Be, do, have

Auxiliary verbs help the main verb and are in fact also referred to as 'helping' verbs. Auxiliary verbs are: be, do and have. Modal verbs are also auxiliary verbs but we are going to focus on be, do and have in this module.

The verbs be, do and have can also be used as main verbs or as auxiliary verbs. Here are examples of be, do and have as main verbs:

She is Paul's sister. – 'be' describes a state.
I have a great job. – 'have' shows possession.
Peter does his homework every evening. – 'do' is used with certain nouns.

However these verbs are also auxiliary verbs:

Be

In continuous sentences:
He is reading in the garden.
I am preparing for my exams.

In passive sentences:
The book was printed in 1732.
You are requested to attend the meeting.

Do

In negative sentences:
Danny doesn't speak French.
I don’t like horror films.

Do in questions

Do you like Jazz music?
Did Tess call you?

Have

In perfect tenses:
I have lived here for ten years.
He has studied medicine.
He had seen the film before.

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Which of the following sentences shows an auxiliary verb?

• 1) Which sentence shows an auxiliary verb?
  
  They didn't arrive late.
  I did all the cooking today.
  
  
• 2) Which sentence shows an auxiliary verb?
  
  We have prepared everything for the meeting.
  We have a meeting every Friday.
  
  
• 3) Which sentence shows an auxiliary verb?
  
  I am meeting John this afternoon.
  I am really tired.
  
  
• 4) Which sentence shows an auxiliary verb?
  
  Are you waiting for a taxi?
  Are you from London?
  
  
• 5) Which sentence shows an auxiliary verb?
  
  Danny has been given a promotion.
  Danny has a great job
  
  
• 6) Which sentence shows an auxiliary verb?
  
  I did the shopping this morning.
  I don't go out much these days.