Understanding the Auxiliary Verb
In the sentence "The boy with the black shoes ______ my cousin," the correct auxiliary verb is "is." Let's break down the reasoning behind choosing option 'B'.
1. Subject Identification
- The subject of the sentence is "The boy with the black shoes."
- It is a singular noun phrase, referring to one boy.
2. Auxiliary Verb Function
- Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are used to form different tenses, moods, or voices of main verbs.
- In this case, "is" helps to indicate the present state of being.
3. Present Tense Agreement
- Since the subject is singular ("the boy"), the correct form of the verb "to be" in the present tense is "is."
- Using "is" correctly aligns with the singular subject.
4. Contextual Meaning
- The sentence aims to convey a relationship, stating that "the boy" is identified as "my cousin."
- The use of "is" establishes a direct equivalence between the boy and the speaker's cousin.
5. Elimination of Other Options
- Option 'A' (am) is incorrect because it is used with the first-person singular subject and doesn't match the context.
- Option 'C' (do) is a main verb, not an auxiliary verb that fits this context.
- Option 'D' (are) is incorrect as it is used for plural subjects.
Conclusion
Thus, the complete sentence reads: "The boy with the black shoes is my cousin," confirming that "is" is the appropriate choice.