Nursing Preparation Study Guide

Nursing Preparation Study Guide

and should

• Would o The two verbs ‘would and should’ can be correctly used interchangeably to signify obligation. The two verbs also have some unique uses too. Should is used in three persons to signify obligation. o The past tense of will is “would,” and so “would” generally follows the same principles as “will.” o “Would” is specially used in any of the three persons, to signify willingness, determination and habitual action. § Examples: They would go for a test run every Saturday. -- They would not ignore their duties. --She would try to be punctual. o The past tense of shall is ‘should’, and so “should” generally follows the same principles as “shall.” § Examples: I should go after work. -- People should exercise every day. -- You should be generous. • Principle and auxiliary verbs o Two principal verbs can be used along with one auxiliary verb as long as the auxiliary verb form suits the two principal verbs. § Examples: A number of people have been employed and some promoted. -- A new tree has been planted and the old has been cut down. • Again note the difference in the verb form. • Can and could o Can is used to express capacity or ability. § Examples: I can complete the assignment today. -- He can meet up with his target o Can is also used to express permission. § Examples: Yes, you can begin. o In the sentence below, “can” was used to mean the same thing as “may.” However, the difference is that the word “can” is used for negative or interrogative sentences, while “may” is used in affirmative sentences to express possibility. § Examples: They may be correct. • Positive sentence - use may. Can this statement be correct? A question using “can.” It cannot be correct. Negative sentence using “can.” o The past tense of “can” is “could”. It can serve as a principal verb when it is used to express its own meaning. § Examples: In spite of the difficulty of the test, he could still perform well. • “Could” here is used to express ability. • Ought o The verb ought should normally be followed by the word to. § Example: I ought to close shop now. o The verb ‘ought’ can be used to express desirability § Example: You ought to wash your hands before eating. o ‘Ought’ can also be used to express probability § Examples: She ought to be on her way back by now (she is probably on her way). --- The government ought to protect the oppressed.

©2018

Achieve Test Prep

Page 29

of 173