Operators are the modals, forms of
be, and forms of
do or
have when these are not the main verb.
This means
Operators are the modals, all forms of
be in any circumstances, main verb or not, and
do or
have when these (
do and
have) are not the main verb.
[This is not the same as
Operators are the modals and forms of
be,
do, and
have when these are not the main verb.]
It is American usage that I have described above.
British usage allows inversion with main-verb
have, so in British English, main-verb
have may be added to the list of operators.
Have you an extra pen I might borrow? Americans understand this passively, but don't often generate it.
That is why you will find conflicting information on operators, particularly
have.
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Yes, the examples I gave were the unmarked versions.
To show
be as an operator in a progressive tense context I might have included the following.
I am usually sunning myself in the back yard at 2 in the afternoon if the weather is good.
So now I think you can see why the following statement is not correct.
| The example I am usually at home in the morning doesn't have an operator (since am - form of be - is being used as a main verb). |
|
CJ