Identifying What the Semi-Modal Verb Expresses

Semi-Modal Verbs function in much the same way as modal verbs – they are an auxiliary verb that adds information to the main verb, but can’t really function alone. They are different from modal verbs, though, because they behave more like typical verbs – for example, they change to agree with their subjects, they change tense, and they can be combined with other helping verbs like be, have, and do.

 

The main verb that follows a semi-modal verb is always the “bare infinitive form” – the basic verb form. Remember, that with semi-modals, “to” is part of the verb phrase.

I used to go ice skating every weekend during the winter when I lived in Canada.

We need to have a party!

Used to expresses habitual action—or ability—in the past.