English Grammar: An Introduction

We have already seen that the VP, in its role as predicator, is an essential element of the clause. When making a grammatical analysis, your first step should be to identify the predicator(s). The VP is analysed in terms of MAIN VERB (V) and AUXILIARY VERB (a). Auxiliary verbs are subdivided into PRIMARY AUXILIARIES (be, have, do) and MODAL AUXILIARIES (see below).

6.2.1. Primary auxiliaries

The forms of the verb have been developing throughout the history of English. Modern English verbs can be quite complex and contain a lot of information. This is achieved through the use of inflexional suffixes and a range of auxiliary verbs. Consider the amount of information in sentence (2):

(The second clause here is a SUBORDINATE CLAUSE: see Unit 8.)

In these examples, the auxiliaries be and have are used in the formation of the complex VP's. Two further points are worth repeating:

1. Every clause must contain a main verb. If there is only one verb in a clause, then that verb must be a main verb.
2. All three primary auxiliaries can act BOTH as main verbs and as auxiliary verbs. Compare:

In (3a) was is part of the VP, modifying the main verb. In (3c) was is the only verb in the clause, and therefore must be the main verb. It is fulfilling one of its commonest functions, that of introducing a complement. Likewise, has is an auxiliary in (3b) and a main verb expressing the idea of possession in (3d). On the auxiliary use of do see 6.4.