AUXILIARY VERBS

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AUXILIARY VERBS

• a.k.a.
• HELPING VERBS

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Auxiliary verbs are combined with other verbs to
make

• VERB PHRASES

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A VERB PHRASE

• Is made up of two or more verbs
• Is made up of a main verb and one or more
  auxiliary (helping) verbs
• The main verb is always the last word in the
  phrase
• The auxiliary (helping) verb(s) always comes
  before the main verb.

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For example

• Our plane was delayed for two hours.
• (wasauxiliary verb delayedmain verb)
• The driver may have been injured.
• (may have beenauxiliary verb injuredmain verb)
• You should be considerate at all times.
• (shouldauxiliary verb bemain verb)
• (Remember - if a word cannot be used as a verb
  it cannot be part of the verb phrase.)

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A VERB PHRASE may be used to express

• The tense of a verb.
• The stadium will be filled to capacity.(future)
• That the action is directed at the subject.
• We should save a seat for Jeff.(We)

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COMMON AUXILIARY VERBS
be are been will might have have had would
am was being may could has had been does
is were shall can should do Has been did
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Some auxiliary verbs can also be used as main
verbs.

• Alice has a new car. (main verb)
• Alice has driven her new car only once this
  winter. (hasauxiliary verb) (drivenmain
  verb)

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A verb phrase may be interrupted by other words.

• Jack has always liked math. (hasauxiliary
  verb likedmain verb)
• You should not leave the milk on the counter.
  (shouldauxiliary verb
  leavemain verb)

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
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Write the auxiliary verb or verbs for each
sentence .

1. The thief had stolen the bike.
2. Frank must have seen the accident happen.
3. I will leave on Saturday.
4. He should be ready by 400.
5. Their father has traveled to Europe many times.
6. Oscar has always been my favorite uncle.

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The auxiliary verbs are in red.

1. The thief had stolen the bike.
2. Frank must have seen the accident happen.
3. I will leave on Saturday.
4. He should be ready by 400.
5. Their father has traveled to Europe many times.
6. Oscar has always been my favorite uncle.

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Now, write the main verb for each sentence.

1. The thief had stolen the bike.
2. Frank must have seen the accident happen.
3. I will leave on Saturday.
4. He should be ready by 400.
5. Their father has traveled to Europe many times.
6. Oscar has always been my favorite uncle.

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The main verbs are in purple.

1. The thief had stolen the bike.
2. Frank must have seen the accident happen.
3. I will leave on Saturday.
4. He should be ready by 400.
5. Their father has traveled to Europe many times.
6. Oscar has always been my favorite uncle.

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Finally, write the entire verb phrase for each
sentence.

1. The thief had stolen the bike.
2. Frank must have seen the accident happen.
3. I will leave on Saturday.
4. He should be ready by 400.
5. Their father has traveled to Europe many times.
6. Oscar has always been my favorite uncle.

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The verb phrase is in green.

• The thief had stolen the bike.
• Frank must have seen the accident happen.
• I will leave on Saturday.
• He should be ready by 400.
• Their father has traveled to Europe many times.
• Oscar has always been my favorite uncle.