auxiliaries

[ɔːɡˈzɪljəriz]

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.

  • an additional source of power used to supplement the main source

    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.