Auxiliary verbs are needed to make our sentences more exciting and impressive. Auxiliary verbs are the first step in forming a complete sentence. When used with the main verb, auxiliary verbs finish sentences. Using auxiliary verbs is about expressing your feelings, making a statement, asking a question, or giving a command. In this article, we will see about auxiliary verbs, who uses them, and how to use them in English.

What is an Auxiliary Verb?

A verb that uses a helping verb along with a main verb in a sentence is known as an Auxiliary verb. It is used to express moods, voice, and tense. For example, “I have finished my homework” In this sentence “have” in “I have finished my homework” functions as an auxiliary verb. Specifically, it is functioning as a helping verb to form the present perfect tense.

Auxiliary Verb Definition

The auxiliary verbs are the connecting words that show the relation between a subject or object and another subject, noun, or verb. It is a passive action word that describes an action done by someone else to do something. A helping verb adds functional or grammatical meaning to another verb in a phrase. Helping verbs are for expressing tense, aspect, and modality.

Types of Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs and modal-aiding verbs are the two primary categories of helping verbs:

1. Primary Auxiliary Verbs

Helping verbs, commonly referred to as auxiliary verbs, are used in sentences to support the primary verb. Examples of auxiliary verbs include “be,” “do,” “have,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” “can,” “must,” “ought,” “should,” “could,” and “would.” They indicate tense, aspect, mood, and voice and form questions, negatives, and passive structures. Primary auxiliary verbs include “to be” and “to have.” They are used to indicate tense, voice, and mood. The verb “to be” forms the simple present, simple past, and present perfect tenses.

List of Primary Auxiliary Verb

Auxiliary verbs, also known as “helping verbs,” are used in combination with a main verb to add meaning to the sentence. Here are some examples of auxiliary verbs:

• “I am walking to the store.” In this sentence, “am” is the auxiliary verb.
• “She has finished her homework.” In this sentence, “has” is the auxiliary verb.
• “We will be going on vacation next month.” In this sentence, “will be” is the auxiliary verb.
• “He could have studied harder for the test.” In this sentence, “could have” is the auxiliary verb.
• “They are going to the party tonight.” In this sentence, “are going to” is the auxiliary verb.
• “I should have been more careful.” In this sentence, “should have been” is the auxiliary verb.
• “The children were playing in the park.” In this sentence, “were” is the auxiliary verb.
• “She must finish her project by tomorrow.” In this sentence, “must” is the auxiliary verb.
• “I might have seen him at the concert.” In this sentence, “might have” is the auxiliary verb.
• “He is still sleeping.” In this sentence, “is” is the auxiliary verb.

Examples of Auxiliary Verbs

Below is a compilation of auxiliary verbs suitable for use in conjunction with primary verbs to fulfill various auxiliary functions:

• Might
• Has
• Will
• Could
• Should
• Shall
• Must
• Do
• Would
• Are
• May
• Had
• Ought to
• Am
• Was
• Were
• Can
• Need
• Is
• Did

Primary Auxiliary Verb Examples in a Sentence

• She had been studying all night.
• He could not finish the task.
• I must go now.
• She should have done it.
• We may go to the movies.

2. Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express many meanings, such as probability, necessity, obligation, permission, and ability. They are one of the essential components of English grammar and can be used to express various meanings. Each of these verbs has a different purpose and usage, so it is necessary to understand the nuances of each one.

List of Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are an essential part of English grammar and express many meanings. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the nuances of each modal verb and how to use them correctly in your writing.

• Can is for expressing possibility, permission, or ability. For example, “I can speak Spanish.” In this sentence, can is saying the speaker’s ability to speak Spanish.
• Could is a polite way to express prior potential or ability. For example, “I could speak Spanish as a child.” This sentence could tell the speaker’s past ability to speak Spanish.
• May is a word used to indicate possibility or permission. For example, “May I have a cookie?” This sentence is for asking for permission to have a cookie politely.
• Might is for expressing possibility or a polite request. For example, “You might want to try this new restaurant.” This sentence might say the likelihood that the listener might want to try the new restaurant.
• Must is used to express necessity or strong obligation. For example, “You must obey the law.” This sentence must say the vital duty to obey the law.
• Ought to is used to express obligation or advice. For example, “You ought to study more.” This sentence is to advise you to study more.

Modal Verb Examples in a Sentence

• I can speak Spanish.
• You might want to try this new restaurant.
• You must obey the law.
• You ought to study more.
• May I have a cookie?

How to Use Auxiliary Verbs with Examples?

It is essential to use auxiliary verbs correctly to communicate effectively. For example, when using modal auxiliary verbs, it is necessary to remember that the base form of another verb follows them. Additionally, when using primary auxiliary verbs, it is essential to remember that they are used to form certain verb tenses. Lastly, when using semi-auxiliary verbs, it is critical to remember that they are used to express a range of ideas. Therefore, you can communicate more effectively and accurately by understanding and correctly using auxiliary verbs.

Example:

• Tense: I have been studying for the test all week. (The auxiliary verb “have been” expresses the present perfect tense.)
• Mood: She might go to the movies tonight. (The auxiliary verb “might” expresses a possibility.)
• Voice: The report must be completed by tomorrow. (The auxiliary verb “must” is used to express obligation.)

List of Auxiliary Verbs of All Tenses

English has three primary auxiliary verbs: be, have, and do. Each has a conjugation in the Present tense, Past tense, and Future tense.

These are some of the examples of auxiliary verbs that are used in tenses. Also, remember that the forms of the auxiliary verbs may change and also depends on the subject and tense of the sentence.

Check Your Understanding of Auxiliary Verbs

1. The baby ______ a blanket.

a. has

b. am

c. are

2. The dog ______ an injury, but now he’s okay.

a. is

b. had

c. will

3. ______ you come with me to the hospital?

a. has

b. had

c. will

4. It ______ be what you wished for. Open it.

a. Could

b. is

c. have

5. Sheena ______ finished this in an hour.

a. is

b. can

c. have

FAQs on Auxiliary Verbs in English