) She can sing well.
Q. Choose the correct sentence: (A) He must to complete the work. (B) He must complete the work.
"Must" (like all modals) is never followed by "to" + verb
Correct: (B) He must complete the work.
"Do/Does/Did" as Auxiliary
| Use | Example |
|---|
| Forming negatives | He does not (doesn't) play cricket. |
| Forming questions | Did she call you? |
| Adding emphasis | I do like this movie. |
⚠️ Common Trap: Once "does/did" is used, the main verb must return to its base form: "He does not plays" is wrong; "He does not play" is correct.
✅ Practice Focus: Transitive vs intransitive (check for a direct object) · Primary vs modal auxiliaries · Modal + base verb rule (never modal + "to" or modal + "-s/-ed") · Do/does/did forcing the main verb back to base form.