Auxiliary Verbs ENG 110 Prof. K. Horowitz

“Have, Has, & Had” The family of “have” verbs always occur before the past participle {-en} form of the main verb to express completed action. EX: The critics have written their reviews. The critics had written their reviews. In the present tense, the “have” verb creates the present-perfect tense of the verb. EX: A bright green bird has nested there. Note that all three forms of the “have” verb can be used as a main verb as well, since they fit the requirements. EX:Tom has the book. You had the courage to tell me.

Auxiliary “Be” Verbs Like the “have” verbs, “be” verbs can function as main verbs as well. EX:I am a really lucky guy! When acting in an auxiliary mode, “be” verbs help to indicate tense in the present progressive tense: EX: Tim is speaking to the director. They can signal the passive voice as well. EX: She was written a ticket by the police officer.

“Do, Does, Did, & Done” These verbs are used in a myriad of fashions, such as to create questions: EX:Do you know Tim? To form negatives: EX:I don’t want that TV set after all. To make emphatic statements: EX: The moon does look like a big pizza pie tonight! The “Do” verbs can also function as main verbs in a multitude of functions: EX:I will do all the work. I wonder what Mary did after college.

Try Your Luck! See if you can identify the auxiliary verb type of the following verb. was HasAux. beDo

Let’s try another one! have Aux. beDoHas

Practice Exercises Identify the auxiliary verb in each sentence. The man has gone home. Mike had become the new president. We were thinking of you today. I am walking to school at sunrise tomorrow. Andy had eaten all the pie by himself. Did you take my picture? You have seen too much, Mr. Bond! I didn’t go to the beach this past Saturday. Tom does like that orange juice! Jack was sitting all alone at lunch today.

Awesome work! Be sure to try out the next module!

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