Do not omit needed verbs - Choose appropriate verb forms, tenses, and moods - Grammar

Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Do not omit needed verbs
Choose appropriate verb forms, tenses, and moods
Grammar

Linking verbs, used to link subjects to subject complements, are frequently a form of be: be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been. (See 48b.) While some of these forms may be contracted (I’m, she’s, we’re, you’re, they’re), avoid omitting them altogether in academic writing.

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Helping verbs, used with main verbs, include forms of be, do, and have and the modal verbs can, will, shall, could, would, should, may, might, and must. (See 47c.) Like linking verbs, helping verbs may be contracted (he’s leaving, we’ll celebrate, they’ve been told), but avoid omitting them altogether in your writing.

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FOR MULTILINGUAL WRITERS

Some languages do not require a linking verb between a subject and its complement. However, written English sentences always contain a verb. see 30a.

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EXERCISE 27-2

Edit the following sentences to eliminate problems with -s and -ed verb forms and with omitted verbs. If a sentence is correct, write “correct” after it. Answers appear in the back of the book.

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a. The glass sculptures of the Swan Boats was prominent in the brightly lit lobby.

b. Visitors to the glass museum were not suppose to touch the exhibits.

c. The electrician went to the security office to repair the close circuit TV.

d. Christos didn’t know about Marlo’s promotion because he never listens. He always talking.

e. Most psychologists agree that no one performs well under stress.