Final answer:
The complete verb phrase in the sentence is "should be returning", where "should" and "be" are helping verbs, and "returning" is the main verb. In grammar, subjects do or be something, verbs take action or state, adjectives describe, and adverbs modify. Using active-voice verbs creates stronger sentences.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify the complete verb phrase which contains the helping verb in the sentence 'The fishing boats should be returning soon, so keep an eye out in this fog', we look for both the helping verb and the main verb it helps. The complete verb phrase in this sentence is "should be returning". Here "should" and "be" are the helping verbs, and "returning" is the main verb being helped.
In English grammar, subjects, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs all play crucial roles. A subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something. Verbs express an action, a state, or a description and can be enhanced by auxiliaries to form a verb phrase. Adjectives describe or modify nouns and pronouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Examples:
- Subject: 'The fishing boats'
- Linking Verb: 'seemed'
- Subject Complement: 'like a nice man'
It's important to use strong, active-voice verbs when possible for clearer and more concise sentences.