Main and Helping Verbs

A verb is a word that denotes being, having, or doing something. Verbs are classified in four different ways.

In this post, we only discuss Main and Helping Verbs.

Main and Helping Verbs

Principal Verbs or Main Verbs

Verbs that are used independently without the help of other verbs are called Main verbs or Principal verbs.

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Examples:

• Tapi is a teacher
• I have an umbrella.
• He does his work perfectly.

In the above sentences, “is, have, does,” these verbs are used without any help from other verbs. So these verbs are Principal Verbs or Main Verbs.

Auxiliary Verbs or Helping Verbs

An auxiliary verb helps a Principal verb to form a tense or mood or voice. Hence it is also called a Helping verb.

Examples:

• Monika is writing a letter.
• I have come to school.
• He does not go to school.
• She will sing a song.

In the above sentences, is, have, does, and will each of the verbs are Helping verbs of main verbs like write, come, go and sing.

Main and Helping Verbs Examples

• We are going to the store for Almond milk.
• I will help you in the garden.
• You will want coffee soon.
• She has taken this course once before.
• The book is missing from the library shelf.
• He was dreaming about a sports car.
• My brother is waiting at the bus stop.
• The bees had followed the queen to the hive.
• She has asked for a new laptop.
• These plants have been growing here for years.

Main and Helping Verbs Exercise

Main and Helping Verbs Exercise #1

In each sentence, underline the main verb and circle the helping verb.

1. He will help you with your homework.
2. You will want some tea later.
3. They have taken this trip once before.
4. The key is missing from the keychain.
5. She was wishing for a vacation.
6. My father is waiting at the train station.
7. The geese had followed the migration route south.
8. He has asked for a new phone.
9. These trees have been standing here for years.

Main and Helping Verbs Exercise #2

In each sentence, underline the main verb and circle the helping verb.

2. I will not go to school tomorrow.
3. We are running late.
4. You could try one more time.
5. I did not make my breakfast.
6. Lisa has asked me several times.
7. Has he worn this jacket before?
8. The girl should think about his feelings.
9. Would you be available in the evening?
10. There has been no progress.
11. Elisha is counting on him.
12. I am writing an article.

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Also, Read

Preposition

Read More

Active and Passive Voice

Nominal Compound

Time and Tense

Subject Verb Agreement

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