AUXILIARY VERBS
Use auxiliary verbs (do, have, etc.) or modal verbs (can, must, etc.)…
1. In short answers, instead of answering just Yes/No.
Do you speak French? Yes, I ___ . Quite well.
2. To avoid repeating the main verb/verb phrase:
I like dogs but my husband ______. Jim’s coming but Anna ________.
3. With So and Neither to say that something is the same.
Use So + aux + Subject after a positive verb. Use Neither (or Nor) + aux + Subject after a negative verb.
I loved the film. So ____ I - I haven’t finished yet. Neither _____ I. He’s a doctor and so _____ his wife.
4. To make ‘echo questions’, to show interest in what someone is saying. The auxiliary is stressed and the intonation rises.
- I went to a psychic yesterday. – _____ you? - I’ll make the dinner. – _____ you? That’s great!
5. To show emphasis in a positive sentence 5. To show emphasis in a positive sentence. This is used to contradict what someone has said or to emphasize a point.
With the present/past simple, add do/does/did before the main verb. With other auxiliaries stress the auxiliary verb.
- You didn’t lock the door! - I ___ lock it, I promise! Silvia isn’t coming. She ___ coming. I’ve just spoken to her.
6. To make question tags. Use a positive question tag with a negative verb: I’m not late, am I? Use a negative question tag with a positive verb: He’s French, isn’t he?
They are used to ask another person to agree with you: It’s a nice day, isn’t it? or to check something you think is true: She’s a painter, isn’t she?
You won’t forget, _________? Your wife can speak Italian, _________?
'He's bought the tickets, _______he?' 'Yes, I think so.' 2. I enjoyed the film, but Helen _________ . 3. 'You're our new neighbour, ________ you?' 'Yes, I am.' 4. Millie's got a cold and so ________ Josef. 5. I haven't spoken to him and neither _______ Sean. 6. 'You didn't feed the dog!' 'That's not true. I ________feed him!' 7. 'You don't like maths much, _______ you?' 'No, not really.' 8. 'I wouldn't mind a cup of tea.' 'Neither __________ I'.