Pt3 Helping Verbs and Main Verbs 1

A verb phrase consists of the main verb with its helper verbs.

You should have seen her play tennis.

helpers main verb

Some Common Helper Verbs: be, is, am, are, was, were, has, had, have, has been, had been,

do, does, did, done, may, might, can, could, shall, should, will, would, must.

Watch out for split verbs in question sentences.

Did you call me?

Should I have gone home?

Words telling where and most words ending in –ly ARE NOT VERBS.

NOT is not a verb; NEVER is never a verb.

In contractions, name only the verb. Drop the “not” part of any helping verb.

Directions: For each sentence, write the HELPING VERB(S) and the MAIN VERB.

1. These books should have been moved.
2. We couldn’t believe the noise in the lunchroom.
3. It has been raining steadily for three days.
4. The bus did not stop at our corner.
5. Ricky couldn’t have known about the change in plans.
6. We don’t watch television on Wednesdays.
7. Who would have guessed the answer?
8. A raccoon was noisily rummaging through our garbage cans.
9. You’ve really done a good job on this project.
10. The boat has been cautiously circling the lake.
11. Barbara will probably be home on Monday.
12. Dana is certainly eating a big dinner.
13. The spaghetti sauce hasn’t simmered long enough.
14. The Beatles will be performing here in a few months.
15. Most of us have already taken that test.