Formation of tenses and voices is the core function of linking and helping verbs. Both are used to form different types of tenses. For simple tense, largely, linking verb is used, while continuous and perfect, helping have predominant role. So, let’s take a look at the Role of auxiliary verbs in formation of tense and voice.
Auxiliary verbs, often referred to as helping verbs, play a crucial role in the structure of the English language. These verbs work in conjunction with main verbs to express various grammatical aspects, including tense, mood, and voice. Understanding the function and significance of auxiliary verbs is essential for anyone looking to master English grammar.
Understanding properties of verb in english grammar
Present tense and auxiliary verbs
To form simple present tense – Auxiliary verbs are taken as..
Subject……………………………..Singular………………Plural
first person/ I,we ………………am…………………………are
second person/ you……………are……………………….. are
third person/he, she, it, they….is………………………are
Table: Function of auxiliary verbs in formation of simple present tense.
Besides, forms of “do” are taken for interrogative and negative simple present tense as well.
To form continuous or progressive present tense, same auxiliary verbs are taken. But, to form perfect and perfect continuous, has/have and has/have + been is taken.
Examples of present tense
- Marry is a champion athlete. (simple tense)
- Nowadays, she is playing for US. (continuous tense)
- She doesn’t interested to play for clubs. (negative present simple)
- She has won many medals so far. (perfect tense)
- I think she has been playing when she was just fifteen. (continuous perfect)
For past tense “Did, was, were”
Did, was, were are auxiliary verbs used for past tense. “Did” is a second form of base verb do. It is used for making negative and interrogative sentences in simple past tense.
Marry didn’t hesitate to face national champions in her early sports’ journey. ( Negative of simple past tense)
Did she ever complain against misfortunes happened with her? ( Interrogative of simple past tense)
For general understanding, here are some examples of past tense. In the next article on this website, you can read more on formations of tenses.
Why didn’t invite him yesterday? (simple past negative)
She was busy when you visited. (simple past declarative)
She was urging everyone to be silent in meeting. (past continuous affirmative)
They weren’t satisfied on your presentation. (past simple negative)
He had resigned before you ordered. (past perfect declarative)
Will be, will have, will have been are used in the formation of future tense. About the future tense, I’m going to explain it in next article as this is more focused on linking and helping verbs.
Linking and helping verbs to form voice
Voice is all about the subject-verb relationship whether the subject is responsible for performed action or affected by ongoing performed action.
In English grammar, the understanding of voice is essential for conveying the relationship between the action and the participants in a sentence. Auxiliary verbs play a pivotal role in establishing different voices, most notably the active and passive voice. The active voice is characterized by the subject performing the action, whereas the passive voice emphasizes the action received by the subject. To facilitate this transformation, auxiliary verbs are employed, making them an integral component in altering the voice of a sentence.
Examples of active and passive voice
You are wasting my time. (Continuous tense /active voice – agent is doer)
My time is being wasted by you. (passive voice – agent is affected by action)
Technology changes everything. (simple present active voice)
Everything is changed by the technology. (simple present passive voice)
Education brought an evolutionary change. (simple past active voice)
Evolutionary change was brought by the education. (simple past passive voice)
Technology has changed our lifestyle. (perfect present active voice)
Our lifestyle has been changed by the technology. (perfect present passive voice)
I will publish my book next month. (simple future active voice)
My book will be published by next month. (simple future passive voice)
If the subject is responsible for performed action, it is called active voice.
Technology has changed our lifestyle. (perfect present active voice)
But, if the subject is affected by performed action, it is termed as passive voice.
Our lifestyle has been changed by the technology. (perfect present passive voice)
You will get seperate detailed blog on active and passive voice on our online learning platform learningsecret.com.
There is no formations of passive voice in perfect continuous in all three major tense forms. At the same time, future continuous isn’t converted into passive voice as well. Therefore you will have only eight passive voices out of twelve tenses.
Short summary of Role of auxiliary verbs in formation of tense and voice
Auxiliary verbs serve a crucial function in the English language, particularly in the formation of tense and voice. These verbs, often referred to as “helping verbs,” work in conjunction with main verbs to provide essential grammatical information that transforms a sentence’s meaning.
By indicating different tenses, such as past, present, or future, auxiliary verbs allow speakers and writers to situate actions within a specific time frame.
For example, the distinction between “I eat” and “I am eating” illustrates how auxiliary verbs can alter the interpretation of ongoing actions versus habitual actions.
Furthermore, auxiliary verbs play a significant role in conveying voice in English grammar, distinguishing between active and passive constructions.
This ability to shift from an active voice, where the subject performs the action, to a passive voice, where the action is performed on the subject, is facilitated through the use of auxiliary verbs.
Consider the difference between “The chef cooked the meal” and “The meal was cooked by the chef.” The auxiliary verb “was” not only shapes the voice but also influences how focus and emphasis are placed within a sentence.
Simple past and perfect past tense
Correct use of Modal auxiliary verbs