Helping Verbs List with Examples and Usage (Complete Guide)
This complete helping verbs list, also known as an auxiliary verbs list, will help you understand the list of helping verbs with examples used in English grammar.
What Are Helping Verbs?
Helping verbs support the main verb in a sentence. They help express time, ability, possibility, obligation, and emphasis. Without helping verbs, many English sentence structures would be incomplete
Helping Verbs List in English Grammar
This helping verbs list in English grammar covers primary helping verbs, modal verbs, and semi-modal verbs with clear examples for students and beginners.
24 Common Helping Verbs List
- am – I am learning English.
- is – She is reading a book.
- are – They are playing outside.
- was – He was sleeping.
- were – We were late.
- be – You should be careful.
- being – He is being rude.
- been – They have been waiting.
- have – I have finished my work.
- has – She has written a letter.
- had – They had eaten already.
- do – Do you like coffee?
- does – Does he exercise daily?
- did – She did not agree.
- can – She can swim.
- could – I could help you.
- shall – Shall we begin?
- should – You should rest.
- will – They will arrive soon.
- would – He would like tea.
- may – You may leave now.
- might – It might rain.
- must – We must follow rules.
- ought to – You ought to try harder.
Primary Helping Verbs
Primary helping verbs are be, have, and do. These verbs can function as both main verbs and auxiliary verbs.
| Verb | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| am / is / are | Be | She is learning. |
| was / were | Be | They were playing. |
| have / has / had | Have | I have completed it. |
| do / does / did | Do | Do you understand? |
Modal Helping Verbs List
Modal helping verbs express ability, permission, advice, necessity, or possibility.
| Modal Verb | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | Ability | She can drive. |
| could | Possibility | I could try. |
| may | Permission | You may go. |
| might | Uncertainty | He might come. |
| must | Obligation | You must obey. |
| shall | Suggestion | Shall we start? |
| should | Advice | You should sleep. |
| will | Future | I will help. |
| would | Polite request | Would you help me? |
| ought to | Duty | You ought to study. |
Semi-Modal Helping Verbs
Semi-modal verbs behave partly like modal verbs and partly like main verbs. They usually require to.
- need to – You need to work hard.
- have to – We have to leave.
- used to – I used to play cricket.
- dare – He dare not speak. (formal usage)
Helping Verbs vs Linking Verbs
Some verbs may look similar but function as linking verbs, not helping verbs.
- She seems happy. (Linking verb)
- He became angry. (Linking verb)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helping Verbs
What is a helping verb?
A helping verb is a verb that works with a main verb to show tense, mood, voice, or possibility. Common examples include is, have, will, and can.
How many helping verbs are there in English?
There are 24 commonly used helping verbs in English. These include primary helping verbs, modal verbs, and semi-modal verbs.
Is “do” always a helping verb?
No. Do is a helping verb only when it is used to form questions, negatives, or emphasis. Otherwise, it functions as a main verb.
What is the difference between helping verbs and main verbs?
Helping verbs support the main verb by adding meaning, while main verbs express the main action or state in a sentence.
Are modal verbs and helping verbs the same?
Modal verbs are a type of helping verb. All modal verbs are helping verbs, but not all helping verbs are modal verbs.
Conclusion
Learning this complete helping verbs list will improve your understanding of English grammar and sentence structure. Practice using helping verbs daily to write clearer and more accurate sentences.
Learning this complete helping verbs list and understanding the auxiliary verbs list will improve your command of English grammar. Practice this list of helping verbs with examples regularly to form correct and confident sentences.