Definition: The second category of verbs is called Helping Verbs . Also called auxiliary verbs, they help the main show tense or possibility.
verbs + main verbs = verb phrases.The main verb is always the last verb in the phrase.
Helping Verbs
The most common helping verbs are:
ºto be: am, is, are, was, were, be being, been.
These are used in progressive tenses and passive voice verbs:
I am writing this sentence.
This sentence was written.
ºto have: have, has, had
These are used in perfect tenses:
This sentence was written.
ºto do: do, does, did, done
These are emphatic verbs. They don’t change tense. They just emphasize the main verb. I d know your uncle
Conditionals
ºconditionals (also called modal auxiliaries): could, should, would, can, shall, will, may, might, must
These express possibility, obligation, permission, ability, necessity, and intention:
I could play basketball. (it is a possibility that I will be able to.)
I should play basketball. (I have an obligation to do it.)
I would play basketball. (It is a possibility under certain conditions.)
I can play basketball. (I am able to do it.)
I shall play basketball. (used more in British English for first person instead of will)
I will play basketball. (It is my intention in the future)
I may play basketball. (I have permission to do it, or it is a possibility)
I might play basketball. (It is a possibility)
I must play basketball. (It is a necessity)
Challenge 1:
Watch out for questions! The subject of the subject of the question is often between the help verb and the main verb. If you keep all the words and rearrange the sentence to a declarative sentence, it may be easier to find the verb phrase.
Are you coming to my party?
You are coming to my party?
Challenge 2:
Sometimes the verb phrase can be interrupted by an adverb. Be careful not to include the adverb in the verb phrase. Only verbs on the “Approved List of Helping Verbs” can be helping verbs.
Approved List of Helping Verbs
Progress 5/5