Tips For Speaking English

Auxiliary Verbs "Be," "Do," "Have"

*An auxiliary verb helps the main (full) verb and is also called a "helping verb." With auxiliary verbs, you can write sentences in different tenses, moods, or voices. Auxiliary verbs are: be, do, have, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must, ought, etc.*

I think I should study harder to master English.

I am having a cup of coffee.

You have been practicing hard.

It was written by a petitioner.

You may choose what you like.

*The verb forms of be, do, and have can be used either as a main (full) verb or an auxiliary verb. The following examples show these verbs used as auxiliary verbs.*

1. *"Be" as an auxiliary verb*

a. *Used in progressive sentences:*

I am taking a bath.

She is preparing dinner for us.

They have been studying all night.

b. *Used in passive sentences:*

I was given a free meal.

He was seen by fans at the airport.

This song has been sung by all nations.

2. *"Do" as an auxiliary verb*

a. *Used in negative sentences:*

I do not know the truth.

She doesn’t agree with me.

They didn’t arrive here yet.

b. *Used in questions:*

Do you want to have another one?

Did he finish his homework?

Do we need to keep going straight?

3. *"Have" as an auxiliary verb*

a. *Used in perfect sentences:*

I have been following you for a mile.

We have done a lot so far.

She had been queen of the town.


*[Quiz 1]*

*Identify all auxiliary verbs in the following paragraph.*

I have just heard that you didn’t attend the meeting yesterday. Did you have a conflict with that time? I must ask that you explain the reason.


*[Quiz 2]*

*Which of the following sentences does not show any auxiliary verbs?*

1)I didn’t have any reason to go there.

2)Have we practiced this song enough?

3)Three seats have been reserved for us.

4)I am a professor in the economics department.

*View Answers*

*[1]*

I *have* just heard that you *didn’t* attend the meeting yesterday. *Did* you have a conflict with that time? I *must* ask that you explain the reason.

*[2]*

Sentence 4 (the verb am is used as the main verb)

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