Helping verbs are defined as verbs that help the main verb in a sentence by extending its meaning. They add detail to the main verb and are needed to complete the structure of a sentence. They can also clarify how time is conveyed in a sentence. As a result, helping verbs are used to create complicated progressive and perfect verb tenses. Learn about the two types of helping verbs (auxiliary and modal) and review examples of each.
Helping verbs are defined as verbs that assist the main verb in a sentence by extending its meaning. They add an explanation to the main verb in a sentence and are needed to comprehend the structure of a sentence.
A helping verb always stands before the main verb. For example, in the sentence, “Tom can drive his sister’s car,” the helping verb ‘can’ comes before the main verb ‘drive’.
List of Helping Verbs in English Grammar:
- Is, are, am
- was, were
- be, been
- do, did, does
- had, have, has
- may, might, can, must, ought to
- will, shall
- could, should, would
Types of Helping Verbs with Examples:
Helping verbs are used to create complex progressive and perfect verb tenses. We will learn about the two kinds of helping verbs with examples:
- Auxiliary verbs
- Modal verbs
Type 1: Auxiliary Verbs
Helping verbs that add sense to the phrase where they are being used are called auxiliary verbs. This usage of helping verbs is so common that the terms auxiliary verb and helping verb are mostly used interchangeably. This kind of helping verb is used to illustrate tense or add importance.
The three most used auxiliary verbs are “to have,” “to be” and “to do.” Each of these kinds has numerous forms:
- To have – has, have, had
- To be – is, am, are, be, been, was, were
- To do – do, did, does
Example Sentences:
The following described sentences include examples of auxiliary verbs. In each sentence, the auxiliary verb is bold and the main verb is underlined.
- Is
- She is making breakfast for the kids.
- Tom is running
- Carey is going to Italy.
- Am
- I am buying another phone next month.
- I am eating supper now.
- I am doing this job for a year.
- Are
- They are planning to go to Hunza.
- You are speaking the truth.
- You are making us a fool.
- Be
- Will you be going?
- She will be pleased.
- You will be punished for this act.
- Been
- I’ve been wandering for an hour.
- The battle had been intense for some time.
- They have been away for a long time.
- Was
- She was given a reward.
- His voice was melodious.
- His face was burning in the scorching heat of the sun.
- Were
- We were going to the market when the incident happened.
- I don’t know where they were planning to go.
- The kids were sitting in their room.
- Has
- Who has traveled to Colombo?
- His grandfather has lived more than seventy years.
- He has received his prize.
- Have
- I have written a letter to him.
- I should have arranged the party.
- You have done very well.
- Had
- He had done his job.
- He had adopted a child already.
- He had climbed many a tree.
- Do
- I do find that demonstration entertaining.
- Do you need help?
- Do you know that?
- Does
- What does she need?
- Maybe war does serve some determination.
- How does he use it?
- Did
- Who did make this food?
- What did she bake today?
- The horse did not agitate.
Type 2: Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are those helping verbs that added something to the action or meaning of the main verb in a sentence are called Modal Verbs. All helping verbs are not auxiliary verbs. Sometimes, helping verbs perform other tasks in a sentence.
List of Modal Verbs:
- Could
- Can
- May
- Might
- Shall
- Should
- Will
- Would
- Must
- Ought to
Example sentences:
The following described sentences include examples of modal verbs. In each sentence, the modal verb is bold and the main verb is underlined.
- Could
- I wish I could sing a song.
- I wish you could hear
- How could he blame her?
- Can
- She can name all the committee members.
- I can take good care of myself.
- You can believe your luck.
- May
- May I stay here until then?
- I may leave a day before.
- You may like it.
- Might
- I might go on a trip next Monday.
- it might rain in the evening.
- I might eat chicken for dinner.
- Shall
- Who shall volunteer to lead the class?
- I shall write to him in a short interval of time.
- I shall not forget your comforts.
- Should
- You should go office and meet your boss.
- She should wash her clothes weekly.
- I should have been examining
- Will
- I will read Chips this weekend.
- Will you be quiet, please!
- He will go to Manchester to study.
- Would
- Would you mind staying here?
- I would help you with English.
- Would you like me to help you?
- Must
- You must go with your parents on vacation.
- He must have missed the bus today.
- You must help me as you are my good friend.
- Ought to
- you ought to know about his plan.
- He ought to be studying at this time.
- Sweeper ought to take out the garbage.
Helping Verbs: Rules and Tips
Finally, you identify what helping verbs really are, it’s also significant to remember that there should not be more than three helping verbs in the verb phrase of a sentence. When utilized properly, helping verbs perform complex work in English verb phrases. The more complicated sides, perfect and progressive, must be approached by authors who already have an innovative knowledge of English sentence structure. First, you have to create a solid foundation of simple verbs, and then Helping Verbs should be studied.
