What Are Helping Verbs? Definition, Types & Usage in Sentences
| Helping Verb | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been | Be (primary) | She is singing. |
| have, has, had, having | Have (primary) | They have left. |
| do, does, did, doing | Do (primary) | He does not agree. |
| will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must | Modal | She can help. |
What Are Helping Verbs in English?
Helping verbs in English grammar are verbs used before a main verb to form questions, negatives, tenses, and voice. They include words like "is," "have," "do," and modal verbs such as "can" or "must." These verbs support the main verb’s action or state and clarify meaning in sentences.
Types of Helping Verbs
- Primary Helping Verbs: "be," "have," and "do" (with all forms such as is, are, was, have, did, etc.)
- Modal Helping Verbs: will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, must
Primary helping verbs form different tenses and questions. Modal verbs show ability, possibility, advice, or necessity. Both types are common in academic writing and speaking.
Examples of Helping Verbs in Sentences
- She is reading a book. ("is" + main verb "reading")
- We have finished our work.
- Did they do their homework?
- You can try again.
- They must leave now.
Notice how the helping verb comes before or just before the main verb. This is important for correct sentence structure.
Helping Verbs vs Main and Linking Verbs
| Type | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Helping Verb | Supports the main verb, helps show tense, question, or negative | She is running. |
| Main Verb | Main action or state of the sentence | She is running. |
| Linking Verb | Connects subject to description or state (not action) | She is happy. |
How to Use Helping Verbs: Key Rules
- Use “be” forms for continuous tenses: She is writing.
- Use “have” forms for perfect tenses: They have started.
- Add “do/does/did” for questions or negatives: Did you finish?
- Place modal verbs before main verbs: I should go.
- Helping verbs must match the subject: He is eating. They are eating.
Helping Verbs Table: Tense and Usage
| Tense or Form | Helping Verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple (questions, negatives) | do, does | Do you play? |
| Past Simple (questions, negatives) | did | Did she study? |
| Present Continuous | am, is, are | He is running. |
| Past Continuous | was, were | They were singing. |
| Present Perfect | has, have | We have gone. |
| Past Perfect | had | He had left. |
| Future Simple | will, shall | I will call. |
| Modals (ability, advice, necessity) | can, could, may, might, must, should, etc. | She can swim. |
Quick Practice Sentences
- They are making dinner now.
- She has visited London before.
- Does he play football?
- We will meet you at 5 PM.
- You must wear your badge.
Try to spot the helping verb in each sentence. Practising this helps for tests and homework.
Summary of Helping Verbs in English
Helping verbs in English grammar include primary (‘be,’ ‘have,’ ‘do’) and modal verbs (such as ‘can,’ ‘must’). They help to form questions, negatives, and tenses with main verbs. At Vedantu, we simplify grammar rules so students use helping verbs with accuracy and confidence, improving exam scores and communication.
FAQs on Helping Verbs in English Grammar (with List & Easy Examples)
1. What is a helping verb in English?
A helping verb, also called an auxiliary verb, is a verb that assists the main verb in a sentence. It helps to express tense, mood, or voice. Common examples include forms of "be" (am, is, are, was, were), "have" (have, has, had), and "do" (do, does, did), as well as modal verbs like can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must.
2. How many helping verbs are there in English?
There are typically 23 helping verbs in English, encompassing the various forms of "be," "have," and "do," plus the modal verbs. The exact number can vary slightly depending on the grammatical framework used.
3. What is the difference between a helping verb and a main verb?
A main verb expresses the principal action or state of being (e.g., run, sing, be). A helping verb supports the main verb, contributing to the meaning of tense, aspect, mood, or voice. For example, in "She is running," "running" is the main verb, and "is" is the helping verb indicating present continuous tense.
4. Can you give some examples of helping verbs in sentences?
Here are some examples:
- He is playing football. (present continuous)
- She has finished her homework. (present perfect)
- They were dancing. (past continuous)
- I will go to the store. (future simple)
- We can help you. (modal verb expressing ability)
5. What is the difference between helping verbs and linking verbs?
Helping verbs assist main verbs, while linking verbs connect the subject to a predicate adjective or noun that describes or identifies the subject (e.g., "He is tired" or "She is a doctor"). Linking verbs primarily are forms of the verb "be."
6. Are modal verbs considered helping verbs?
Yes, modal verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) are a type of helping verb. They express possibility, ability, permission, obligation, etc., and always precede the main verb.
7. How do helping verbs form questions?
In most cases, helping verbs are moved to the beginning of the sentence to form a question. For example: "Is she singing?" "Did they go?" "Will you help?"
8. How do helping verbs form negative sentences?
To make a sentence negative, "not" is typically placed after the helping verb. Examples: "She is not singing." "They did not go." "I will not help."
9. Can a sentence have more than one helping verb?
Yes, sentences can have multiple helping verbs, especially in complex tenses. For example: "She has been working hard." (present perfect continuous) "He had been playing." (past perfect continuous)
10. What are primary auxiliary verbs?
Primary auxiliary verbs are the most common helping verbs: forms of "be," "have," and "do." They are essential for forming many different verb tenses and aspects.
11. How do helping verbs work in passive voice?
In the passive voice, a form of the verb "be" acts as a helping verb with the past participle of the main verb. Example: "The cake was baked by John."
12. Can helping verbs function as main verbs?
Yes. Words like "have," "be," and "do" can act as both helping verbs and main verbs depending on their function in the sentence. For instance, in "I have a car," "have" is the main verb, but in "I have eaten," it's a helping verb.
