Auxiliary verbs
“Auxiliary” is an adjective meaning “helping” or “supporting”. So, an auxiliary verb is one that helps or supports other verbs. We use auxiliary verbs to help other verbs form the various tenses, moods, and voices. The main auxiliary verbs are, “to be” “to do”, and “to have”.
We use “to be” to form continuous tenses
Examples:
- He is reading a book.
- They were walking to the shops.
We also use “to be” to form the passive voice.
Examples:
- She was told that she had won a prize.
- The music is enjoyed by everyone.
We use “to have” is used to make perfect tenses.
Examples:
- The doctor had advised her to lose weight.
- Soon, they will have finished building the new house.
We use “to do” for emphasis.
Examples:
- He did sound sincere.
- You do look ill.
We also use “to do” to form questions.
Examples:
- Do you want a coffee?
- Does he visit his grandmother?
“To do” is also used to form negatives.
Examples:
- I don’t enjoy football.
- She doesn’t wear makeup.
- Doesn’t he know how to dance?
- Don’t they know it’s late?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that help to describe such things as possibility and necessity. You can find more about modal verbs here.
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Posted by Graham
