be 1

be [stressed, bee unstressed, bi] (1st person singular past indicative was [stressed, woz, wuz unstressed, wz], 2nd person singular past indicative were [stressed, wur unstressed, wr], 3rd person singular past indicative was, 1st person plural past indicative were, 2nd person plural past indicative were, 3rd person plural past indicative were, past subjunctive were, past participle been [bin], present subjunctive be, present participle being, 1st person present singular am [stressed, am unstressed, m], 2nd person present singular are [stressed, aar unstressed, r], 3rd person present singular is [iz], 1st person present plural are, 2nd person present plural are, 3rd person present plural are) CORE MEANING: a verb used most commonly to link the subject of a clause to a complement in order to give more information about the subject, e.g. its identity, nature, attributes, position, or value This is my coworker. He's a very sweet person. Her new car is blue. The supermarket is on the left. The clock was worth $3,000.
1. intransitive verb giving description: used after "it" as the subject of the clause, to give a description or judgment of something It is a good thing that we left early. 2. intransitive verb exist or be true: used after "there" to indicate that something exists or is true There are many problems with her research. 3. intransitive verb exist: to exist, have presence, or live I think, therefore I am. 4. intransitive verb happen: to happen or take place The meeting was at four o'clock. 5. intransitive verb stay: to stay or visit I was in Italy during the summer. 6. intransitive verb have particular quality: to have a particular quality or attribute This sentence is concise. 7. intransitive verb remain: used to indicate that a particular situation remains The facts are these: it is cold and unhealthy here. 8. auxiliary verb expressing continuation: used as an auxiliary verb with the present participles of other verbs to express continuation My legs are getting tired. I am leaving on the next train. 9. auxiliary verb forming passive: used as an auxiliary verb with the past participles of transitive verbs to form the passive voice She was sent on the mission. 10. auxiliary verb

expressing future: used as an auxiliary verb to indicate that something is planned, expected, intended, or supposed to happen in the future (used with an infinitive) The meeting is to take place tomorrow. What am I to do? 11. auxiliary verb expressing unplanned action in past: used as an auxiliary verb when reporting past events to indicate that something happened later than the time reported and was unplanned or uncertain at the time (used with an infinitive) It was to be the last time he ever saw her. 12. auxiliary verb forming perfect tense: used as an auxiliary verb with the past participles of some intransitive verbs to form a perfect tense (archaic) She is come back. 13. intransitive verb introducing sentence: used to introduce a full, often quoted sentence (informal) They were, 'The tickets are way too expensive.'

will 1
will [wil] CORE MEANING: a modal verb used to indicate future time Delegates from all over Europe will attend the forum. Will you ever be able to forgive him? Your suit will be ready for collection tomorrow.

modal verb

1. polite questions: used in questions to make polite invitations or offers Will you sit down, please? Will you have more coffee? 2. requests: used in questions to make requests Will you take the washing out for me please? Phone the garage, will you? 3. commands: used when ordering somebody to do something You will do exactly as I say. 4. customary behavior: used to indicate the way that something usually happens or the way that somebody usually does something The wetter the road conditions, the harder it will be for a vehicle to stop. When they're out together they will shop till they drop! 5. willingness: used to indicate that somebody is willing to do something I will mail your letters for you. I will not tolerate this kind of behavior. 6. ability: used to indicate the ability or capacity of something That wardrobe will not fit in your bedroom. The truck will carry loads of up to 10 tons. 7. expectation: used to express surmise or likelihood That will be them at the door now. He will have left the country by now. 8. inclination: used to indicate the inevitability of something happening or being true She will stay up till all hours in front of the TV.

would
would CORE MEANING: used to express the sense of "will" in reported speech or when referring to an event that has not happened yet Susan didn't think she would pass. It would be wrong to suggest otherwise.

modal verb

1. used with "if" clauses: used in stating what will or suggesting what might happen under the circumstances described in the conditional clause You would know him if you saw him. My mother would be annoyed if I were to come home late. 2. polite request: used in making polite requests or offers Would you mind closing the window? Would you like more coffee? 3. habitual action: used to indicate that a past action was habitual Every Sunday we would drive out to Coney Island.

would that used to introduce a strong desire or wish, usually one that is not expected to be fulfilled (formal) Would that we had never met. See wood. See should.

can 1
can [stressed, kan unstressed, kn] CORE MEANING: a modal verb used to indicate that it is possible for something to be done or made use of in a particular way Loans can be made over the phone.

modal verb

1. be able to: to have the ability, knowledge, or opportunity to do something Can you swim? 2. be likely: to be likely to be true or to be the case It can be dangerous. 3. be allowed to: to be allowed to do something, either by legal or moral right or by permission Can I go? 4. be acceptable: used to make polite requests, suggestions, or offers Can I make a suggestion? 5. be possible: used in questions to emphasize strong feelings about something What on earth can be the matter?

could
could CORE MEANING: a modal auxiliary verb used as the past tense of "can"

My mother did the best she could for my brother and me. She could perform on the trapeze. His feet were so swollen that he could hardly walk. We were so tired we couldn't stay awake.

1. modal verb expressing possibility: used to indicate that something is possibly true or happening in the future She thinks that medical technology could be the field for her. 2. modal verb expressing request: used when making polite requests Could you close the window please? 3. modal verb indicating possible past situation: used to indicate a possible situation in the past that did not happen We could have gone. 4. modal verb expressing polite offer: used to make polite offers and suggestions You could stay at my place. 5. intransitive verb for emphasis: used in questions to emphasize strong feelings about something How could you do that?

may 1
may [may] (past might [mt], 3rd person present singular may) CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating that something could be true, or could have happened, or will possibly happen in the future I may not be able to meet you. He may have been working too hard. A verdict may be announced today.

modal verb

1. indicates possibility: indicates that something is possibly true That may be the best way to do it. 2. indicates that something could happen: indicates that something could have happened, or could happen in the future The crash may well have been caused by faulty brakes. The comet may be remembered best for its nonscientific impact. 3. indicates permission: indicates that somebody is asking somebody for permission or giving somebody permission to do something (formal) "May I leave the table?" "No, you may not." 4. indicates right: indicates that somebody has a legal or moral right to do something You may withdraw money from this account at any time. 5. indicates requests or suggestions: indicates polite requests, suggestions, or offers May I remind you of our earlier agreement? May I help you with that bag? 6. indicates wish: indicates that somebody wishes for something very strongly (formal) May God bless us, every one.

might 1
might [mt] CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating the possibility that something is true or will happen in the future She said that John might be living abroad now. The meeting might be as early as next week.

modal verb

1. giving advice: used as a polite way of making suggestions and giving advice I thought we might go out tonight. You might want to give him a call first. 2. expressing obligation: used to indicate that somebody ought to do something, often to show annoyance that it has not been done You might at least have told me!

have
have [stressed, hav unstressed, hv, v] (past and past participle had [stressed, had unstressed, hd, d], present participle having, 3rd person present singular has [stressed, haz unstressed, hz, z]) CORE MEANING: a verb indicating that somebody possesses something, either materially or as a characteristic or attribute She has a small cottage in the country. He has beautiful eyes.
1. transitive verb own something: to be the owner or possessor of something I don't have a lot of money. 2. transitive verb possess characteristic: to be the possessor of a quality or characteristic She had long blond hair. 3. auxiliary verb forms perfect tenses: used to form the following tenses or aspects: the present perfect, the past perfect, the future perfect, and the continuous forms of these (used before the past participle of a verb or at the beginning of a question, or with "got" to indicate possession) I have finished my dinner, thank you. Have you finished yet? I have got a new car. 4. modal verb expresses compulsion: expresses compulsion, obligation, or necessity We have to go now. said he'd do it if he had to 5. modal verb expresses certainty: expresses conviction or certainty There just has to be a solution to the problem.

6. transitive verb receive something: to receive or obtain something I had a Christmas card from him. 7. transitive verb eat something: to eat or drink something We have breakfast at eight. 8. transitive verb think of something: to think of something, or hold something in the mind Listen! I have a good idea. 9. transitive verb experience something: to experience or undergo something He went to the carnival to have a good time. I had a shock. 10. transitive verb be affected by something: to be affected by something, especially something of a medical nature I've had the flu for the last week. 11. transitive verb engage in something: to engage or participate in something They had a long talk about cars. 12. transitive verb arrange something: to organize or arrange something We had a party last week. 13. transitive verb arrange for something to be done: to arrange for somebody to do something for you or on your behalf I've just had my hair cut. 14. transitive verb tolerate something: to tolerate or put up with something (usually used in negative statements) I won't have such behavior any longer! 15. transitive verb receive somebody: to receive somebody as a guest We had Mother to stay over Christmas. 16. transitive verb bring child into existence: to be the parent of a child, or conceive, carry, or give birth to a child She's had three children and now she's having another one. 17. transitive verb put somebody or something somewhere: to put or place somebody or something in a particular place I'll have you two in the front row, please. I'll have the desk over there. 18. transitive verb undergo something: to be the victim of an unpleasant action or experience I had my car stolen. 19. transitive verb make something happen: to direct or cause somebody to do something, or cause something to happen If you see him tomorrow, have him call me. 20. transitive verb cheat somebody: to cheat or outwit somebody (slang) (usually passive) I think you've been had in this deal.

[ Old English habban < Indo-European, "grasp"]

have done with something to finish with something Let's put everything else in this box and have done with it. have had it 1. to have no prospect of success We've had it now. 2. to be too worn out, damaged, or exhausted to function properly ( informal) I'm afraid this printer has just about had it. I've had it - you go on, I'm turning back. have had it with somebody or something to have lost patience with somebody or something I've had it with delays. have it to declare or assert something Rumor has it that they are planning to get engaged. have it in for somebody to dislike somebody and want to do that person harm have it out (with somebody) to engage in a spirited, aggressive argument over an issue with somebody OK, let's have it out now and get this settled once and for all. have something on somebody to have unfavorable information about somebody's activities have to do with 1. to be relevant to Does your question have anything to do with the topic under discussion? 2. to have a friendship or relationship with She will have nothing to do with him anymore. have what it takes to have the necessary skills, personality, or attitude to be successful at something He doesn't really have what it takes to be a professional actor. not having any (of something) refusing to take part or become involved in something They tried to involve him in the conspiracy, but it soon became clear that he wasn't

having any.
See do1.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

must 1
must [must] (3rd person present singular must, plural musts) CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating that somebody is compelled to do something because of a rule or law, or that it is necessary or advisable to do something Accidents causing injury must be reported immediately. Employment decisions must be based on ability. We must improve our schools. You must give him a chance to state his case.
1. modal verb be compelled: to be compelled to do something because of a rule or law You must stop when the light is red. All guests must vacate their rooms by 12 noon. 2. modal verb be necessary: to be important or necessary for doing something

 Henceforth, he said, the central organizing principle of all governments must be the environment. Health care insurance must be affordable. 3. modal verb be certain: indicates that somebody is sure that something is the case This must seem strange to you. Those must be your footprints in the garden. 4. modal verb indicates belief: indicates that somebody concludes that something is the case on the basis of the available evidence Paleontologists know that primates must have immigrated to South America sometime before 28 million

years ago.
5. modal verb used to make suggestions: used to make suggestions or invitations or to give advice You must see a doctor. 6. modal verb intend: to intend or be determined to do something (formal) I must call the company. 7. noun something essential: something that is essential or obligatory Formal attire is a must at a state dinner. 8. prefix essential: absolutely necessary or highly recommended for somebody (informal) (added to a verb to form a noun or adjective) a must-win situation

[ Old English mste, past tense of assumed mtan "have to, be able to" < Germanic]

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

ought 1
ought [awt] CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating what somebody should do It seems to me that we ought to support their initiative. You ought to tell her how you feel.

modal verb

1. be morally right: indicates that somebody has a duty or obligation to do something or that it is morally right to do something You ought to be ashamed of what you have done. 2. be important: indicates that something is important or a good idea You ought to see a doctor as soon as possible. 3. be probable: indicates probability or expectation We ought to be there by now. 4. be wished for: indicates a desire or wish You ought to come to dinner sometime. 5. should be case: indicates that something should be the case but may not be

 That ought to be easy.

[ Old English hte, past tense of owe] hadn't/shouldn't ought : Avoid in formal writing the regional constructions (called double modal auxiliaries) didn't ought, hadn't ought, or shouldn't ought, as in They didn't ought to have done that. Use instead: They ought not to have done that. The same holds with the regional might could, as in We might could get there by three if we hurry, which is also inappropriate in standard English.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

used 2
used

modal verb
indicates habitual action: used in the past tense to say that somebody or something habitually or usually did something We used to eat out more often. He used not to be so grumpy. See also use

adjective
accustomed: accustomed to or familiar with somebody or something We're not used to this weather.

used to or use to? The spelling used to, with a -d, is a form indicating habitual or customary past actions, as in On Saturdays we used [not use] to go to ball games. (People tend to drop the -d because it is inaudible in many oral contexts. This practice is unacceptable in writing.) When did precedes use(d) to, the correct form is use to, as in Did you use to go to ball games every Saturday?Didn't she use to live in this dorm?

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

shall
shall [stressed, shal unstressed, shl] (2nd person present plural shalt (archaic)) CORE MEANING: will happen in the future, or intended to happen I shall as president promote measures that keep families whole.

modal verb

1. future events: indicates that something will or ought to happen in the future 2. determination: used especially in formal speech and writing to indicate determination on the part of the speaker that something will happen or somebody will do something If you want to behave like that you shall certainly not do it here. 3. rules and laws: indicating that something must happen or somebody is obliged to do something because of a

rule or law The department shall issue an account number to the vehicle owner. 4. offers and suggestions: used to make offers and suggestions or to ask for advice (used in questions) Shall I arrange it for you? What shall I do next? 5. certainty: indicating the certainty or inevitability of something happening in the future If you want a new outfit that badly then you shall have one.

[ Old English sceal < Germanic, "owe"] shall or will? The traditional rule, often stated in grammars and usage books, is that to express a simple future tense shall is used after I and we (I shall leave promptly at noon) and will in other cases, i.e., the second and third persons (Will you leave at noon?They will leave at noon). To express intention, command, or wish their roles are reversed: I will do this right or die trying.Passengers shall present two photo IDs prior to ticketing. It is unlikely that this rule has ever been regularly observed, however, and many examples in the printed works of the best writers contradict it. Though will and, occasionally, shall are used as auxiliary verbs referring to a future action or state, other ways of expressing this are often preferred as more natural, for example, am going to. When shall and will are used in conversation, they are normally contracted to 'll, so that the difference between the two words becomes irrelevant. In all parts of the English-speaking world other than England, shall has been more or less replaced by will. It survives mostly in usages such as Shall we go? and the contracted negative form shan't, but this is rarely if ever used in modern-day U.S. English. In U.S. English, shall is still sometimes used in official and quasi-legal contexts such as These precincts shall recount the votes as per the state election regulations (a command), but this sounds old-fashioned. Shall is also a part of well-established expressions in U.S. English such as We shall overcome.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

should
should CORE MEANING: modal verb indicating that something is the right thing for somebody to do You should get more exercise. I should have told her I was leaving. The report recommended that children should be tested regularly.

modal verb

1. expressing desirability: expresses desirability or rightness You should work less. 2. expressing likelihood or probability: to be scheduled or expected to be or do something I should be back by 12. The scissors should be in the second drawer down. They should have arrived at Grandma's by now. 3. expressing conditions or consequences: used to express the conditionality of an occurrence and suggest it is not a given, or to indicate the consequence of something that might happen (used in conditional clauses) If anything should happen to my car, I'd be heartbroken. Should you have any questions, our staff will be available to help.

"If I should die, think only this of me..." (RUPERT BROOKE The Soldier 1887-1915)
4. would: used to mean the same thing as the verb would (used with "I" or "we") If we spent that much every month, we should soon run out of money. I should love to meet her. 5. reporting past viewpoint about future: used when reporting something such as somebody's words or thoughts from a past perspective about a future event It was intended that the library should be for the use of everyone. He was eager that I should meet his publisher friend. 6. used to soften harsh words: used to soften a blunt statement or make one more polite I should hope you're sorry now.

I should used to advise somebody to do something I should take him up on his offer, if I were you. should or would? The same general pattern is true here as for shall and will. As an auxiliary verb, would is more usual than should when stating a condition or proposition and is the only choice when asking a question (They would like to come.I would think so.Would you like to go to the movies?). Should has the special role of denoting obligation, validity, or likelihood (I should stay until they arrive.Should you be lifting that?That should be our visitors now.) and must be used in inverted constructions expressing a condition: Should it rain, the party will be held indoors. Would is required when referring to habitual past action: On Wednesdays I would go to the library. In conversational English, the contracted forms I'd, you'd, etc., are regularly used instead of the full forms in making simple statements (They'd like to come), but these cannot be used in place of should in its senses of obligation or likelihood.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

ought 1
ought [awt] CORE MEANING: a modal verb indicating what somebody should do It seems to me that we ought to support their initiative. You ought to tell her how you feel.

modal verb

1. be morally right: indicates that somebody has a duty or obligation to do something or that it is morally right to do something You ought to be ashamed of what you have done. 2. be important: indicates that something is important or a good idea You ought to see a doctor as soon as possible. 3. be probable: indicates probability or expectation We ought to be there by now. 4. be wished for: indicates a desire or wish You ought to come to dinner sometime. 5. should be case: indicates that something should be the case but may not be That ought to be easy.

[ Old English hte, past tense of owe]

hadn't/shouldn't ought : Avoid in formal writing the regional constructions (called double modal auxiliaries) didn't ought, hadn't ought, or shouldn't ought, as in They didn't ought to have done that. Use instead: They ought not to have done that. The same holds with the regional might could, as in We might could get there by three if we hurry, which is also inappropriate in standard English.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

dare
dare [der]

modal verb (past and past participle dared, present participle daring, 3rd person present singular dares or dare)
have enough courage for something: to have the courage needed to do something wanted to ask but then didn't dare

"We must dare to think about 'unthinkable things' because when things have become unthinkable, thinking stops and action becomes mindless." (WILLIAM FULBRIGHT U.S. Senate Speech March 27, 1965)

verb (past and past participle dared, present participle daring, 3rd person present singular dares or dare)
1. transitive and intransitive verb have audacity to do something: to do something that angers or outrages somebody (sometimes used as an auxiliary) Don't you dare do that! How dare you? 2. transitive verb challenge somebody: to challenge somebody to do something, usually something dangerous or frightening daring each other to jump first

noun (plural dares)

challenge: a challenge to somebody to do something dangerous or frightening, or a response to such a challenge did it for a dare

[ Old English darr, dearr, forms of durran "dare" < Germanic] -darer, noun

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

do 1
do [doo] (past did [did], past participle done [dun], present participle doing, 3rd person present singular does [duz], plural dos) CORE MEANING: a verb indicating that somebody performs an action, an activity, or a task. It is often used as an informal equivalent of more specific and less frequent verbs, e.g. "do your nails" instead of "paint your nails." He usually did the cleaning on a Sunday morning.

 Why won't you let me do your hair for you? Assuming that your terminal is properly set up, here is what you have to do to connect it.
1. transitive verb use something: to use something in a particular way She's done absolutely nothing with the money she inherited. 2. transitive verb take action: to take action in a situation in order to change it or solve a problem Companies must decide what to do about their chemical waste. 3. transitive verb cause something: to cause or produce an effect or result These disputes do little to help the peace process. 4. transitive verb work at something: to work at something, especially as a job or profession, or as a course of study What does your mother do at the bank? 5. transitive verb be occupied with something: to be occupied or busy with something Are you doing anything this evening? 6. transitive and intransitive verb conduct self: to behave in a particular manner Do what you want. Do as you please. 7. intransitive verb fare: to be successful or unsuccessful to a particular extent Automobile insurance companies are doing well this year. 8. transitive verb provide something: to prepare or provide something I'm sorry but we don't do a lunch menu. 9. transitive verb achieve speed or rate: to achieve a particular speed or rate We were doing 55 down the freeway. We did about 400 miles a day. 10. transitive verb study something: to study or work at doing something Have you done Nabokov yet? I've never been able to do algebra. 11. transitive verb perform something: to perform or act a play, role, or accent They're doing "Macbeth." I'm not very good at doing accents. 12. transitive verb visit or explore place: to visit or explore a country or city as a tourist (informal) We're doing London tomorrow. 13. transitive and intransitive verb be adequate: to be adequate in quantity or quality for somebody or something A paper cup does just as well. Just an orange juice will do me. 14. transitive verb serve time in prison: to serve a period of time in prison (slang) He's doing time for cheating on his taxes. 15. transitive verb

exhaust somebody: to wear somebody out (informal) 16. transitive verb U.K. adapt something: to translate or adapt a play, book, or other work (informal) The novel was done into a feature film. 17. transitive verb cheat somebody: to cheat or trick somebody (informal) They did her out of her lunch money. 18. transitive verb rob somebody: to rob a person or place (slang) They got caught while they were doing the local bank. 19. transitive verb take drugs: to take or use a narcotic drug (slang) 20. transitive verb have sex with somebody: to have sexual intercourse with somebody (slang) 21. transitive verb murder somebody: to kill somebody deliberately (slang) 22. auxiliary verb forms questions and negatives: used with simple present and simple past tenses in the formation of questions and negative sentences. "Do" and "did" are often contracted to "don't" and "didn't" in negative structures. What did he want? Don't sit there! It doesn't matter if you can't come. 23. auxiliary verb gives emphasis: used to emphasize a positive statement or command, often as a way of politely inviting or persuading somebody to do something Yes, I do realize you can't finish the work today. Please do be quiet! 24. auxiliary verb changes emphasis: used to form inverted sentences in order to change the emphasis of a statement She hopes to go to college, as do her brothers. 25. auxiliary verb replaces another verb: used to replace an earlier verb or verb phrase to avoid repetition, usually when comparing two things I want to have a break just as much as you do. 26. noun

U.S. U.K. New Zealand social gathering: a formal social gathering, e.g. a wedding reception (informal) attended a big do at the White House

[ Old English dn < Indo-European, "to place"] could do with to want or need something I could do with some help. have to do with somebody or something 1. to be connected with somebody or something 2. to concern somebody or something 3. to involve contact or a relationship with somebody or something that does it! used to indicate that you are not prepared to tolerate any more ( informal) That does it! I'm calling my lawyer! the dos and don'ts the correct way to proceed or behave in a particular situation a list of dos and don'ts for the first-time investor See dew.do ... have or have ... got?

Both these constructions are used in questions and in negative statements: Do you have change for a dollar? or Have you got change for a dollar? I don't have any change or I haven't got any change. Some consider the first wording in each pair to be more proper, perceiving have ... got as colloquial and even redundant, and pointing out that have alone is sufficient to signify possession. But Have you change? and I haven't any change are not idiomatic, and do ... have has just as many syllables as have ... got. Therefore, it is hard to see what reasonable basis exists for preferring do ... have to have ... got.did you or have you? A distinction that arises in connection with questions and negative statements is represented by the wordings Did you see the show? or Have you seen the show? I didn't see the show or I haven't seen the show. In informal conversation, the two are used almost interchangeably. In strict usage, however, there is a difference in time perspective: the first wording (Did you...?) in each pair refers to a particular point in the past, whereas the second (Have you...?) has to do with any time in the past (thus, ever could be added to the second sentence in each pair without substantially changing its meaning).
Word Key: Synonyms

See perform.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.