Auxiliary verbs in English
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This chapter will discuss the auxiliary verbs in English. There are many auxiliary verbs in English, for example 'to be', 'to do', 'to have', 'will', and 'would'.
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.Definition and usage of auxiliary verbs
- 2.Auxiliary verbs of modality
- 3.Auxiliary verbs of time
- 4.Auxiliary verbs to make a question and negative sentences, and expressing emphasis
- 5.Passive auxiliary verbs
- 6.Exercises
- 6.1.Exercise to mark the English auxiliary verbs
- 6.2.Choose the correct English auxiliary verb
- 6.3.Fill in the correct English auxiliary verb
Definition and usage of auxiliary verbs
An auxiliary verb is a verb that can never be alone in the sentence, because it adds an extra meaning to another verb in the sentence. There have to be two or more verbs in the sentence.
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary verbs of modality |
|
| Auxiliary verbs of time |
|
| To make a question and negative sentences, and expressing emphasis |
|
| Passive auxiliary verbs |
|
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Auxiliary verbs of modality
The auxiliary verbs of modality are modal verbs that give an attitude towards another verb. Some of these modal verbs are 'can', 'may', 'must', 'shall', and 'will'.
- I can sing very well.
- They will buy a bike.
Auxiliary verbs of time
The auxiliary verbs of time in English are used for the present perfect, past perfect, present continuous, past continuous, future tenses. In English the verbs 'to be', 'to have', and 'will' are used as auxiliary verbs of time.
- I have watched a movie.
- She is playing a game with him.
Auxiliary verbs to make a question and negative sentences, and expressing emphasis
The auxiliary verb that is used to make a question or negative sentence or that is used to put emphasis on something, is the verb 'to do'.
- Do you like to play soccer?
- I do like to go out for dinner!
Passive auxiliary verbs
For passive sentence the auxiliary verb 'to be' is used. The passive auxiliary verb is used when it is not important who performed the action. It focuses on the action and not the subject.
- The bike is bought.
- The house was built.
Take a look at the subchapters to find out how to conjugate 'to be', 'to have', 'to do', the difference between 'will' and 'shall' and the verb 'would'.
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Exercises
- Exercise to mark the English auxiliary verbs
- Choose the correct English auxiliary verb
- Fill in the correct English auxiliary verb
Exercise to mark the English auxiliary verbs
Click on all auxiliary verbs!
I have watched a lot of movies when I was sick at home.
She will make the invitations for the party.
Do you want to get ice cream?
I don't want to run for the bus.
They will go to the supermarket when they get home.
The bottle was bought by me.
When are you coming to the library?
He has always wanted to meet her.
He doesn't come to class very often.
Did you think his jokes were funny?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Missed!
Choose the correct English auxiliary verb
Fill in the correct English auxiliary verb
Fill in the missing auxiliary verbs. Choose from the auxiliary verbs behind the sentence in brackets.
Maria call me yet. (were, didn't, has, weren't)
Why do you think he seen his uncle in years? (did, has, were, hasn't)
You not borrow me his jacket. (would, have, are, is)
She running in the garden with her dog. (are, would, is, has)
They made the exercises at home. (have, are, will, is)
We study tomorrow for the test. (are, had, will, did)
He dance very well. (have, is, can, was)
Anne and Julia like to play soccer! (do, have, are, is)
They texting during the class. (haven't, isn't, weren't, don't)
I arrive around 9 o'clock tonight. (have, will, is, am)
Exercises
- Exercise to mark the English auxiliary verbs
- Choose the correct English auxiliary verb
- Fill in the correct English auxiliary verb
Exercise to mark the English auxiliary verbs
Click on all auxiliary verbs!
I have watched a lot of movies when I was sick at home.
She will make the invitations for the party.
Do you want to get ice cream?
I don't want to run for the bus.
They will go to the supermarket when they get home.
The bottle was bought by me.
When are you coming to the library?
He has always wanted to meet her.
He doesn't come to class very often.
Did you think his jokes were funny?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Missed!
Choose the correct English auxiliary verb
Fill in the correct English auxiliary verb
Fill in the missing auxiliary verbs. Choose from the auxiliary verbs behind the sentence in brackets.
Maria call me yet. (were, didn't, has, weren't)
Why do you think he seen his uncle in years? (did, has, were, hasn't)
You not borrow me his jacket. (would, have, are, is)
She running in the garden with her dog. (are, would, is, has)
They made the exercises at home. (have, are, will, is)
We study tomorrow for the test. (are, had, will, did)
He dance very well. (have, is, can, was)
Anne and Julia like to play soccer! (do, have, are, is)
They texting during the class. (haven't, isn't, weren't, don't)
I arrive around 9 o'clock tonight. (have, will, is, am)
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NB If you are writing a test like IELTS or TOEFL 'in a month or two' and you need to obtain a minimum score to enter a university, remember that according to education bodies like British Council and Cambridge English, it takes an average of 120-130 lesson hours to move from one level or band to the next. So with 'one or two' months, you need to already be at B2 or Upper Intermediate level to start preparing.
For B2-C2 level students who enjoy photography: Would you would like to improve your English conversation and your photography? In a typical lesson, you will show me your latest photos and describe how and why you took them. Then we will discuss how photos are assessed in photographic competitions and, if necessary, we can go over the essentials of using a digital camera (although it's perfectly fine if you use your mobile phone to take photos).
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Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I spent a few years in the United States where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in Spanish and German. Over the years, I have given private lessons in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, with Japanese being the most requested at the moment. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to teach the language at an American college with a native Japanese teacher, applying the method that they use to learn their own language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important for learning a language, and a good method is even more fundamental. No days spent on textbooks are needed; consistency and fun during lessons are the most important parts of learning. You will see results right away! I am patient, flexible, and will adapt in every way to your personal needs. I look forward to seeing you on my profile for a trial lesson and discovering an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
V. M.
We only did two lessons but it seems to me that Alessia has understood what I need! She is very good and knows all the terms and idioms of everyday life, just what I need! :)
Alessia T.
Let me help you improve your English for any purpose. I am a native English speaker with a Master's degree in English, a Bachelor of Science degree and a CELTA teaching qualification.
I have been teaching for four years. As a copy-editor, I have been helping people improve their written English for over ten years (so yes, I can edit documents for you). Interviews: send me your CV and the job description and I will help you prepare.
Ready for certification? I will help you get ready for English language proficiency exams (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, OET, C1 (CAE), C2 (CPE).)
We CAN meet free of charge (just book a FREE CHAT for 20 minutes) to discuss your learning needs/my teaching methods and to start talking.
It is useful if you take a quick online test to establish a starting point: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/general-english/ Please let me know the results A1/2 B1/2 C1/2.
If you need to reschedule, please do so 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.
NB If you are writing a test like IELTS or TOEFL 'in a month or two' and you need to obtain a minimum score to enter a university, remember that according to education bodies like British Council and Cambridge English, it takes an average of 120-130 lesson hours to move from one level or band to the next. So with 'one or two' months, you need to already be at B2 or Upper Intermediate level to start preparing.
For B2-C2 level students who enjoy photography: Would you would like to improve your English conversation and your photography? In a typical lesson, you will show me your latest photos and describe how and why you took them. Then we will discuss how photos are assessed in photographic competitions and, if necessary, we can go over the essentials of using a digital camera (although it's perfectly fine if you use your mobile phone to take photos).
A. S.
Sandra is a very experienced and kind teacher. She is amazing at making you feel at ease, so that you can really enjoy your class and focus on your learning. She provides great learning materials and organises the lesson according to your needs and level.
Mary K.
I am very good with beginners and intermediate students. I help with pronunciation, learning new vocabulary and grammar. I always offer corrections and offer endless speaking opportunities.
I enjoy teaching and more than anything I enjoy teaching English, but as much as I teach I am always looking for an opportunity to learn. I allow myself to learn something from my students as many times as they are willing to teach. Together with my students, we create an atmosphere of on-going conversation around our class topic.
I have a Bachelor of English degree, as well as a 120-HOUR TEFL Certificate. I am mostly fluent in English, as it has the language medium throughout my entire life and school career.
M. .
My experience with teacher Comfort was excellent. She is patient, kind and explains in a way that is very easy to understand, giving you support tools for learning. I highly recommend her. Thank you so much Comfort.
Comfort A.
Well done on making the first step to learning English! It is a fantastic addition to your professional or personal profile. I started my journey as an actress, I moved quickly into the world of Education finding my passion in early childhood development. I am a qualified teacher and have been working in international schools for many years. I recently acquired my TEFL certificate allowing me to expand my horizons and teach online. I grew up in Hong Kong before moving back to England. I have lived in Portugal for the last year teaching Portuguese and French children, I loved the diversity and felt I wanted to teach adults too. Since then I have been tutoring online which has given me the chance to meet people from all over the world and help them on their language journey in a comfortable and open environment. I am married to a Frenchman so I have basic understanding of French and I have a French tutor myself!
I usually test the level at the beginning and then plan with the students the goals they want to achieve. After that with every lesson I check progress and points to review with the help of a log to have a clear plan in every lesson. I believe it is VERY important for the teacher and student to share a positive connection and for both parties to feel comfortable. Drop me an email to make the booking!
N. .
Samantha is a fantastic teacher, she clearly has lots of experience and I felt an instant connection with her. I have been looking for the right person to help me with my spoken English and I believe we will be a good fit when I am ready to book more lessons. Thanks Samantha I cant wait to start learning with you,
Samantha L.