Auxiliary Verbs "Be," "Do," "Have"

An auxiliary verb helps the main (full) verb and is also called a "helping verb." With auxiliary verbs, you can write sentences in different tenses, moods, or voices. Auxiliary verbs are: be, do, have, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must, ought, etc.

I think I should study harder to master English.
I am having a cup of coffee.
You have been practicing hard.
It was written by a petitioner.
You may choose what you like.

The verb forms of be, do, and have can be used either as a main (full) verb or an auxiliary verb. The following examples show these verbs used as auxiliary verbs.

1. "Be" as an auxiliary verb

a. Used in progressive sentences:

I am taking a bath.
She is preparing dinner for us.
They have been studying all night.

b. Used in passive sentences:

I was given a free meal.
He was seen by fans at the airport.
This song has been sung by all nations.

2. "Do" as an auxiliary verb

a. Used in negative sentences:

I do not know the truth.
She doesn’t agree with me.
They didn’t arrive here yet.

b. Used in questions:

Do you want to have another one?
Did he finish his homework?
Do we need to keep going straight?

3. "Have" as an auxiliary verb

a. Used in perfect sentences:

I have been following you for a mile.
We have done a lot so far.
She had been queen of the town.

[Quiz 19.1]

Identify all auxiliary verbs in the following paragraph.

I have just heard that you didn’t attend the meeting yesterday. Did you have a conflict with that time? I must ask that you explain the reason.

[Quiz 19.2]

Which of the following sentences does not show any auxiliary verbs?

1) I didn’t have any reason to go there.
2) Have we practiced this song enough?
3) Three seats have been reserved for us.
4) I am a professor in the economics department.

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