Basic Grammar Step by Step Second Edition

Mary W. Ng

Chapter 21

Main Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs

A verb is a word or group of words that expresses an action or condition. The word that expresses the action or condition is called the main verb. The word or group of words that helps the main verb express the action or condition is called the auxiliary verb. The auxiliary verb normally goes before the main verb in a statement.

Auxiliary VerbMain Verb
Theyskate.(action)
Youcanswim.(action)
Ihave beenfishing.(action)

Heistall.(condition)
Itwillbewindy.(condition)
Youdolookhappy.(condition)

Exercise Identify the auxiliary verbs and the main verbs in the following sentences.

Example:It has snowed.
Answer:has (auxiliary verb), snowed (main verb)
  1. You must listen to me.
  2. They were painting the house.
  3. We have talked to Sharon.
  4. The weather has been warm.
  5. He might call you.
  6. I should see a doctor.
  7. Ruth likes you.
  8. She is flying a kite.
  9. They did win the game.
  10. We shall dance.
  11. They will listen to you.
  12. Grace would go to Switzerland.
  13. I could feel the rain on my face.
  14. He had had breakfast.
  15. They are sledding down the hill.
  16. You may leave early.
  17. Tom was playing soccer.
  18. You run fast.
  19. We can wait for you.
  20. I am studying French.

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