Here's why:
* Helping Verbs: These verbs work with the main verb to form a verb phrase. Examples include: *be, have, do, can, could, may, might, must, should, will*.
* Modal Verbs: These verbs precede another verb and indicate mood, possibility, ability, or obligation. They don't change their form and do not require a direct object.
Examples:
* Helping Verb: *I have eaten breakfast.* (Have helps form the verb phrase "have eaten")
* Modal Verb: *I would eat breakfast.* (Would indicates willingness or a hypothetical situation)
In summary: While "would" can be part of a verb phrase, it functions as a modal verb, not a helping verb.