Basically, auxiliary verbs are function words, a type of closed class which is constituted of words that have a grammatical function as opposed to content words, which are an open class of lexical words.
An auxiliary verb is used to add functional or grammatical content to the information expressed by another verb, considered to be the main verb. Auxiliary verbs are also called helping verbs.
Examples:
I am writing a book. (am)
He has done the work. (has)
We will be there in a minute. (will)
Would you help me with this homework? (would)
Can you open the door? (can)
Did you visit New York last holiday? (did)
Do you like chocolate? (do)
They must get there on time. (must)
This is a list of English auxiliary verbs: -
be (am, are, is, was, were, being),
can,
could,
do (did, does, doing),
have (had, has, having),
may,
might,
must,
shall,
should,
will,
would
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