auxiliaries Definition
a verb used in forming the tenses, moods, and voices of other verbs.
Using auxiliaries: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "auxiliaries" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In the sentence 'I have been studying', 'have' is an auxiliary verb.
Example
Modal auxiliaries include 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'shall', 'should', 'will', and 'would'.
Example
The passive voice is formed using the auxiliary verb 'to be'.
Phrases with auxiliaries
a language used for communication between people who do not share a common language
Example
Esperanto is an example of an auxiliary language.
Example
The generator provides auxiliary power in case of a blackout.
auxiliary troops
soldiers who support the main army but are not part of it
Example
The Roman Empire often relied on auxiliary troops from conquered territories.
Origins of auxiliaries
from Latin 'auxiliarius', meaning 'giving help'
Summary: auxiliaries in Brief
'Auxiliaries' [ɔːɡˈzɪljəriz] are verbs used in forming the tenses, moods, and voices of other verbs. Examples of auxiliary verbs include 'have', 'be', and modal auxiliaries like 'can' and 'will'. The term 'auxiliaries' also extends into phrases like 'auxiliary language,' which refers to a language used for communication between people who do not share a common language.