Page 89 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking
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■ I am used to the rattling my car makes.
6.11.1 MULTIPLE MODALS
Multiple modals are a dialect feature that uses two or more modals in a single
sentence to emphasize possibility. While they are especially common in the
Appalachian and Southern dialects of American English, they should be avoided
in formal and academic speech and writing.
■ I might could go with you if you’ll let me get my coat.
■ It shouldn’t ought to rain today.
6.12 Irregular Verb Inflections
Irregular verbs are hangers-on from previous versions of English, from
centuries ago. Generally, they show their Germanic roots, and they come from a
time before spelling was as regularized as it is today. It would be impossible to
make a full account of all the variations of irregularly inflected English verbs in
a work of this brief scope, but you will find them fully detailed in most
dictionaries.
The most common irregular verb in English is to be. This verb would
normally cause problems for only the newest of English learners, but novice
writers often make problems for themselves when they try to avoid forms of to
■be because they are so common. This leads to such offenses as There existed
no more cereal in the cabinet.
instead of
■ There was no more cereal in the cabinet.
The present participle of to be is being and the past participle is been.
The other two most common irregular verbs are to have (present participle:
having, past participle: had) and to do (present participle: doing, past participle:
