3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (5)

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (5)

In British English, but not American, do can be used alone as a substitute verb after an auxiliary verb. In such cases, the auxiliary verb is stressed. Click here to see the full text.

AE	BE
—Will you go to the party?	—Will you go to the party?
—I may. I haven't decided yet.	—I may (or I may do). I haven't decided yet.
He didn't pass the test, but he could have if he had studied a little harder.	He didn't pass the test, but he could have (or he could have done) if he had studied a little harder.

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (4)

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (4)

In subjunctive constructions, for example after verbs like suggest, recommend, demand, insist, etc., should is often used in British English. In American English this is unusual. Click here to see the full text.

AE	BE
What do you suggest l do?	What do you suggest l (should) do?
l recommended that he be fired.	l recommended that he (should) be fired.
It's vital that he be informed.	It's vital that he (should) be informed.

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (3)

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (3)

In British English needn't is often substituted for don't need to, but in America needn't is unusual. Click here to see the full text.

AE	BE
We have plenty of time, we don't need to hurry.	We have plenty of time, we don't need to hurry (or we needn't hurry).

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (2)

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (2)

In both varieties of English, it is possible to use can and could with verbs of perception, i.e. see, hear, feel, smell, and taste, but this practice is much more common in British English. Click here to see the full text.

AE	BE
l saw Alan coming up the hill.	l could see Alan coming up the hill.
l smell something burning.	l can smell something burning.

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (1)

3. Auxiliary and modal verbs (1)

In British English, shall and its contracted negative shan't can be substituted for will, indicating the future, when used with the pronouns / and we. In American English shall is unusual. Where shall is used in GB to ask for advice, should is employed in the US. Click here to see the full text.

AE	BE
We will probably go to Florida.	We will (or shall) probably go to Florida.
l won't be here tomorrow.	1 won't (or shan't) be here tomorrow.
Which bus should l take?	Which bus should (or shall) l take?