Auxiliary Verb
 
 
 
 
Auxiliary Verb

In this lesson you will learn the definition of an auxiliary verb and study examples of auxiliary verbs.
Auxiliary Verb Definition
  • An auxiliary verb is:
  • a word that modifies the meaning of another verb in a sentence
  • also known as a helping verb
  • There are three auxiliary verbs in English which are irregular verbs and can be used as main verbs in a sentence
  • "be" is used with the present participle in progressive (continuous) verbs and with the past participle in the passive voice
  • "do", "don't", "does", and "doesn't" are used with negative statements and questions in the present simple tense while "did" and "didn't" are used in the past simple tense
  • "have" is used with the past participle to form the perfect aspect
  • Modal verbs are also auxiliary verbs but they cannot function as a main verb
Auxiliary Verb Examples
  • She is the school teacher.
  • The cars are in the garage.
  • The dog does this every day.
  • They do their homework before watching television.
  • He still has the papers.
  • They have many different shoes on display.
 
Grammar Tips
Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of common mistakes. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.