Auxiliary Verbs / Helping Verbs

An Auxiliary verb, also called a helping verb, has no meaning on its own but helps the main verb in functional and grammatical way. Most common auxiliary verbs are: To be, have, do, will.

In Progressive (Continuous) tenses: 1. We are watching TV in our room right now. (present progressive) 2. Sally was shopping when I saw her. (past progressive) 3. They have been running for an hour. (present perfect progressive) 4. We had been sleeping for an hour when the fire alarm rang. (past perfect progressive) In Passive Voice Example: 1. The window is broken. 2. The bridge was built. 3. The new program has been declared. 4. It should be renovated. 5. Your assignment must be finished by tomorrow.

In Compound Tenses: 1. They have cleared all the evidence. 2. Nobody has seen anything. 3. She has been singing. 4. We had arranged everything. 5. Nothing has been done about the incident.

In Negatives I don’t like horror films. John didn’t participate our club. In Questions Does your brother know Spanish? Did you attend the course yesterday? In emphasis I do want to marry you.

Can only be used as an auxiliary verb: 1. I will help you with the chores. 2. They won’t come today.

Most common ones are: Can / could / may / might / shall / should / must / ought to / had better Examples: 1. I cannot talk to you right now. 2. You had better finish your homework before your father arrives. 3. We must obey the traffic rules. 4. I think you should take an aspirin. 5. He might be in his office. 6. Could you open the door for me, please?