Auxiliary Verbs in English

Auxiliary verbs, known as helping verbs, play a crucial role in English grammar by assisting the main verb in a sentence. They help express a variety of grammatical nuances, and knowing them is essential when learning a language. So, what is an auxiliary verb, and how to use it properly? This reference will give you all the answers. 

What are Auxiliary Verbs?

Unlike main verbs, an auxiliary verb does not carry the meaning of the sentence. Instead, they are used to add more details, form complex verb phrases and verbal constructions, etc. Here's a list of functions of an auxiliary verb.

1. Forming tenses 

Properly chosen auxiliary verb examples can help you create different grammar tenses. For example:

• The verb auxiliary be (and its forms) is combined with a present participle to indicate ongoing actions in continuous tenses. 

He is running.

She was studying.

• The auxiliary have is used with the past participle to indicate actions completed relative to a point in time in perfect tenses. For example:

They have finished their work.

She has cooked the dinner.

• A combination of have and been (the past participle of be) with the present participle indicates actions that began in the past and continue to the present in perfect continuous tenses. 

She has been studying for hours.

He has been running all morning.

2. Constructing the passive voice

What is an auxiliary verb, and how can you use it? Another common function is to use the auxiliary be with a past participle to form the passive voice. You can do it to shift the focus from the subject performing the action to the action itself.

The cake was cooked by a professional chef.

The book was read by millions of people.

3. Forming negatives and questions

Auxiliary verbs examples play a crucial role in forming different types of sentences. Combined with not, they will make your sentence negative:

I do not like spinach.

She has not seen that movie.

When placed at the beginning of the sentence, before the subject, auxiliary verbs English form interrogative sentences:

Are you coming to the party?

Has he finished his homework?

4. Adding emphasis

Although not as commonly as previous functions, some examples of auxiliary verbs can be inserted to add emphasis, especially in positive sentences.

I do like her.

He does need my help.

Auxiliary Verb List

After familiarizing yourself with the auxiliary verb definition and functions, it is time to learn some of the most common examples. Here's an extensive list of auxiliary verbs in English.

• have (has, had);
• be (is, am, are, been, being, was, were);
• do (does, did);
• will (would);
• shall (should);
• may (might);
• can (can, could).

Auxiliary Verb Examples in Sentences

To understand the subject better, let's look at this auxiliary verbs list examples:

• She is speaking.

In this auxiliary verb example, is expresses the continuous present tense.

• I have finished.

The auxiliary verb "have" shows the perfect aspect.

• Do you understand?

The auxiliary verb "do" is used to form a question.

• They will arrive soon.

The auxiliary verb "will" indicates the future tense.

• She may come.

The auxiliary verb "may" conveys possibility.

• We can do it.

The auxiliary verb "can" expresses ability.

Types of Auxiliary Verbs

There are three main categories of auxiliary verbs. Knowing them is essential to understanding the topic. So, what are the auxiliary verbs types?

1. Primary auxiliary verbs 

There are three of them – be, have, and do. These auxiliary verb list examples can be used both as a helping verb and as a main verb.

She is waiting.

I have been to Paris several times.

He does his homework every evening.

2. Modal auxiliary verbs

Unlike the previous type, these auxiliary helping verbs can't be used as main ones. They are only used as modal verbs to express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. The list of these verbs includes:

• Can, could – ability or possibility.

She can speak three languages.

Could you help me with this task?

• Will, would – future actions, willingness, or conditionality.

I will finish the project by tomorrow.

Would you like some tea?

• Shall, should – suggestions or obligations.

Shall we take a short break?

We should leave now if we want to catch the bus.

• May, might – permission or possibility.

May I borrow your pen for a moment?

We might go to the park if the weather improves.

• Must – strong necessity or obligation.

You must wear a helmet when riding a bike.

3. Semi-auxiliary verbs.

The third type, semi-auxiliary verbs, takes parts from both main and modal verbs. These words can be used with different verbs to express necessity, habitual behavior, or moral duty, but they are more restricted than regular modal verbs. Some common examples include:

• Be about to – shows an action is imminent.

I am about to start my presentation.

• Have to – necessity or obligation.

I have to finish this assignment by tonight.

• Ought to – advisability or moral duty (often similar to “should”).

You ought to apologize for the mistake.

• Used to –describes habitual actions or states in the past that no longer occur.

I used to travel every summer when I was a student.

• Would rather – expresses a preference for one option over another.

I would rather stay in tonight than go out.             
Difference Between Auxiliary and Main Verbs

Main and auxiliary verbs in English serve different purposes. 

• Main verbs express primary action or the state, while auxiliary verbs assist by forming various tenses, voices, or aspects.
• Main verbs can stand alone in a sentence, while auxiliary verbs always work alongside the main ones to complete a verb phrase.

In summary, while the main verb delivers the core message of what is happening, the auxiliary verb plays a supportive role, making sure the sentence describes the correct tense, mood, or voice.

Auxiliary Verbs in English Grammar

To solidify what you've learned today, take a look at some common mistakes you need to pay attention to when using the auxiliary verbs list in sentences.

1. Subject-auxiliary agreement error. Keep in mind that the auxiliary verb must always agree in number with the subject.

Don't: They is coming.

Do: They are coming.

2. Main vs auxiliary confusion. Since some helping verbs can also function like main ones, pay attention to the context to understand which one you're using.

3. Incorrect word order in negatives/interrogations. By definition, auxiliary verbs must correctly precede the subject in these types of sentences.

Don't: You are coming? She not is ready.

Do: Are you coming? She is not ready.

4. Incorrect verb form after modals. Modal verbs should always be followed by the base form of the main verb.

Don't: He can goes.

Do: He can go.

Summary

So, what's an auxiliary verb? It is the one used to give additional meaning to a verb phrase. An auxiliary verb list can also be used to form questions, negative statements, and passive voice. Don't worry if they seem tricky at first glance – with some time and practice, you'll memorize all the nuances and learn how to use them properly!