Table of Contents
Introduction
Auxiliary verbs in English are mighty words. They are often referred to as helping verbs because they assist the main verb in conveying precise information. In this article, we’ll explore what auxiliary verbs are, list some common ones, and distinguish them from main verbs. Additionally, we’ll delve into auxiliary modals and their uses, providing clarity on their role in constructing meaningful sentences.
What are auxiliary verbs In English?
Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, work with the main verb to show when an action is happening or express the mood or voice of a sentence. For instance, in the sentence “she can sing,” “can” serves as an auxiliary verb, indicating the ability of the main verb (“sing”). Similarly the auxiliary “are” along with the “-ing” form in the sentence “They are playing soccer” indicates a continuous action.
Examples:
- I am writing a book.
- He has done the work.
- We will be there in a minute.
- Would you help me with this homework?
- Can you open the door?
- Did you visit New York last holiday?
- Do you like chocolate?
- They must get there on time.
List Of auxiliary verbs and Modals
As mentioned above, auxiliary verbs like “be”, “do”, and “have”, assist the main verb in conveying various tenses and forms. On the other hand, modals are a subset of auxiliary verbs, like “must”, “should”, and “may” that add a layer of meaning, expressing degrees of necessity, possibility, ability, and more.
Auxiliary Verbs In English
This is a list of English auxiliary verbs In English:
- Be: (am, are, is, was, were, being)
- Do: (did, does, doing)
- Have: (had, has, having)
| Tenses | Be | Do | Have |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | She is reading a book. | I do my homework every evening. | He has already eaten lunch. |
| Past | They were playing in the garden. | Did you see that movie yesterday? | We had a great time at the party. |
| Continuous | She is being very helpful. | He is doing his best. | She is having a good time. |
| Perfect | They have been waiting for hours. | We have done everything we can. | They have had enough of this nonsense. |
Lauxiliary Modals In English
- can:
- She can speak Spanish fluently.
- Can you help me with this problem?
- could:
- I could swim when I was a child.
- Could you pass me the salt, please?
- may:
- You may borrow my pen.
- May I ask you a question?
- might:
- It might rain later in the day.
- She might join us for dinner.
- must:
- You must submit the assignment by Friday.
- He must be at the airport on time.
- shall:
- We shall meet at the coffee shop.
- Shall I call you later?
- should:
- You should take a break.
- He should study for the exam.
- will:
- They will arrive at the party soon.
- I will send you the details tomorrow.
- would:
- She would always help her friends.
- Would you like some coffee?
Auxiliary 0r Main Verb
To distinguish a main verb from an auxiliary verb, you can carry out the following test:
- Subject-Auxiliary Inversion: If the verb allows subject-auxiliary inversion, it is likely an auxiliary verb.
- Negative Form: If the verb can take a negative form with “not,” it is likely an auxiliary verb.
Examples:
- You are going to travel to London. —
- Are you going to travel to London?
- You are not going to travel to London.
- => “Are” is an auxiliary verb
- You see what I mean. —
- See you what I mean.*
- You see not what I mean.*
- => “See” is not an auxiliary verb; it is a main verb.
(The asterisk * indicates that the sentence is not grammatical.)
- => “See” is not an auxiliary verb; it is a main verb.
Uses of Auxiliary Verbs and Modals
Auxiliary verbs and modals are employed in various contexts:
1. Future Tense
Auxiliary verbs are crucial in expressing actions or states that will happen in the future. The most common auxiliary verbs for forming the future tense are “will” and “shall.”
Example:
- I will complete the project by tomorrow.
- She shall arrive at the airport by 3 PM.
2. Continuous Tense
When describing ongoing or continuous actions, auxiliary verbs come into play. In the continuous tense, the main verb is combined with a form of “be” (am, is, are) and the present participle (-ing form).
Example:
- They are watching a movie right now.
- She was singing when the phone rang.
3. Perfect Tense
Auxiliary verbs assist in indicating the perfect tense. The main verbs are combined with forms of “have” (have, has, had) to convey the action in this tense.
Example:
- He has already finished his homework.
- We had visited that museum before.
4. Negative Forms
Auxiliary verbs are used to formulate negative statements or questions by combining them with “not.” This allows for expressing the absence or negation of an action or state.
Example:
- She does not like spicy food.
- Have you not seen that movie before?
5. Modality
One of the versatile uses of auxiliary modals is conveying modality, indicating degrees of necessity, possibility, probability, ability, or permission. These modals add nuance to the meaning of the main verb.
Example:
- You must complete the assignment by tomorrow. (Obligation)
- She can speak three languages fluently. (Ability)
- It may rain later. (Possibility)
- He should attend the meeting. (Suggestion/Obligation)
Conclusion
In summary, auxiliary verbs in English function as supportive elements that enhance the meaning and structure of sentences. They are used to indicate states, emphasize actions, form questions, and express negations.
The three main categories of auxiliary verbs—be, do, and have—fulfill distinct functions, such as signaling continuous actions, providing emphasis, and forming perfect tenses.
Additionally, modals, a subset of auxiliary verbs, add a layer of meaning by expressing degrees of necessity, possibility, ability, and more. Together, auxiliary verbs and modals contribute to the richness and precision of language.
