Omitted verbs

Although standard English allows some linking verbs and helping verbs to be contracted (we’re, he’d), it does not allow them to be omitted.

Linking verbs

Linking verbs, used to connect subjects to subject complements, are frequently a form of be: be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been. Some of these forms may be contracted (I’m, she’s, we’re), but they should not be omitted altogether.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Alvin a man who can defend himself. Revised sentence: Alvin is a man who can defend himself. Explanation: The verb 'is' has been added after the subject, 'Alvin.'

Helping verbs

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. Some helping verbs may be contracted (he’s leaving, we’ll celebrate, they’ve been told), but they should not be omitted altogether.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Do you know someone who be good for the job? Revised sentence: Do you know someone who would be good for the job? Explanation: The word 'would' has been added before the verb 'be.'

ESL note: Linking verbs

Exercise: Standard English verb forms 1

Exercise: Standard English verb forms 2

Exercise: Standard English verb forms 3

Related topics:

Linking verbs

Helping verbs

ESL help with linking verbs

subject Grammatically, a word or word group that names who or what a sentence is about.

subject complement A word or word group that follows a linking verb and either renames or describes the subject.