If we look at the original meaning of the forms +I do write, I shall write,
I will write+, we shall find that the so-called auxiliary is the real verb,
and that _write_ is an infinitive used as object complement. +I do write =
I do+ or +perform+ the action (_to_) write. +I shall write = I owe+ (_to_)
+write. I will write = I determine+ (_to_) +write+.
+May write, can write, must write, might write, could write, would write+,
and +should write+ may each be resolved into an asserting word and an
infinitive.
The forms +is writing, was written+, etc. consist each of an asserting word
(the verb _be_), and a participle used as attribute complement.
The forms +have written+ and +had written+ are so far removed from their
original meaning that their analysis cannot be made to correspond with
their history. They originated from such expressions as _I have a letter
written_, in which _have_ ( = _possess_) is a transitive verb taking
_letter_ for its object complement, and _written_ is a passive participle
modifying _letter_. The idea of possession has faded out of _have_, and the
participle has lost its passive meaning. The use of this form has been
extended to intransitive verbs--Spring _has come_, Birds _have flown_, etc.
being now regularly used instead of the more logical perfect tense forms,
Spring _is come_, Birds _are flown_.
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