Part 2: Helping Verbs and Main Verbs

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.

Helper Verbs and Main Verb sheet 2

Directions: Write the helper verbs; write the main verb.

1.Couldn’t he see you?

2.I will not leave early.

3.Does your father help you?

4.Why don’t you leave later?

5. I could have seen the man and called to him.

6. They were rarely seen at the movies.

7. They could hardly read the letter.

8. Bob hesitatingly had put the rifle in its place.

9. The dog will sit up and beg for his food.

10. Don’t look now!

11. Doesn’t that noise annoy you?

12. Betty has gone for a walk with her grandfather.

13. Did you ever see such a sight?

14. By noon I shall have finished all my work.

15. Do bring me some ice cream at once.

16. These lines must be clearly traced.

17. They do not seem pleased.

18. If you do not work hard, you certainly can not expect to pass.

19. They don’t especially like Mary, but they will not ignore her.

20. Jerry can sell newspapers and mow lawns during his vacation.