The Communicative Grammar of English Workbook - Edward Woods, Rudy Coppieters 2002

5.2. The auxiliary verbs do, have and be
Unit five. Time, tense and aspect

Sections 479-482; 736

The verbs do, have and be are used both as auxiliaries and as main verbs:

• The auxiliary do helps to form the do-construction, also called do-support. When used as a main verb or a substitute verb do has the full range of forms, including non-finite ones.

• The auxiliary have helps to form the perfect aspect. When used as a main verb meaning possess, have is sometimes constructed as an auxiliary in British English but the form have got can be used instead.

• The auxiliary be helps to form the progressive aspect and the passive. When used as a main verb be is constructed as an auxiliary, except with imperatives needing do-support.

Task one *

Specify for each of the underlined verbs whether it is used as an auxiliary (A) or as a main verb (M).

1. It is true that we were trying to help people in need.

2. Karen does realize that I did her a favour by also inviting her boyfriend.

3. Those who had dinner with Mr Partridge have been told about his latest project.

4. Brian is a long-distance commuter, so he has a car of his own.

5. Do come over to see us if you have enough time to spare.

6. Mark was appointed for the job because he had good references.

7. Be silent about the points you do want to remain secret.

8. The fact that you have reported these incidents to the police does you credit.

9. We were convinced that the door had been forced open before.

10. I did all the exercises as I was preparing for an important exam.

Task two *

Make the above sentences negative, using contracted forms where possible.