Auxiliary Verb in English Grammar: What is an Auxiliary Verb?

An auxiliary verb, also known as a helping verb, is used with a main verb to form different tenses or moods. Examples of auxiliary verbs are: am, is, are, was, were, being, been, will be, has, have, had, having, will have, does, do, did, and will do. Main auxiliary verbs are to be, to have, and to do. For example: She was sleeping for six hours. This is an example of an auxiliary verb expressing tense. Our parcel was delivered to the wrong house. This is an example of an auxiliary verb expressing voice. Did you win the game? This is an example of an auxiliary verb expressing mood. In these examples, the auxiliary verbs are in bold. Check out our auxiliary verbs list.

Auxiliary Verb Sentence Examples

Practice auxiliary verb sentences. The word that the auxiliary verb is “helping” is called the main verb. That is why the auxiliary verb always comes before the main verb. Have a go and make your own sentences with the auxiliary verb list poster above and sentences below.

• Auxiliary verb sentences:
• Tony is very small.
• Greg is planning to play in the Premier League.
• Janet is watching her favourite film.
• Rory will have started high school by this time next year.
• Do you go to school with your brother?
• She was waiting for two hours.
• She will have eaten it by then.
• The phone will be disconnected tonight.
• Don't forget your keys.
• Did you remember to feed the cat yesterday? 
• He has done the work.

Auxiliary Verb Games and Worksheets

Looking for more resources related to auxiliary verbs? Check out our comprehensive list of worksheets and video games. Download worksheets and play interactive games for free.

• Worksheets>>>
• More grammar games>>>
• More vocabulary games>>>