One or more than one?

Key Notes:

What Are Helping Verbs?

  • Definition: Helping verbs are verbs that work together with the main verb in a sentence to show more information about the action. They help form different tenses, moods, and voices of the main verb.
  • Common Helping Verbs:
  • is, am, are
  • was, were
  • has, have, had
  • will, would, shall, should
  • can, could
  • do, does, did

Understanding Helping Verbs

  • Helping Verbs with “-ing” Verbs:
  1. When an action is happening right now, helping verbs are often used with “-ing” verbs.
  2. Examples:
    • She is running fast. (“is” is the helping verb; “running” is the main verb)
    • They are playing outside. (“are” is the helping verb; “playing” is the main verb)
  • Helping Verbs with Past Tense Verbs:
  1. Helping verbs can be used to show actions that happened in the past.
  2. Examples:
    • He was eating his lunch. (“was” is the helping verb; “eating” is the main verb)
    • We were talking on the phone. (“were” is the helping verb; “talking” is the main verb)
  • Helping Verbs with Other Forms of Verbs:
  1. Helping verbs like “has,” “have,” “had,” and “will” are used with different verb forms.
  2. Examples:
    • She has finished her homework. (“has” is the helping verb; “finished” is the main verb)
    • I will go to the store later. (“will” is the helping verb; “go” is the main verb)

How to Identify Helping Verbs

  • Find the Main Verb:
  1. Look for the main action in the sentence.
  2. Example: He is swimming in the pool. (“swimming” is the main action)
  • Check for a Helper:
  1. See if there is a word before the main verb that is helping it.
  2. Example: He is swimming. (“is” is helping the main verb “swimming”)
  • Common Helping Verbs:
  1. Remember the common helping verbs: is, am, are, was, were, has, have, had, will, would, shall, should, can, could, do, does, did.

Practice Identifying Helping Verbs

  1. Underline the Helping Verb:
  • She is jumping high.
  • They were singing a song.
  • I will write a letter.
  1. Circle the Helping Verb:
  • He has finished his meal.
  • We are playing soccer.
  • You should study for the test.
  1. Match the Sentence with the Correct Helping Verb:
  • She _ eating an apple. (is, are)
  • They _ finished the race. (has, have)
  • I _ go to school tomorrow. (will, would)
  1. Fill in the Blank with the Correct Helping Verb:
  • They _ playing in the park. (Answer: are)
  • He _ done his homework. (Answer: has)
  • We _ reading a book. (Answer: are)

Self-Check: Identify the Helping Verbs

Identify the helping verbs in the sentences below:

  1. She was dancing at the party.
  2. They have eaten their dinner.
  3. He will start his homework soon.
  4. I am drawing a picture.
  5. We are going to the zoo.

Answers:

  1. was
  2. have
  3. will
  4. am
  5. are

Let’s practice!🖊️