1. Auxiliary/Helping “Verbs”
“auxiliary” just means “helping”
WARNING: Auxiliary verbs do not function as verbs. They HELP the main verb.

2. Auxiliary/Helping Verbs
(sing to the tune of “Jingle Bells” for a handy mnemonic)
will
would
should
may
might
must do
did
does
can
could
shall be am is
are
was
were
been
being
has
have
had

3. Auxiliary/Helping Verbs
help the main verb express action or a state of being
can speak
may be
has been named
should have been caught

4. Auxiliary Verbs Verb Phrase
A verb phrase has one main verb and one or more auxiliary verbs
Many people in Africa can speak more than one language.
The packages may be at 401 Maple Street.

5. Verb Phrase “Math” can speak may be has been named
auxiliary verb(s) + main verb = verb phrase
There may be more than one auxiliary verb in a verb phrase. There is only one main verb in a verb phrase. It is always the LAST WORD in the verb phrase. The main verb is either action (speak, named, caught) or linking (be).
can speak
may be
has been named
should have been caught

6. Auxiliary Verb or Main Verb?
The highlighted words can function as main verbs or auxiliary verbs. Can you tell which job each is doing?
I am a teacher.
I am writing a letter.
We are hungry.
The girls are playing ball.
main verb
auxiliary verb
main verb
auxiliary verb

7. Auxiliary Verb or Main Verb? Your Turn!
Make your own examples using each of these words in two ways: 1) as a main verb and 2) as an auxiliary verb in a verb phrase.
was
does
have

8. Auxiliary Verb or Main Verb? Your Turn!
was does have
I was a track star.
I was running quickly.
She does the dishes.
She does hear you.
They have influenza.
They have been cured.

9. Handy Tip for Verb Phrases
Sometimes a verb phrase is interrupted by another part of speech, like an adverb. In a question, the subject often interrupts the verb phrase.
Our school has always held a victory celebration when our team wins.
Did you hear Jamie Foxx’s speech?