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      • Some verbs are becoming more defective as time goes on; for example, although might is etymologically the past tense (preterite) of may, it is no longer generally used as such (for example, *he might not go [a] to mean "he was forbidden to go").
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  2. The English modal verbs, for example, are defective in that they do not permit the usual range of verb forms, such as an infinitive or participle forms (* to may , * shalling, etc.). Because of its pejorative connotations in general usage, the term needs to be used cautiously.

  3. from English Grammar Today. May: forms. Affirmative (+) form. May comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): It may be possible for him to get home tonight. May can’t be used with another modal verb: This may hurt you. Not: This may could hurt you. or This could may hurt you. Negative (−) form.

  4. Some verbs are becoming more defective as time goes on; for example, although might is etymologically the past tense of may, it is no longer generally used as such (for example, *he might not go to mean "he was forbidden to go").

  5. Aug 1, 2016 · Aug 1, 2016. Those are verbs which do not have all forms required to create sentences in different tenses. See explanation for examples. Explanation: Some English verbs are missing forms used to create sentences in diifferent tenses. For example:

  6. Other examples of defective verbs include “must,” “ought,” and “dare.” Define Verb. A verb is a part of speech that expresses action, occurrence, or state of being. It is a word that conveys the action or condition of a subject in a sentence. Verbs can be categorized into different types, such as action verbs, linking verbs, and auxiliary verbs.

  7. Level: intermediate. We use may have and might have to make guesses about the past: I haven't received your letter. It may have got lost in the post. It's ten o'clock. They might have arrived by now. We also use might: as the past tense of requests with may: He asked if he might borrow the car.

  8. Common Defective Verbs. There are only a few defective verbs in English. Many of these are modal verbs (identified with a *). These are the most common defective verbs in English. am; been; begone; beware; can* could* may* might* must* ought* shall* should* was; will* would*

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